Alcohol And Athletes

Chugging a mug of beer before arm-wrestling may be a favorite scene in macho mythology, but the practice of drinking alcoholic beverages before an athletic competition is counterproductive and dangerous.

It’s true that an initial small amount of alcohol taken just prior to competition, may slightly increase muscular endurance and exert a deinhibitory effect on strength output. But after the first twenty minutes or so, it’s all down hill.

The negative effects associated with alcohol use over a prolonged period would, like smoking, totally outweigh its possible benefits to athletic performance.

The worse news for athletes is that alcohol reduces reaction time, strength and skill, according to studies. And alcohol functions as a mental depressant, after first eliciting a stimulative effect on certain brain centers.

Alcohol increases heat loss via vasodilation of subcutaneous blood vessels. This means an athlete could get cold muscles while exercising under the influence.

Even though alcohol is rapidly absorbed and provides 7 calories per gram, it is a poor source of energy. Alcohol in excessive quantities can lead to nutritional deficiencies resulting in overall systematic effects, including potential mental deterioration.

Alcohol is poisonous to the liver, predisposing an individual to fatty liver and cirrhosis.

Finally, alcohol effectively blocks gluconeogenesis, thus potentially leading to severe hypoglycemic states.

So athletes are well advised to lay off the liquor prior to and during working out and competing.

Source: Ergogenesis