Alcohol and bodybuilding: its harmful effects on athletes
Any self-respecting athlete knows that alcohol and bodybuilding do not mix. In fact, drinking alcohol is strongly discouraged for those who wish to lose fator just to get back in shape. What are the effects of alcohol on our body? Why should we absolutely avoid it to reach our sports goals? Get the answers to your questions in the following article.
Contents
Why are alcohol and sport not compatible?
Alcohol inhibits muscle building by interfering with the recovery process.
If your goal is the weight gainAlcohol consumption is not recommended. According to scientific studies, alcohol prevents the creation of new muscle fibres. Drinking alcoholic beverages can also have a negative impact on myostatin levels.
Alcohol does not promote weight loss
If your goal is to lose weight, you know that you need to calculate your calories to reach your goals. In addition to working out hard, consuming extra calories will increase your intake for the day and won't make your stomach turn.
Alcohol promotes fat storage
Did you know that? Alcohol is full of calories that are called empty calories: without proteins, carbohydrates and lipids (except for mixtures with juices). They will be stored in the adipose tissue. It thus promotes the production of bad fat and the formation of cellulite. Therefore, your efforts will be in vain, no matter how hard you exercise. It is also proven that alcohol increases your appetite, which will surely handicap your diet.
Alcohol accelerates the dehydration of the body
Scientists have proven that alcohol does cause dehydration. It draws on your body's water supply. In addition, when you consume such drinks, your kidneys produce a large amount of urine. All these facts will considerably reduce your physical performance.
Alcohol causes hormonal disorders
As you probably know, the testosterone is a major factor in muscle development. Alcohol can reduce the secretion of this hormone. This makes it much more difficult for you to gain muscle mass. In addition, alcohol promotes the production of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. This will reduce your ability to perform your bodybuilding program properly because you will need to recover.
Alcohol causes insomnia
As your trainer has probably already told you, muscle formation takes place when your body is at rest, especially during sleep. However, your body needs to rest so that you can quickly appreciate the results of your training. However, alcohol is said to cause sleep disorders.
When to drink alcohol?
In short, alcohol can reduce your sporting performance over the long term. It can even reduce your physical ability by up to 50 %, a few days after moderate consumption. This will have a huge impact on your fitness or bodybuilding program, as your body will not be stable.
However, this doesn't mean you'll never be able to drink again. You just have to choose the right moment.
If you don't train at the weekend, for example, or only have half a glass of wine at the family dinner table on your day off in training. If you don't get drunk, the impact of alcohol on your progress should not last more than a few days. Also be aware that alcohol will make you feel more aches and pains a day after consumption.
You need to learn to control the amount and frequency of your consumption. If you are a professional athlete or preparing for an important competition, it is better to abstain. Also, remember that it is better to drink non-alcoholic beer or half a glass of wine than cocktails with mixtures of several strong alcohols. This is beneficial for your training. Don't forget to watch your diet to put the chances on your side!
You now know the harmful effects that alcohol has on our body when we practice bodybuilding.
Alcohol is to be consumed in moderation, but nothing prevents you from having a glass from time to time.
Do you want to build up your muscles?
Other articles to read :
Understanding glycogen in bodybuilding
Why is muscle recovery more important than training?
What are the benefits of sweet potatoes in bodybuilding?
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