FITNESS CLUB
The health benefits of exercising can be affected by excessive alcohol consumption. Some of the immediate short-term effects of alcohol such as increased muscle strength and muscle endurance may mask long-term negative impacts.
Alcohol consumption eventually decreases our muscle strength and endurance by increasing glycogen use in energy production. It reduces our ability to use fat for energy and aerobic capacity.
Alcohol consumption slows our muscles' ability to recover from exercise, it decreases protein production, affecting muscle repair and growth; critical areas of concern for those who exercise ardently.
Because the short-term effects of alcohol mask its long-term effects on the muscles, a brew of exercise and alcohol leads to excessive inflam-mation, a longer recuperation time and longer-lasting muscle soreness.
Alcohol dilates our blood vessels so our body loses heat quickly at the expense of endurance. Therefore, our muscles eventually become weak and our response to exercise is less than desired.
Alcohol also reduces the production of hormones such as testosterone and increases other hormones that counteract testosterone's ability to increase muscle mass.
Affects nutrient absorption
The benefits of exercise are supported by good nutrition. Alcohol disrupts our ability to absorb nutrients, such as B vitamins, which are critical to energy production. Water loss during our exercise bouts is integral to weight management. However, kidney function is disrupted by alcohol, so water loss via the kidney can be reduced, affecting the gains of exercising.
Alcohol also dehydrates us, depriving muscles of water necessary for efficient functioning during exercise. Alcohol also affects balance and coordination while exercising.
The use of alcohol as replacement fluid during exercise could be suicidal. Also, the caloric deficit required for weight loss is counteracted by the high caloric content of alcohol.
Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
