Effects Of Alcohol On Sports Performance

Effects Of Alcohol On Sports Performance

Muscle DevelopmentStrength training is an important part of getting your body fit for athletic activity, but drinking alcohol can negate the results of your workouts. Its toxic effects also impair your body's ability to produce ATP, which is the primary energy source for your muscles. Alcohol affects your ability to get adequate sleep, resulting in a lack the human growth hormone that helps build strong, larger muscles. It also causes the liver to release a chemical that impairs testosterone, which is a key hormone in muscle development.

Aerobic PerformanceAerobic activity involves the use of oxygen to energize the large muscle groups needed to physically perform. It increases blood circulation and your heart rate. Your body's ability to respond aerobically is vital to play many sports, but alcohol can interfere with these physical reactions. It slows respiratory function, affects body temperature regulation and increases your risk for dehydration all of which affect your aerobic performance. Dehydration is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to heatstroke, seizures and shock.

Cognitive Motor FunctionBeing able to learn strategies and respond quickly both physically and mentally are vital when you're playing sports. Alcohol can affect how your brain is able to form memories, resulting in your inability to learn and recall new information. Drinking five alcoholic beverages in one night can affect your cognitive function for up to three days. While low alcohol amounts can improve some motor skills, moderate amounts cause slow reaction time, decreased balance and poor handeye coordination. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web sitemany of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies.