How can alcohol consumption affect your daily workout?

Consumption of alcohol, especially in high quantities gave several health implications that almost everyone is aware of. Despite knowing about it, people do engage in drinking. Probably having a limited amount is still acceptable, it is when people go overboard that the problems start arising. If you are into bodybuilding and workout, drinking alcohol will act as an antagonist and hinder your progress.

This is in addition to the serious systemic problems that it may cause in the long run. You might have already had the experience that after a night of drinking and partying, the very next day you feel completely drained of energy and severely dehydrated and are not able to work out like the other days. Here are a few reasons why alcohol consumption and exercise don’t go hand in hand.

Effects on future workouts

The main aspect to be taken into consideration here is the dehydration that is caused after drinking excessive alcohol. It is primarily a diuretic, that is, it makes the body lose water faster than normal. It is also not absorbed from the body like all the other fluids consumed, and this adds to the problem. When your body is dehydrated by 2 percent or more, you will not be able to work out properly or get the necessary pump to your muscles. Not only is the intensity of the workout affected, but there is also no muscle gain, and all the effort goes to waste.

Metabolism

The human body treats alcohol like it would treat any other toxin added to the body and works hard to eliminate it. The major organ that is given this responsibility is the liver, which is also popularly called the detoxifying organ. The liver goes into overdrive mode and uses up a lot of glycogen in metabolizing the alcohol. Thus, the carbohydrate source of the body is severely depleted, and you tend to feel less energetic after a workout. The athletic performance is also severely affected, and people engaging in high-intensity physical activity should be refrained from consuming alcohol from 5 days before the event and even after. 

Effects on muscle recovery

When talking of recovery after an athletic event or workout, alcohol has a significant role to play there as well. The main aspect being considered in muscle recovery is again dehydration. Like mentioned before, since alcohol has diuretic property, the dehydration that it causes leads to an extension of the recovery time of the muscle. One of the main reasons why this happens is because the different systems of the body do not act independently, they all act as a unit, and in accordance with one another. Thus, along with the liver, the gastrointestinal system and the kidneys also get involved, and it further increases the time needed for recovery. 

Wasted on calories

Most people are not aware of the number of calories that they consume alcohol, leave alone when it is done excessively. These calories get directly precipitated as fat and get stored in the body, especially in the places where you would not want them to be. For example, drinking excessive beer can lead to an increase in belly fat. Moreover, these fats are very stubborn in nature and not very easy to get rid of. 

Thus, you would have to work extra hard to lose them, which is again not possible due to excessive alcohol intake. Thus, a vicious cycle is formed, and a lot of calories are also wasted in the process. If you are looking to get the lean and muscular look, you have to avoid alcohol consumption completely. There are certain therapies available that can help you control your alcohol habit. If it doesn’t work, you can even join help groups for assistance. Places like Dallas sober living have become increasingly popular these days.

Overall health

It is a well-known fact that the implications of alcohol are not only local but also systemic, and it leads to a deterioration of overall health. For example, there is sleep deprivation and interruption of Rapid Eye Movement type of sleep, which is instrumental for the immune system and rejuvenation of the muscles. People who drink more are prone to diseases related to the heart, liver, and endocrine system. Any symptom manifested by any of these conditions can lead to a direct hindrance in your workout schedule as well.

Complete abstinence from alcohol, though recommended, is not a compulsion. Controlled and timely intake is acceptable, but you should be aware of the associated factors before you reach out for the bottle.

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