Essentials of Nutrition for Sports

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Hormones. Alcohol is associated with decreased hormone levels, including testosterone levels.

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Muscle cells. Alcohol is poisonous to muscle cells. It is associated with reduced muscl

e mass and reduced ability to

contract muscle cells.

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Temperature regulation. Alcohol increases the risk of hypothermia.

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Liver toxicity. Alcohol is metabolized preferentially in the liver, interfering with glucose production, increasing the production of lactate, and increasing fat accumulation.

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Lungs. Alcohol can worsen exercise-induced asthma.

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Red blood cells. Alcohol interferes

with red blood cell formation

and is associated with anemia.

Summary

Alcohol may reduce the risk of some cardiovascular diseases,

including heart attack. With many negative effects on the rest of your body and on athletic performance, alcohol is not recommended as a source of calories. Nutrition for Sports, Essentials of 96