“Many athletes are aware that post workout nutrition is an essential part of the recovery process. Resynthesis of liver and muscle glycogen stores are the primary goal of recovery nutrition. Unfortunately, some athletes have been known to consume an alcoholic beverage when the event or exercise period is over. Barnes, et all studied the effects of alcohol consumption in the post workout period and the relationship to strength. While decreases in peak strength are typically observed in this post workout period, peak strength loss was significantly greater in a group that consumed an alcoholic beverage in the recovery period as compared to the group that consumed a carbohydrate beverage alone (4). The results of this study show that to minimize exercise related losses in muscle function and to enhance muscular recovery, athletes should avoid alcohol containing beverages in the post event period (4). Burke, et al also studied the effect of alcohol intake on muscle glycogen storage after prolonged exercise. While the main effect of alcohol intake
on post-exercise muscle glycogen is unclear, the main effect of alcohol intake is indirect, by displacing carbohydrate as a recovery beverage (5). It is well accepted that carbohydrate intake in the post-event period is beneficial to recovery.
Fat Storage
Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates. The body uses the energy obtained from alcohol for energy but does not store it as glycogen. So, the body uses the energy obtained from the alcohol and diverts the energy available for the carbohydrates and fat consumed into fat storage. This may lead to an increase in body fat that may not be desirable.
Still, more interference with alcohol and performance exist. Alcohol also negatively affects sleep, another important component of the recovery process. Others include amino acid metabolism, lactic acid metabolism, reduced serum testosterone levels and thermoregulation.”
