Alcohol and Fitness: What's Really at Stake?

The episode sheds light on the hidden ways alcohol affects fitness and athletic performance, challenging common beliefs that occasional drinking has minimal impact. Alcohol not only adds empty calories but also disrupts critical recovery processes like muscle protein synthesis. By affecting hormones and hydration, alcohol can leave individuals feeling fatigued and less effective in their workouts, especially when it comes to results. The discussion briefly explores the misconception of beer and red wine's health benefits, revealing the truth behind often-cited studies. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to consider the broader implications of alcohol when it comes to their health and fitness goals.

CITATIONS:

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https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/information-about-alcohol/alcohol-and-the-facts/alcohol-calories-and-maintaining-a-healthy-weight CALCULATOR

Lloyd-Richardson EE, Lucero ML, Dibello JR, Jacobson AE, Wing RR. The relationship between alcohol use, eating habits and weight change in college freshmen. Eat Behav. 2008 Dec;9(4):504-8. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Jun 18. PMID: 18928916; PMCID: PMC2588136.

https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/am-i-drunk-hungry-or-both-alcohol-appetite-stimulant

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/weight-loss-and-alcohol

Müller MJ. Alkohol und Körpergewicht [Alcohol and body weight]. Z Gastroenterol. 1999 Jan;37(1):33-43. German. PMID: 10091283.

Parr EB, Camera DM, Areta JL, Burke LM, Phillips SM, Hawley JA, Coffey VG. Alcohol ingestion impairs maximal post-exercise rates of myofibrillar protein synthesis following a single bout of concurrent training. PLoS One. 2014 Feb 12;9(2):e88384. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088384. PMID: 24533082; PMCID: PMC3922864.

https://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/resources/health-topics/alcohol-drugs/nutrition-endurance.html