DOES DRINKING ALCOHOL AFFECT ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE??

Even moderate alcohol consumption can and will affect your athletic performance for up to 48 hours after drinking; with higher levels of intoxication lasting even longer.

Drinking Alcohol will:

v Increase your risk of dehydration due to its diuretic effects

v Impair your body’s ability to regulate body heat, impairing endurance

v Reduce your blood sugar levels which lowers energy level needed for prolong activity

v Impair your reaction times, coordination and balance

v Reduce endurance, strength and speed

v Increase your risk of injury and negatively impact recovery time

v Impede your body’s ability to absorb necessary nutrients and deplete vitamins already stored

v Slow the respiratory system

v Interrupt sleep patterns interfering with truly restful and restorative sleep

Remember: 

ü Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before strenuous exercise/training/playing

ü After exercise you must re-hydrate with non-alcoholic drinks

DRINKING ALCOHOL WILL DECREASE AN ATHLETE’S ABILITY TO TRAIN AND PLAY HARD!

Visit these websites for more information on how alcohol affects athletic performance:

http://web.middlebury.edu/offices/healthed/drugs/alcathletes.htm

http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/healthy_living/lifestyle/exercise/diet_exercise/athalc.html

http://athletics.ucsd.edu/strength/Team%20Nutrition/Effects%20of%20Alcohol%20on%20Performance.htm