I have been asked why I think that cyclists should not drink alcohol, and this was my response:Although alcohol contains more energy per gram (7 Cal/gram) than carbohydrates, and it is rapidly absorbed from the intestinal tract, the available evidence suggests these calories are not utilized to any significant extent during exercise. Thus its negative effects outweigh any theoretical positive ones.
These include:
1) It's a diuretic and contributes to dehydration
2) Alcohol To drink lowers blood pressure, while
3) After the alcohol in the liver and kidneys excreted trough the body metabolism reacts defensively, increases blood pressure to compensate for the drying, so that the body tries to this water, which causes not only retain the temporary high blood pressure and heart palpitations in some people especially when the athletes who get in any way, such as runners, walkers and cyclists.
4) It slows down glucose production, therebyhypoglycemia
5) It metabolizes in the liver and destroys hepatic cells
6) It damages the pancreatic cells as well.
7) It disturbs motor skills including balance and coordination.There was a study from Pennsylvania State where 10 women were given a mixed alcohol drink. Then they made them ride stationary bikes for 30 minutes at 70-75% of their maximum heart rate. Compared to their own baseline performance off alcohol, cycling after drinking alcohol required more energy, produces a higher heart rate and stimulates a higher cardiovascular demand. Even moderate drinking during exercise put greater demands on the cardiovascular system. The end result is a definite negative impact on cycling performance. Now one would ask me: but what is wrong if you drink a few glasses of alcohol and driving is not until next day when the alcohol was eliminated from the body? Alcohol intake affects the brain. The next day, the brainis dead, half the day, because the blood sugar spikes. This does not mean she can not ride hard, but it means that they do not have much to do except lay around the rest of the day after the first ride. Plus, they seem to injured a lot. I would say a glass of red wine a week with a dinner is in order and it also depends on how serious the cyclists about cycling.
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