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 dehydration2) Alcohol lowers your blood pressure while drinking it3)
After the alcohol is metabolized in the liver and excreted trough the
kidneys the body reacts defensively increasing the blood pressure to
compensate the dehydration, so the body tries to retain water doing
this which causes not only temporary hypertension and in some people
heart palpitations especially if they are athletes who climb in any
way, like runner, hikers and cyclists.4) It slows down glucose production, causing hypoglycemia5) It metabolizes in the liver and destroys hepatic cells6) 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,
produced a higher heart rate, and stimulated a higher cardiovascular
demand. Even moderate drinking while exercising placed increased
demands on the cardiovascular system.The bottom line is a definite negative influence on cycling performance.Now,
you would probably want to ask me: but what's wrong when drinking a few
glasses of alcohol and not riding until the next day when the alcohol
has been excreted from your body?Alcohol intake affects the brain.
The next day the brain is dead half the day because of blood sugar
spikes. This doesn't mean they can't ride hard, but it does mean that
they can't do much except lay around the rest of the day after a ride.
Plus they seem to get injured a lot.I would say a glass of red wine a week with one's dinner is OK, and it also depends on how serious the cyclist is about cycling.
I am a Medical Doctor and General Surgeon. I specialize in medical and
clinical diagnostics, and subspecialize in Ischemic Cardiopathy. I have
been practicing medical science for 22 years.
You can visit my Website for more information and active participation.
