Alcohol is the most widely consumed socially acceptable drug. Unfortunately, that means for bodybuilders they may be caught in situations where they feel the need or are tempted to drink alcohol. This article will go through the physiological effects of alcohol so bodybuilders will see what a very negative effect alcohol can have for muscle gains and fat loss.

Alcohol and Muscle Gain Effects

Alcohol creates hangovers and lack of energy. With reduced energy and strength you won’t be able to work your muscles and therefore your workout will just go down the toilet. You almost
might as well not show up to the gym!

Alcohol lowers protein synthesis by a whopping 20%! It does so by blocking the actions of nutrients involved in muscle contraction. It also dehyrdrates cell’s and cell volumization is needed to increase protein synthesis. Alcohol lowers testosterone and increases estrogen.

Alcohol and Fat loss Effects

Fat burning stops altogether. The kreb cycle which normally involves burning fat will instead be burning the alcohol off to detoxify your body (since alcohol is seen as a poison the body!). So not only will you not be burning fat, but you’ll be drinking extra calories which are 7 calories per gram(almost as dense as fat), which leads you to put on more fat with all the extra calories you will be drinking.

Alcohol and steroids

Alcohol is tough on the liver. If you use steroids once in a while they are also fairly hard on the liver, even if injected. Therefore it’s in your best interest to never have a lifestyle with those in it(on or off cycle) so as to give your liver a break.

Other health effects

Alcohol lowers testosterone and increases estrogen. In males, this will reduce your confidence, sex drive, and mental health long term. Alcohol puts you at an incresed risk of cancer. And of course, you can become heavily addicted to alcohol leading to a life centered around a bottle instead of more positive things in life.

As you can see bodybuilding and alcohol work against each other and is one of the worst things you could do if you are a serious body builder. Having alcohol once in a while is not a big deal, but having it once a week or more I would think have a serious effect on you.