How alcohol affects lean muscle gains
Regularly consuming alcohol impairs muscle recovery after your workout. Why? Alcohol can interfere with the production of certain hormones, including GH (growth hormone) and testosterone, which are important for building muscle.
Cortisol production
Alcohol also increases cortisol production, accelerating the catabolic process—the metabolic phase in which the body starts using its own reserves. During this process, you lose lean muscle mass and your performance during physical activities declines.
Women are more sensitive
Women are more sensitive to alcohol because of the amount of water in their bodies. Men have about 55% to 65% water in their bodies. For women, this figure drops to 45% to 55%.
Hydration is key
Since water helps dilute alcohol, men are more resistant to its effects. But this is only a concern for those who want to drink excessive amounts of alcohol!!!
Alcohol and muscle growth
Alcohol only negatively affects muscle growth when you drink too much and do so several days a week. In these cases, it’s not just muscle growth that suffers—your health does, too. So keep these tips in mind and remember that moderation and balance are the best way to go!
Alcoholic beverages can hinder your results
Regularly consuming alcohol impairs muscle recovery after your workout. Why? Alcohol can interfere with the production of certain hormones, including GH (growth hormone) and testosterone, which are important for building muscle.
Alcohol also increases cortisol production, accelerating the catabolic process—the metabolic phase in which the body starts using its own reserves. During this process, you lose lean muscle mass and your performance during physical activities declines.
