Alcohol

Alcohol

and its effect on the human body

Read and write about alcholo and its effect on the body and on athletic performanceShare in cooperative groups about alcohol and its effect on the body and athletic performance

Language Objective

Content Objective

Describe the effects of alcohol on the body, outline the effetcs, and discuss its effect on athletic preformance

4. Neurological systems

3. Thermoregulation

2. Cardiovascular system

Acute Effect

VS

Chronic Effect

1. liver damage including jaundice/cirrhosis/liver cancer/liver failure 2. damage to the kidneys3.heart disease/cardiomyopathy4alcohol-related brain damage/confusion/depression/forgetfulness5. chronic pancreatitis

1. Hydration and kidney function

Effects on sport

Endurance

Balance

Speed

Power & Strength

Anti-Tremor

Effects on sport Cont.

Inhibition of gluconeogenesis

Reaction Time (RT) and Cognitive Processing

Cardiac Function

Coordination

Low amounts of alcohol (0.02–0.05 g/dL) might assist in sports such as shooting and archery by reducing hand tremors, but levels above this will have a negative impact. Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair performance in activities such as running and power sports

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and leads to dehydration. This occurs because alcohol inhibits the release of vasopressin, a hormone that helps the body retain water.Dehydration can strain the kidneys as they work to filter out waste products and maintain electrolyte balance.

In the short term, alcohol can cause vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. This effect can lead to a temporary decrease in blood pressure. However, excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), particularly in individuals who already have heart conditions. Binge drinking increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Alcohol consumption can disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature. While it may initially produce a feeling of warmth due to vasodilation, it can ultimately lead to a drop in core body temperature. This effect is particularly dangerous in cold environments, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain function and impairing cognitive and motor skills. In the short term, this can result in symptoms such as slurred speech, impaired coordination, and decreased reaction time. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to blackouts, memory loss, and in severe cases, alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening.Alcohol can exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Small amounts of alcohol may have a slight anti-tremor effect, which could potentially benefit athletes in sports requiring fine motor control. However, the benefits are minimal and outweighed by the negative effects of alcohol on other aspects of performance.

Anti-Tremor

Alcohol impairs balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and injuries, especially in activities that require precise movements or agility. Athletes relying on balance, such as gymnasts or martial artists, may experience significant decrements in performance.

Balance

Alcohol consumption can decrease muscle strength and power output. It interferes with neuromuscular function, reducing the ability to generate force efficiently. This can impair performance in explosive movements like weightlifting or sprinting.

Power & Strength

Alcohol negatively affects endurance performance by impairing cardiovascular function and reducing muscle glycogen availability. It also hampers the body's ability to regulate temperature and maintain hydration, leading to faster fatigue during prolonged exercise.

Endurance

Alcohol consumption slows reaction times and impairs cognitive processing, which can significantly reduce speed and agility in athletes participating in sports that require quick decision-making and rapid movements, such as sprinting or basketball.

Speed

Alcohol disrupts coordination by impairing the communication between the brain and muscles, leading to jerky and imprecise movements. This can be detrimental in sports where precise coordination is essential, such as archery or golf.

Coordination

Alcohol consumption prolongs reaction times and impairs cognitive function, including decision-making, concentration, and memory. This can hinder performance in sports where quick reflexes and mental acuity are crucial, such as tennis or boxing.

Reaction Time and Cognitive Thinking

Excessive alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on cardiac function, including irregular heart rhythms and decreased cardiac output. These effects can impair endurance performance and increase the risk of cardiac-related issues during intense exercise.

Cardiac Function

Alcohol inhibits gluconeogenesis, the process by which the body synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This can lead to decreased blood glucose levels, affecting energy availability during exercise and impairing performance, particularly in endurance activities.

Inhibition of gluconeogenesis