April's Question of the Month

Alcohol

I'm a footballer and I like a few drinks in the bar after training ­ is this OK?

 

Depends what you mean by a few drinks and how often you train! It also depends on how seriously you take your game. Firstly the reported good points spoken about alcohol after football:

  • May help players socialise as a team, relax, celebrate, commiserate by drinking together
  • It will provide calories e.g. 180-350 kcal per pint beer or lager
  • Some types e.g. red wine and stout will provide some nutrients e.g. iron and B vitamins
  • Regular alcohol in small amounts is good for your heart if you are over 40 (men) or after the menopause


And the not so good points:

  • Damaged muscles and injuries may take longer to repair
  • Alcohol is high in 'empty' calories with only some drinks providing essential nutrients ­ the 'beer belly' and 'love handles' will still affect the keenest of players
  • Alcohol is a drug and, in large amounts, it is poisonous
  • Binge drinking can seriously harm your pancreas, with damage to other body parts (liver, heart, brain and guts) with continued heavy drinking
  • The amount good for the heart is regular small amounts and not large amounts over 1-2 days
  • Healthy heart benefits are not seen in your teens, 20's or 30's and excess may be particularly harmful for women.



Suggestions:

  • R & R first (Rehydrate and Replete energy stores). Have at least a pint of orange juice and lemonade and a bite to eat before you go to the bar
  • Avoid alcohol if you pick up an injury
  • Keep an alcohol diary for a week to see how much and when you drink
  • Limit your weekly intake 21 units if you're a guy and 14 units if you're a gal. Do not 'save up all your alcohol units' and binge. This is dangerous and can cause serious damage to your health e.g. to your pancreas



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© j.boorman 2001