You see it at many races and in post workout pictures. We can't deny that beer is a popular beverage consumed after exercise/physical activity. It's a way to celebrate, relax and quench thirst. Containing carbohydrates, water and small amounts of sodium and potassium, the nutrition profile may lead you to believe that beer is a suitable rehydration beverage. I can't tell you how many times an athlete has expressed that beer is a great recovery beverage. Well, I hate to say it but beer is not a recovery drink. Sure, the non-sweet carbonation may have an appealing taste, but alcohol can delay recovery and suppress the immune system, increase risk of delayed muscle soreness and sickness - all impairing recovery (not promoting recovery). Alcohol also slows reaction time, judgment, information processing, focus, stamina, strength and speed, which can last up to 72 hours after alcohol intake. Alcohol may also cause hypoglycemia. While a common celebratory beverage, it can also cause restless sleep (you fall asleep quick but sleep is disrupted and infrequent).
As a poor source of nutrients, alcohol passes readily from the stomach into the blood and goes straight to the liver. Interestingly, when alcohol is consumed, it takes priority over any other macronutrient. The metabolic by-product of alcohol is acetate, which is toxic to the body. Your body is smart and before it metabolizes fat, protein or carbs, it prioritizes removing the toxins from alcohol. Because the body can’t store alcohol, with seven calories per gram, your body has to deal with the alcohol first, instead of helping your muscles and tissues recover with protein and carbs. If you must celebrate with a beer after an event or workout, choose non-alcoholic over a full-strength beer. However, if you are serious about your performance and health, it’s not worth the buzz as it may impair recovery and health.
Although there may be health benefits to moderate alcohol consumption, I don’t suggest you start drinking or drink more frequently. Moderation is key and in many situations, it’s best to avoid entirely.
Widespread from the weekend warrior to elite athlete, alcohol is often consumed as a way to celebrate, de-stress or relax. From an athletic standpoint, the use of alcohol, even in a small amounts, may negatively affect hydration status, recovery, sleep, motor skills, motivation, judgment, and overall performance and may cause weight gain, depressed immunity, nutritional deficiencies, elevated cortisol and increased risk for injury. Because of the large variance of alcohol tolerance among active individuals, athletes are strongly discouraged from alcohol consumption before, during and after exercise and around competitions/races.