Acute Effects of Excess Alcohol on the Body
Let's dive into how alcohol affects our body in the short term when consumed in excessive amounts. This is particularly relevant for athletes and active individuals, as these effects can significantly impact performance and health.
Central Nervous System Effects
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Decreased reaction time and coordination
- Slurred speech and vision problems
- Reduced balance and motor control
The effects on the central nervous system begin within minutes of consumption and can last several hours, depending on the amount consumed.
Cardiovascular Effects
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated blood vessels leading to:
- Feeling of warmth
- Flushed skin
- Temporary drop in blood pressure
Many people believe alcohol warms the body, but the feeling of warmth is deceptive. The dilation of blood vessels actually causes the body to lose heat more quickly.
Dehydration Effects
- Increased urine production (diuretic effect)
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Reduced blood volume
- Increased risk of heat-related illness during exercise
For every alcoholic drink consumed, your body can eliminate up to four times that amount in urine, significantly increasing dehydration risk.
Performance Impact
- Decreased muscle coordination
- Reduced power output
- Impaired endurance capacity
- Compromised recovery process
An athlete who consumes excess alcohol the night before a competition may experience:
- 10-15% decrease in aerobic performance
