The Truth about Alcohol Effects on Muscle Growth

It’s been a long stressful week doing hard gym workout and, finally weekend is here!
So, you probably like to go out with friends, have a drink and relax.
But what about the muscle you’ve been trying so hard to build all week?

You’ve been training hard all week. Now you’re wondering… what affects the alcohol you’re drinking may have on your muscle growth? 

Here covering only the negative impact that it can have on your hard earned muscle gains.

1: PROTEIN SYNTHESIS

Protein synthesis is the process that takes place in your body where protein, in the form of food, is turned into muscle. Protein synthesis occurs when the muscles experience small micro tears, brought on after sufficient resistance training. The small micro tears are repaired through protein synthesis which leads to bigger, stronger muscle fibers.

Inhibited Muscle Protein Synthesis

Now, we know that Protein Synthesis is essential for muscle growth. Well, scientific research has discovered that drinking alcohol actually inhibits Protein Synthesis, so in effect, alcohol stops your muscles from growing. 

2: TESTOSTERONE

How important this stuff is when it comes to muscle growth.

Alcohol’s Impact on Testosterone

Testosterone, the highly potent muscle building hormone, the stuff steroids are made from, is crucial for maximum muscle growth. You want as much of this stuff as possible, but unfortunately, studies have shown alcohol lowers testosterone levels.

Lowered testosterone means reduced protein synthesis. Alcohol not only reduces testosterone, but also raises estrogen, which is the worst possible hormone combination for growing muscle.

3: GROWTH HORMONE

This is another important player in the muscle building process a.

Impact on Growth Hormone

Much like the hormone testosterone, Growth hormone helps with protein synthesis

 and just like testosterone, you want lots of this stuff. 

The maximum release of growth hormone in the human body occurs during sleep. 

Resting is when your muscles grow, so when you’re sleeping, your body releases growth

hormone which is great for muscle growth. However, research has shown that the 

growth hormone release during sleep is suppressed by alcohol.