Nutrition D.6: The Effects of Alcohol on Performance and Health

Question 1

6.1. Describe the acute effects of excess alcohol on the hydration and kidney function

Answer 1

• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Increased Urination

Question 2

6.1. Describe the acute effects of excess alcohol on the cardiovascular system

Answer 2

• Dilation of blood vessels → a feeling of warmth → but rapid loss of body heat
• Raised blood pressure
• Passing out

Question 3

6.1. Describe the acute effects of excess alcohol on thermoregulation

Answer 3

Reduced core body temperature

Question 4

6.1. Describe the acute effects of excess alcohol on the neurologic systems

Answer 4

• Lowered inhibitions, leading to poor social judgment
• Trouble concentrating
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of critical judgment
• Dulled perception, especially vision
• Mood swings

Question 5

6.2. Outline the possible effects of excessive chronic alcohol intake on liver

Answer 5

• Liver cancer
• Fatty liver disease
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis

Question 6

6.2. Outline the possible effects of excessive chronic alcohol intake on heart

Answer 6

• Increase BP, irregular HR
• Decrease left ventricular function
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Cardiomyopathy
• Heart attack

Question 7

6.2. Outline the possible effects of excessive chronic alcohol intake on kidney

Answer 7

• Impaired control of fluid and electrolyte balance
• Low electrolyte levels and acid-base imbalances
• Disrupts hormonal regulation of kidneys
• High blood pressure
• Damage to liver = more work for kidneys = damaging the kidneys

Question 8

6.2. Outline the possible effects of excessive chronic alcohol intake on brain

Answer 8

• B1 deficiency → Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Confusion, poor coordination, memory/learning issues
• Sleep, mood, and personality changes; depression, anxiety
• May limit new brain cell growth

Question 9

6.3. Discuss the effects of alcohol on athletic performance

Answer 9

Ergogenic Effects (Good):

• Anti-tremor (archery or shooting - reduce tremor)

Ergolytic Effects (Bad):

• Skill-related component of fitness
• Cognitive processing
• Cardiac functioning
• Inhibition of gluconeogenesis

Any amount of alcohol can and will impair sports performance