Effects of alcohol in your body

Our culture has an interesting relationship with alcohol. It's often used as a way to unwind after a busy day, cope during hard times, and as a way to celebrate or socialize.

Despite the fact that alcohol is addictive and dangerous (contributing to countless injuries, mental and physical health issues and deaths), alcohol is normalized in so many societies around the world. From "mommy juice" to a way to relax or celebrate, alcohol is advertised, touted and consumed in ways that you wouldn't see with any other drug. Even though alcohol is a drug, it's extremely accessible and as socially acceptable as drinking water.

With almost every social function, you are likely to find an assortment of alcoholic beverages, or you may even expect that alcohol will be present and available.

You see alcohol being consumed at sporting events and in post workout pictures. 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 when in reality, it is actually a very poor hydration beverage. 

Here's the truth about alcohol and how it impacts your performance, recovery and health.