Alcohol is chemically known as ethanol. Alcohol consumption is regulated by the State of Ohio. Alcohol can not legally be consumed by individuals less than 21 years of age. Of course, as an athlete you are also bound to the rules of your sport federation and your school.

Function

Alcohol affects the function of the brain. It acts as a sedative, may cause slurred speech or impair coordination and encourages uninhibited behavior. The liver detoxifies the alcohol and the "wastes" are eliminated by the kidneys or lungs. The amount of alcohol in the blood depends on the rate of drinking and the liver can only detoxify alcohol so fast. If alcohol is consumed faster than the liver can act on it, amounts in the blood increase.

Alcohol is absorbed in the lining of the stomach and small intestine. Alcohol absorption is partly regulated by the rate in which the stomach empties; therefore, there is evidence that supports the concept that eating food when consuming alcohol slows the rate of absorption into the bloodstream.

Importance for Athletes

There is scientific evidence that supports that consuming alcohol before, during or after an athletic event has no physiological or psychological significance for enhancing athletic endeavors. In fact, there is evidence that supports the complete opposite.  Detoxification of alcohol from your body can take days depending on the concentration of alcohol consumed which decreases the ability for athletes to perform at their best both in the classroom and athletic arena.

Some nutritional problems can arise from chronic abuse of alcohol including deficiencies in Vitamin A, C, D and K and thiamin, niacin, and B-6. Alcohol side lines performance in athletes. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect. Frequent trips to the bathroom are a sign of dehydration. Consuming alcohol before a sports performance is likely to interfere with normal blood sugar control. This might be exhibited in the form of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar (feel light-headed, dizzy, nauseated). Obviously, alcohol interferes with your motor skills. That is why intoxicated people stumble and may be unable to walk in a straight line.

Recommended Intake

There is no recommended intake for alcohol consumption.  If you drink an occasional alcoholic beverage for social reasons, drink plenty of water also. If you drink alcohol containing beverages after a sporting event, first quench your thirst with 2-3 large glasses of water. Eating snacks or meals such as pretzels or pasta will help curb the quantity of alcohol consumed because the stomach will send signals of fullness to your brain.

The Surgeon General nor The National Academy of Science recommends drinking alcohol. However, it is recommended that if you choose to drink, the following should be considered: (1) drink alcohol only in moderation and with meals, (2) avoid drinking any alcohol when operating a motor vehicle, and (3) avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant. People who have been advised by a physician to take aspirin, anticonvulsant prescription drugs or have a family history of breast cancer or other alcohol related cancers, hypertension, high blood triglycerides, diabetes, sleep disorders or ulcers should consult their physicians before they choose to drink.

Best Food Sources 

Each gram of alcohol contains about 7 Calories. This list approximates the usual Calories found in standard serving sizes of various drinks:

See weight gain and weight loss to calculate your caloric needs. Therefore, if you are old enough to drink and choose to drink, you should plan for extra calories that will be consumed. Consuming fewer calories to compensate for the calories in alcohol is not appropriate, especially for athletes. Your body needs adequate nutrition delivered in foods.