Having a drink after a game has become common place for most Australians that play sport, even professional athletes. But is this drinking after physical activity good for you?

A recent article on TheConversation.com says drinking after exercising is a bad idea, especially very strenuous activity.

The writer highlights that high intensity activity such as sport, creates temporary muscle damage and pain. Our energy (glycogen) can also be depleted during exercise.

The body also loses a lot of fluids, due to sweating so drinking alcohol after sport and exercise makes the recovery process harder for the body.

Alcohol actually slows down the repair process for the damaged muscles and if you’ve already lost a lot of fluids, drinking alcohol causes you to lose even more – alcohol can cause dehydration.

The writer also highlights that athletes with soft tissue injury can worsen the condition because drinking alcohol will open up the blood vessels and encourage swelling to the injury.

If you must drink alcohol after playing sport, drink moderately and have plenty of water.

Find out more https://theconversation.com/why-alcohol-after-sport-and-exercise-is-a-bad-idea-98313