Harmful effects of drinking after playing sports

Replenishing fluids after exercise is essential, however, this must be done properly to avoid harming the body.

Many people think that drinking beer after playing sports is also a way to provide water for the body. However, according to Master, Doctor, Specialist I Ho Van Duy An, Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital System, this is an extremely wrong concept. Due to its diuretic properties, drinking beer not only does not provide water for the body but can also cause dehydration.

In addition, after exercise, the body temperature increases, increased sweating will cause the body to lose a large amount of fluid and reduce blood flow, leading to a decrease in the amount of oxygen delivered to muscles and other organs. Therefore, the body needs to rest properly to return to normal . At this time, if you drink alcohol, the body will be forced to increase activity to eliminate toxins brought by these drinks.

Another harmful effect of drinking alcohol after playing sports is slowing down the protein synthesis process. In order to combat muscle stress caused by exercise, the body will stimulate the acceleration of protein synthesis to repair damaged muscles and increase muscle strength.

Some studies show that drinking alcohol after exercise can reduce this protein synthesis, slow down the body's recovery time, open blood vessels and stimulate swelling if injured. When the habit of drinking alcohol is repeated for a long time after exercise, the body will not be healthier but will easily get tired and have muscle and joint pain.

Drinking after playing sports increases the burden on the body. Photo: Freepik — Drinking after playing sports increases the burden on the body. Photo: *Freepik*

Drinking water after playing sports brings many benefits such as: regulating body temperature, preventing cramps, replenishing water lost due to sweating, supporting the function of internal organs... Instead of drinking beer and alcohol, you should drink the following types of water:

Cool, filtered water: The body tends to absorb cool water faster than warm water. However, it is important to drink cool water, not ice cold water. After playing sports, the body temperature is high, if you drink ice cold water, it can shock the digestive system.

Drinks containing electrolytes such as sports drinks or ORS are the right choice for sports people. These drinks often contain potassium, calories and other nutrients that help increase energy and maintain electrolyte balance. You should note that drinks containing electrolytes are not carbonated soft drinks or energy drinks. Drinks that are high in sugar, salt and caffeine are not good for people who have just exercised vigorously.

Drinking water properly after exercise helps regulate body temperature and the function of internal organs. Photo: Freepik — Drinking water properly after exercise helps regulate body temperature and the function of internal organs. Photo: *Freepik*

Dr. Duy An advises that although drinking water after exercise is the right thing to do, drinking too much water can dilute the blood, leading to low sodium levels in the blood. This is a dangerous condition that requires emergency medical attention. Hyponatremia causes confusion, weakness, seizures, and in severe cases can even lead to death. Early symptoms of this condition may include: nausea, disorientation, and muscle cramps.

In particular, these signs are similar to dehydration, which can confuse you, leading to drinking more water and making hyponatremia worse. Hyponatremia is rare, however, to ensure safety, within the first 30 minutes after exercise, you should only drink about 250 ml of water.

Phi Hong

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