Bodybuilding Forums

I know it slows fat burning, but after a few heavy nights out where I have found my muscles soft and depleted, I'm wondering if anyone knows if alcohol does ruin muscles?

Ahh, that drink...
The use of alcohol can inhibit protein synthesis thus decreasing muscle development. Remember, alcohol is a toxin and causes dehydration. The one avenue that alcohol kills is muscle recovery. Think about the last time you drank and had a great night sleep. Since the best time the body utilizes HGH is during sleep, alcohol can decrease the secretion of HGH as much as 70%. Also since it dehydrates the body, the water balance is disrupted changing the ability of the muscle cells to produce ATP. And will inhibit gluconeogenesis. Lets not forget the inhibition of nutritients.
According to one university, consuming 5 drinks in one night can affect body and brain activity for up to 3 days. Two consecutive nights of 5 drinks per night, can affect for up to 5 days.
Anyway, cheers

I've read similar things. I think a beer or two on your carb up is fine. A glass or two of red wine is known to increase HDL and provides anti-oxidents. I think alcohol affects testosterone too.

it makes you fat and lazy, put it that way lol.. don't go crazy on the booze and you'll be fine imo..