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Effects Of Alcohol During Athletic Activities

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Alcohol has many negative effects on those who participate in athletic activities. The NCAA warns “Excessive alcohol can lead to loss in balance and coordination, reduced reaction time, and increased appetite. The decline in cognitive function can lead to an increase in sports-related injuries” (SCAN Registered Dietitians, 2013). This only scratches the surface of negative effects. Drinking alcohol prior to an athletic event often leads to dehydration which causes problems such as “increased core temperature, rapid heart rate, nausea/vomiting, and a general feeling of fatigue” (SCAN Registered Dietitians, 2013). All of these side effects not only significantly decrease athletic performance, but they also have a harsh effect on the body in …show more content…

Research studies done by the National Cancer Institute concluded “Based on data from 2009, an estimated 3.5 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States (about 19,500 deaths) were alcohol related” (National Cancer Institute, 2013). It was also reported that “Clear patterns have emerged between alcohol consumption and the development of head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer” (National Cancer Institute, 2013). It is plain to see that alcohol consumption directly increases risks for specific types of cancer. There are many reasons why alcohol and cancer are related. One of the major ways alcohol can cause cancer is through damage to body tissues. The American Cancer Society states “Alcohol can act as an irritant, especially in the mouth and throat. Cells that are damaged may try to repair themselves, which could lead to DNA changes in the cells that can be a step toward cancer” (American Cancer Society, 2017). Alcohol can also “damage the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring. As liver cells try to repair the damage, they can end up with mistakes in their DNA, which could lead to cancer” (American Cancer Society, 2017). Besides potentially changing the DNA of body tissue, alcohol can create cancer-friendly environments in other ways. For example, “Alcohol can raise body levels of estrogen, a hormone important in the growth and development of breast tissue” (American Cancer Society,

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