True or false bout alcohol

**hsvcraig** · 10-13-2011, 04:14 PM

Is it true your liver cant process anything else until there's no more alcohol in your system, being that your body can't absorb any protein or carbs until all the alcohols gone?

**vtje6wu9** · 10-13-2011, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by hsvcraig

Is it true your liver cant process anything else until there's no more alcohol in your system, being that your body can't absorb any protein or carbs until all the alcohols gone?

I've never heard this statement before and it sounds somewhat outlandish; however, that isn't to say it's not true. I just don't think there is too much basis to it.

**Sgt. Hartman** · 10-13-2011, 04:46 PM

Your liver breaks alcohol down into acetaldehyde and then into acetate. Acetate will be the #1 energy source used by by your body as long as it is present, ie. you will not burn any glucose or fat for fuel as long as acetate is present.

As far as your liver not being able to process anything but alcohol while it's present - absolute BS.

**hsvcraig** · 10-13-2011, 04:59 PM

Ok cheers for that Hartman great reply. So in terms of muscle growth Alcohol won't slow that down but will make you gain fat obviously.

**SufferToReturnHarder** · 10-13-2011, 05:01 PM

Just dont drink and you wont have to worry about it.

**xelnaga** · 10-13-2011, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by Sgt. Hartman

Your liver breaks alcohol down into acetaldehyde and then into acetate. Acetate will be the #1 energy source used by by your body as long as it is present, ie. you will not burn any glucose or fat for fuel as long as acetate is present.

As far as your liver not being able to process anything but alcohol while it's present - absolute BS.

I def. agree with Hartman's statement above. However, I did read a study awhile back in reference to the livers ability to break down estrogen when alcohol is present. The study concluded that alcohol takes priority over estrogen in the liver; which can lead to a build up of nonmetabolized estrogen.

**Bonaparte** · 10-13-2011, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Sgt. Hartman

Your liver breaks alcohol down into acetaldehyde and then into acetate. Acetate will be the #1 energy source used by by your body as long as it is present, ie. you will not burn any glucose or fat for fuel as long as acetate is present.

As far as your liver not being able to process anything but alcohol while it's present - absolute BS.

Originally Posted by xelnaga

I def. agree with Hartman's statement above. However, I did read a study awhile back in reference to the livers ability to break down estrogen when alcohol is present. The study concluded that alcohol takes priority over estrogen in the liver; which can lead to a build up of nonmetabolized estrogen.

Both good answers.

OP, alcohol does also dramatically decrease protein synthesis (muscle building).
It keeps you from metabolizing other macronutrients while ethanol is in your system, which means they get stored as fat instead of being used for energy.
And it blunts nutrient absorption, which is why alcoholics are frequently malnourished even if they are fat.