Does Alcohol Affect Fat Burning?
Intermittent fasting may be the latest health trend as it brings many health benefits including weight loss, fat burning, and reduced inflammation. But you may be wondering if alcohol stops fat burning when following this regimen.
Intermittent fasting can promote fat burning, thereby reducing your body fat percentage. However, alcohol intake has been shown to hinder fat burning.
In a study of 19 adults, consumption of an alcohol-rich meal resulted in significantly lower levels of lipolysis five hours after eating compared to a meal rich in protein, fat, and carbohydrates, meaning that alcohol stops fat burning.
Alcohol is high in calories, providing 7 calories in just 1 gram. Just 1 glass of alcohol can provide 100 or more calories to your daily intake. Studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce your risk of weight gain. However, excessive alcohol consumption (4 or more drinks per day for men and 3 or more drinks per day for women) may increase your body fat percentage.
Excessive Alcohol Intake Can Promote Inflammation
Intermittent fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation in your body. However, alcohol may promote inflammation, counteracting the effects of this diet. Chronic inflammation may promote the development of various diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Studies have shown that inflammation caused by excessive alcohol consumption may lead to the leaky gut syndrome, bacterial overgrowth, and an imbalance of gut bacteria. High alcohol intake can also overwhelm your liver and reduce its ability to filter out potentially harmful toxins. These effects on your gut and liver may promote inflammation throughout the body and, over time, may lead to organ damage.
Alcohol May Hinder Cellular Repair
During fasting, your body initiates cellular repair processes such as autophagy, in which old, damaged proteins are removed from cells to produce newer, healthier cells. This process may reduce your risk of cancer and promote anti-aging effects. At the same time, alcohol intake inhibits autophagy in the liver and adipose tissue, which may hinder the cell repair process.
While intermittent fasting does not have strict rules about food and drinks intake, some alcoholic options are healthier than others and are less likely to contradict your dietary regimen. During intermittent fasting, it is best to drink alcohol in moderation, and only when you are eating. Healthier options include dry wines and spirits, which are lower in calories.