My outcome is to give you the proper education when it comes to drinking and it’s impact on hormones and general bodily function. There is a fine-line between just enough and too much in the drinking game. Read carefully because your hormones and mental health are at stake.
Spartan Ownership is about taking 100% ownership over your life and living the best one possible. Alcohol has the potential to truly mess with your ability to optimize your life. Learn to play the game properly and you’ll be able to enjoy the gifts of alcohol without the consequences.
Studies
(study) “These data indicate that acute alcohol intake produces a suppression of plasma testosterone via peripheral mechanisms which regulate the biosynthesis and/or biotransformation of the steroid.”
(study) “Alcohol use affects all three parts of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a system of endocrine glands and hormones involved in male reproduction. Alcohol use is associated with low testosterone and altered levels of additional reproductive hormones. Researchers are investigating several potential mechanisms for alcohol’s damage. These mechanisms are related to alcohol metabolism, alcohol-related cell damage, and other hormonal reactions associated with alcohol consumption. Chronic alcohol use in male rats also has been shown to affect their reproductive ability and the health of their offspring.”
(study) “The male reproductive system consists of the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the testes. Alcohol can interfere with the function of each of these components, thereby causing impotence, infertility, and reduced male secondary sexual characteristics. In the testes, alcohol can adversely affect the Leydig cells, which produce and secrete the hormone testosterone. Studies found that heavy alcohol consumption results in reduced testosterone levels in the blood.”
There are many more studies that show this. Many more.
Strategic knowledge
Alcohol lowers testosterone. There is no doubt about it. However there is a way to get away with drinking a bit here and there without causing significant damage. But you’ve been warned. Now you must take responsibility. You can no longer plead ignorance.
Tactical Knowledge
There are studies that show that moderate alcohol consumption (1.5 cups of wine) only lowers testosterone by 7% on average. There are even studies that show that a small amount of alcohol (0.5 g/kg) can actually increase testosterone slightly. However, all the studies show that once you drink past the low-to-moderate levels your testosterone will start to tank. The effects won’t necessarily be long-term but they will definitely be short-term. Something about that doesn’t feel too good. I want my hormones to be on point as much as possible.
Therefore I would conclude this article by saying that if you’re going to drink, this should be the template for your standard:
Only high-quality liquor such as vodka or scotch (you don’t want all those estrogens and gluten from beer). Take the equivalent of 1-3 shots maximum…1-2x per week maximum. You can go a bit harder and drink 5+ shots but only once every 3 months or so.
The above isn’t scientifically determined but based on my instinct and basic knowledge of the studies out there. That should be a safe amount that isn’t going to interfere with your hormones too much.
Stay strong,
Maximillian Giamarco
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