Since most matches take place at midnight and early morning, how can viewers maintain their health throughout the World Cup season? Master Doctor Duong Cong Minh, Deputy Head of the Nutrition Department at the Ho Chi Minh City Nutrition Center, has shared some recommendations.
Ecuador fans during World Cup 2006 (Photo: Yahoo)
For the Average Person
When staying up late to watch football, many people have the habit of skipping breakfast the next morning, going to work on an empty stomach. This will make the body even more fatigued. Therefore, to ensure health during the World Cup season, it is essential to have three meals a day.
Breakfast should be considered a main meal to provide the body with sufficient energy for a day’s work. Those who are not used to having breakfast can opt for a light meal such as a bowl of pho, a plate of broken rice, a bowl of beef noodles, or at least a 200ml glass of milk along with a banana or a bread roll.
Additionally, it is advisable to have snacks with various fruits and vegetables or sugary foods. Ensure that a person consumes at least 300 grams of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. In the evening, avoid foods high in fats, flour, and sugar as they can cause bloating and indigestion. Daily, one should drink enough 6-8 glasses of water (200ml each), especially for those who drank alcohol the previous day, as they need to hydrate to compensate for lost fluids due to diuresis, and in the morning, it is beneficial to drink 1-2 large glasses of water.
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| Drinking too much alcohol during the World Cup can negatively affect health (Photo: funkeg) |
To avoid back pain and joint issues from sitting too long, it is advisable to get up and move around every 20-30 minutes while watching (of course, keeping your eyes on the screen to follow the match). Alternatively, one can watch while gently massaging the muscles in their arms, thighs, and neck or perform stretching and twisting movements to relax the body and prevent fatigue. If possible, choose a half-reclining position to minimize muscle tension and reduce the weight of the body on the spine and joints.
For Those with Health Conditions
During matches, there are often tense situations that can make viewers “hold their breath” or feel “numb.” Therefore, individuals with specific health conditions such as cardiovascular issues or diabetes should be particularly cautious while watching the World Cup, as strong emotions and stress can lead to strokes.
It is best for those with such health conditions to consult a specialist to assess their disease status and receive advice on medication or to keep some emergency medication on hand.
For individuals with diabetes, staying up late often leads to uncontrolled eating or skipping medication, which can result in fluctuating blood sugar levels.
In cases of low blood sugar, if not promptly addressed, it can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and potentially dangerous brain damage.
If feeling excessively fatigued, it is advisable to “bravely” skip the match that night and possibly catch up on it the following morning.
LE THANH HA reported
