How to stay match fit during Euro 2012
By Zhang Qian |
June 15, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
EURO 2012 will by now be playing havoc with the sleep patterns of millions of football fans in China, with many tempted to stay up until dawn cheering on their favorite team.
And with this nocturnal couch potato regime often fuelled by copious quantities of beer, coffee and junk food during the near monthlong football fest, expect lot of unhealthy fans to be dragging themselves through work until it all finishes on July 1.
It only happens once every four years, football fans may feel entitled to say, so who wants to sleep?
However, doctors of traditional Chinese medicine - and Western practitioners too - see things differently.
Here Dr Zhou Shigao, associate in Internal Medicine of Longhua Hospital, attached to the Shanghai University of TCM, provides the following warnings plus tips for a healthier Euro 2012.
The human body restores itself and regains energy during sleep, so frequently missing quality sleep is definitely bad for health, says Zhou.
Lack of sleep reduces efficiency at work and over a long period it decreases efficiency, "disorders" organ function and may aggravate chronic problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcer and chronic bronchitis.
And lack of sleep together with prolonged stress and excitement - states familiar to every fan - can cause problems for heart and vascular patients. In extreme cases, heart attacks and strokes are possible.
Moreover, irregular hours, a lack of sleep and eating at odd hours can harm the digestive system and cause ulcers to flare up.
TCM holds that "pathogenic cold" - too much yin (cold) energy - prevails late at night and this can affect night owls glued to the TV. It may cause relapses in chronic bronchitis and emphysema. And to avoid excessive yin, iced beers are a big no-no, says Zhou, so leave them in the fridge.
For a healthier Euro 2012 viewing regime Zhou advises football fans, especially those with chronic ailments, to arrange a sensible viewing schedule and avoid all-nighters.
He urges fans to eat a nutritious late-night supper, have a sleep before kick-off and avoid too much coffee or tea since they can upset the stomach and lead to insomnia.
Fresh vegetables and fruit high in vitamins C and B can help boost immunity. Nuts can help replenish energy fast. Nutritious high-protein foods can help relieve fatigue.
An energy-reinforcing diet is recommended during the foot ball-induced month of broken sleep.
If you happen to know that your prone to shang huo (too much hot energy with the symptoms of pain throat, red eyes, blister on lip and in mouth) problems after staying up all night, try herbal soup with lily root and gingko, says Zhou. And if your body aches, try kidney-reinforcing foods like nuts and sesame.
Don't get too excited - in Chinese medicine it's very important to be moderate in all things. So avoid too much enthusiasm and emotional involvement. Unless, of course, your team's in a penalty shoot out in the final.
And with this nocturnal couch potato regime often fuelled by copious quantities of beer, coffee and junk food during the near monthlong football fest, expect lot of unhealthy fans to be dragging themselves through work until it all finishes on July 1.
It only happens once every four years, football fans may feel entitled to say, so who wants to sleep?
However, doctors of traditional Chinese medicine - and Western practitioners too - see things differently.
Here Dr Zhou Shigao, associate in Internal Medicine of Longhua Hospital, attached to the Shanghai University of TCM, provides the following warnings plus tips for a healthier Euro 2012.
The human body restores itself and regains energy during sleep, so frequently missing quality sleep is definitely bad for health, says Zhou.
Lack of sleep reduces efficiency at work and over a long period it decreases efficiency, "disorders" organ function and may aggravate chronic problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcer and chronic bronchitis.
And lack of sleep together with prolonged stress and excitement - states familiar to every fan - can cause problems for heart and vascular patients. In extreme cases, heart attacks and strokes are possible.
Moreover, irregular hours, a lack of sleep and eating at odd hours can harm the digestive system and cause ulcers to flare up.
TCM holds that "pathogenic cold" - too much yin (cold) energy - prevails late at night and this can affect night owls glued to the TV. It may cause relapses in chronic bronchitis and emphysema. And to avoid excessive yin, iced beers are a big no-no, says Zhou, so leave them in the fridge.
For a healthier Euro 2012 viewing regime Zhou advises football fans, especially those with chronic ailments, to arrange a sensible viewing schedule and avoid all-nighters.
He urges fans to eat a nutritious late-night supper, have a sleep before kick-off and avoid too much coffee or tea since they can upset the stomach and lead to insomnia.
Fresh vegetables and fruit high in vitamins C and B can help boost immunity. Nuts can help replenish energy fast. Nutritious high-protein foods can help relieve fatigue.
An energy-reinforcing diet is recommended during the foot ball-induced month of broken sleep.
If you happen to know that your prone to shang huo (too much hot energy with the symptoms of pain throat, red eyes, blister on lip and in mouth) problems after staying up all night, try herbal soup with lily root and gingko, says Zhou. And if your body aches, try kidney-reinforcing foods like nuts and sesame.
Don't get too excited - in Chinese medicine it's very important to be moderate in all things. So avoid too much enthusiasm and emotional involvement. Unless, of course, your team's in a penalty shoot out in the final.
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