UoD’s Tips to go All the Way this World Cup

Health experts at the University of Dundee have given their top tips to supporters to keep themselves in top form this World Cup tournament.

Late nights, trips to the bar, and snacks galore are on the horizon for most Scots heading into the World Cup which kicks off with Mexico against South Africa on the 11^th of June at 8pm UK time.

The University has compiled a list of helpful tips to keep yourself in top form while still enjoying all the action from across the pond.

While it is all but customary to have a pint while watching the big games either at home or in your local boozer, The University’s Faculty of Health expert in dermatology Lisa Ferguson has warned of the impacts that increased alcohol consumption can have on the skin:

“Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, increase inflammation, and make conditions such as acne, rosacea, and dryness worse.

Lisa also talks of the benefits of drinking 6 – 8 glasses of water a day to combat the mixture of warmer weather and alcohol consumption:

“Drinking enough water helps to support skin elasticity, circulation, and the skin barrier, and can help skin look healthier, brighter, and less dry.”

It is also worth noting that protecting yourself from the sun is an important measure to take throughout the world cup. Alcohol can also increase the risk of dehydration and sunburn, so it is important to wear a hat and regularly apply sunscreen; especially with the increased alcohol intake.

Paul Smith, Faculty of Health lecturer, reminds supporters that there are plenty of alcohol-free options to choose from when enjoying the games which will help them feel fresh the next day. Paul advises that, “If you do fancy an alcoholic drink, try and limit how much you drink and alternate with water or non-alcoholic drinks.

With 1am and 4am UK time kick offs looking to be the norm for this World Cup, it is important to remember how vital it is to get between 7 – 9 hours of sleep every night to support health, wellbeing, concentration, and skin repair, Paul said.

If you find the excitement, disappointment and stress is all too much, Paul also has some top tips to help you cope through at least 90 minutes:

“My biggest coping strategy will be one I use a lot for stress before, during and after all stressful situations, called the three-minute breathing space. There are a host of breathing exercises that can calm people down, so find one that works for you and adopt it when necessary.”

Fans who are braving the late nights are likely to reach for caffeine and snacks to accompany them from the first to the final whistle. Of course, a side effect of this is the impact confectionary, coffee and other food items can have on your dental hygiene.

Dundee’s School of Dentistry’s Dr Ignacio Gandia Navas warns of the decay and acid attacks that supports may find their teeth facing during the World Cup.

“Eating while watching football is an enjoyable experience, however, it can affect teeth if decay-promoting snacks are eaten. The same applies to some alcoholic drinks, which can erode teeth due to their low pH. Stress is also a factor as during a tense match a supporter is more likely to clench and grind their teeth”, Dr Gandia Navas said.

Dr Gandia Navas also gives a reminder of the importance of brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice daily, using a fluoridated toothpaste and stresses the importance of not rinsing the mouth after brushing teeth.

“It is important to allow at least 30 minutes between your last snack or drink and brushing your teeth, so remember to factor that in if you intend to go to bed directly after a match. Also, do not have any other food or drink after brushing your teeth before bed. For those who are recommended to wear a mouth guard at night due to grinding their teeth, then remember to do so as this will protect them.”

So, while you give your best advice to stars like Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Grant Hanley on when to pass, shoot or dribble ; you can rest assured that experts at the University of Dundee have all the right tactics to keep your health winning at home.