Super Sick Monday
Super Bowl LVI is slated for Sunday, February 13, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself so you can avoid paying for game-day indulgences later.
A 2018 survey conducted by The Workforce Institute and Mucinex found 14 million people intended to call out of work the Monday after the game. After all the pizza, wings, alcohol and chips with dips, it's easy to understand why 25% of working Americans said they would prefer to make Monday following the game a national holiday.
So, how can you have a good time at football festivities without needing a recovery day?
Avoid triggering foods.
High-fat snacks, large meals, and spicy or acidic foods relax the lower esophageal sphincter and delay digestion. Food then sits in the stomach longer and leads to acid reflux and heartburn. Processed and fried foods also can lead to indigestion, bloating, nausea and diarrhea. Some game-day staples might include pizza and chips, but don't forget to throw in grilled foods and a few veggies.
Don't overeat.
Studies show Americans eat more than one billion wings over Super Bowl weekend and eat as many as 2,400 calories during the game. Overeating expands the stomach, which pushes against other organs, leading to gas and other stomach discomforts. It also can make you sluggish, cause your organs to work harder and spike your metabolism, causing "the sweats" or dizziness.
Drink in moderation.
One study revealed Americans spent $1.2 billion on beer in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. Overuse of alcohol can lead to inflammation, digestive distress and a spike in sugar levels. A 27-game study also found automobile fatalities increased 41% after the Super Bowl, mainly in the cities of the losing team. Never drink and drive.
Stay hydrated.
Experts recommend two drinks or less for men and one or less for women per day. If you plan to exceed that rule, drink a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage you consume to reduce potential hangover symptoms. Even if you aren't partaking in beer or liquor, the sodium content in game-day foods can lead to bloating, but water can aid in digestion and boost your metabolism.
Keep upright.
Wait two to three hours after you eat before going to bed or lounging on the couch. Gravity is your friend. Otherwise, what you eat can push against the valve between your stomach and esophagus, leading to heartburn. When you go to sleep, lie on your left side or at an incline, so your head is 6 to 8 inches higher than your feet.
Super Sick Monday Remedies
If you wake up the Monday after with nausea, a headache or a dry mouth, don't rely on myths like a greasy breakfast or "hair of the dog" for relief.
The cure for a Super Bowl hangover is rest, hydration and an electrolyte boost—like the salt and potassium you might get from a sports drink. If you need pain relief, avoid acetaminophen, as it might cause liver damage when combined with alcohol.
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