Football fans may experience increased "mental anxiety" that leads to noticeable "physiological symptoms" when watching crucial matches, University of Derby scientists have said.
In this regard, here is what watching decisive football matches does to the body:
- Increased tension
The body secretes the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys, during the excitement caused by watching the match, in what is known as the “fight or flight” response as a physiological reaction, where we instinctively prepare our bodies for a dangerous or frightening situation by releasing hormones.
Cortisol increases energy and promotes alertness, but releasing it in excess can lead to a weakened immune system, weight gain, and high blood pressure with the risk of heart problems, over time.
Previous research has found an increase in heart attacks among fans on important match days, due to dangerous levels of stress.
Fans release more cortisol when watching crucial matches, according to a study published by experts at Oxford University.
- Increased heart rate
The common "fight or flight" hormone, adrenaline, surges while watching a football game, increasing the heart rate.
Specific sites on cells of major organs, called beta receptors, respond to adrenaline when it is released by increasing the heart rate.
“This response is not aimed at improving oxygen transport, but rather a response to the hormones that are being released,” said Mark Vagi, professor of clinical exercise science at the University of Derby.
Blood pressure also rises because the release of these hormones causes blood vessels to constrict, although this is a temporary response.
“Our heart rate can go up when we feel stressed or anxious, such as when we watch an important football match,” said Dr Andy Houghton, a sports and exercise scientist at the University of Derby.
- Sweaty palms
You may find your palms sweating while watching an important football match, as the sweat glands on our hands, as well as our foreheads and feet, are controlled by the nervous system.
When the body temperature rises, often as a result of fight-or-flight responses, sweat is released to cool down.
“We know that our hands and feet have a higher concentration of certain types of sweat glands than other areas of the body,” said Mel Lindley, head of the University of Derby’s School of Health and Social Care. “Stress hormones activate these sweat glands in the body, so our hands sweat when we are stressed.”
- Rapid breathing
Stress causes the body to breathe more deeply and at a faster rate, to get more oxygen from the air, which encourages complete oxygen exchange, i.e. replacing the oxygen in the air with the carbon dioxide out.
This slows the heart rate and lowers or stabilizes blood pressure in response to stress, so experts at the University of Derby recommend deep breathing during “the emotional moments of a football match.”
- Happiness hormones
Aside from the negatives, the body feels euphoric during the highs of a football match, such as when our favorite team scores a goal or wins the match.
Such ecstasy leads to the release of "happiness" hormones in the body, such as dopamine, oxytocin, adrenaline, endorphins, and vasopressin.
“These natural chemicals can make us feel good, and their positive effects are good for our health,” Vagi said.