Carnival, with its days of feasting, drinking, and exuberant celebration, is a beloved tradition for many. However, it also represents a significant physical challenge for the body. What exactly does four days of festivities do to our systems, and how long does it take to recover?
Medical professionals emphasize that alcohol consumption can impact the liver, brain, pancreas, heart, blood vessels, and immune system. The liver breaks down alcohol, releasing a toxic substance called acetaldehyde, which the body struggles to process, often resulting in headaches. Excessive drinking can also lead to stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Alcohol is dehydrating, exacerbating headache symptoms. Adding to the strain are the often-rich foods – fried snacks and hearty meals – commonly enjoyed during Carnival.
However, there is encouraging news. According to nutritional scientist Inge van der Wurff of the Open University, the damage from Carnival is often temporary, provided a return to a normal, healthy diet follows. Back to basics: the Schrijf van Vijf – vegetables, fruit, and nuts,
she suggests. No more sweets and alcohol. Then the effects disappear quickly.
She estimates that recovery can take just a few days.
Toxins and the Body’s Timeline
Van der Wurff explains that alcohol is relatively quickly eliminated from the body. It takes one to two hours per glass to break down alcohol. If you drink a lot, you’ll feel it the next day. The toxins cause headaches.
She points out that consuming a large quantity of beer is more harmful than having one glass a day for four days. Twenty glasses consumed in a short period can cause damage to the brain and liver and increase the long-term risk of cancer. However, she doesn’t anticipate that individuals who drink heavily for a few days during Carnival will necessarily suffer lasting damage, adding, But it’s better not to take the risk.
Four days of indulging in less-healthy snacks isn’t a disaster either. We all eat unhealthily sometimes. But most people eat healthily consistently,
she notes. She even suggests that a period of fasting after Carnival could be beneficial. Then we would all be healthier. Less sweets, less alcohol, and less chocolate.
Recovery Similar to a Festival Weekend
The nutritional scientist continues, You don’t gain weight between Christmas and New Year’s, but between New Year’s and Christmas. The same applies to Carnival. It’s not about a single moment, but about how you eat the rest of the year.
Regarding fatigue, most people are significantly recovered after a good night’s sleep, according to Van der Wurff. If you are older or have little energy, you may need a little longer. But it’s not much more than a few days.
She compares the recovery process to that following a music festival weekend.
The Risk of Illness
Carnival falls during peak flu season, and viruses causing diarrhea are also more prevalent at this time. The festival falls not only in the middle of flu season, but also in the period in which diarrhea viruses are common,
stated virologist Jean-Luc Murk of the Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in Tilburg.
Crowded pubs and close proximity while singing and shouting, combined with lowered immunity due to alcohol and sleep deprivation, facilitate the spread of viruses. Contracting an infection can prolong recovery from Carnival for days or even weeks.
Van der Wurff emphasizes that Carnival also has a significant social component. Social connections are also very good for our health. It’s not very healthy for the body, but This proves on a social level.
A Post-Carnival Recovery Plan
To aid in recovery, starting the day after Carnival with hydration is crucial. Aim for at least two liters of fluids throughout the day, including water, electrolytes, coconut water, or sports drinks, potentially with a pinch of salt, to restore fluid and mineral balance. Green tea or ginger tea can also be beneficial, aiding detoxification and boosting the immune system.
Returning to a healthy diet is equally important. Focus on protein sources like chicken, fish, or eggs, alongside healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil, which help reduce inflammation. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables; bananas provide potassium, while leafy greens offer essential vitamins and minerals. Supplementation with vitamins B12, C, and magnesium may also be considered to boost metabolism and support the immune system. If still experiencing hangover symptoms, avoid acidic fruits, as they can upset the stomach.
