Why do footballers spit all the time? Many have asked this on Google after seeing players such as Harry Kane and Jack Grealish do it during matches.
Thousands of other footballers have also been seen spitting out on the pitch, with the act now among the most common occurrences in the game, although the reason behind it has confused many.
So, why do footballers spit all the time? Let’s take a look…
Why do footballers spit all the time?
Well, it is basically to do with saliva thickening while exercising, making it difficult to swallow at times.
Dr Udit Kapoor told the Indian Express: “There is especially a type of mucous called MUC5B which makes the saliva thicker and therefore harder to swallow. So, it is best to spit it.”
It can also be down to dehydration.
Kapoor added: “Dehydration causes evaporation of water. General perspiration can also cause dehydration leading to saliva thickening, hence, more spitting.”
It can often backfire.
The likes of Peter Crouch have hilariously seen their spit come back and land on them in windy conditions, so it isn’t always the wisest decision on a gusty day.
Why do footballers spit out their drinks?
People have also wondered why footballers immediately spit out their drinks.
Many players have been seen taking a moment to refresh themselves during a break in play, only to spit it all out.
That is because they are not exactly drinking, but carb rinsing instead.
The trend involves swishing a carbohydrate solution in your mouth for roughly five to ten seconds, before spitting it out.
Some may doubt the effectiveness of doing that, although Live Science believe carb rinsing boosts athletic performance during high intensity activities for roughly 60 minutes.
So, next time you see the likes of Grealish and Kane spitting on the pitch, or refusing to swallow their drink, it is primarily to boost their chances of performing well.
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