How Kobayashi ate SO many hot dogs

On July 4th, the Mustard Belt was reclaimed by an American, but not without a fight from the famous Japanese competitive eater Kobayashi. As Justin Silverman writes in his article covering the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest:

"Though he lost, the Japanese master eater achieved a personal best and also scored a personal victory, considering the severe attack of jaw arthritis almost kept him from competing. Just three hours before the contest, Kobayashi was still receiving acupuncture treatment to abate the pain."

Using acupuncture to alleviate pain is highly effective for athletes, but I would not condone attempting to eat 63 hot dogs in 12 minutes like Kobayashi did.

Posted by: Michael Pingicer, M.S., L.Ac.