Turns Out A Few Pints Of Beer Will Ease Your Headache Better Than Painkillers
As someone with an extremely low pain tolerance, I never turned to beer with hopes it would ease the agony of an excruciating headache.
I usually just opt for an Advil and call it a day -- but apparently, I've been doing it all wrong.
According to a shocking study in The Journal of Pain, two pints of beer with help ease your aches better than a painkiller will.
Of course, health professionals warn against the dangers of drinking and still suggest you limit your alcohol intake to 14 units of alcohol per week (that's six pints of beer).
However, researchers from the University of Greenwich did 18 studies and concluded that beer can cut discomfort by a quarter when your body's alcohol content hits .08 percent.
Dr. Trevor Thompson, head of boozy study, talked to The Sun and said,
We have found strong evidence that alcohol is an effective painkiller. It can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol.
During the study, over 400 participants were examined, and the researchers' findings could explain why people with chronic pain are likely to drink alcohol.
The study suggests that beer will give your body “a small elevation of pain threshold" and a "moderate to large reduction in pain intensity ratings," Independent reports.
An excerpt from the study also says,
Findings suggest that alcohol is an effective analgesic that delivers clinically-relevant reductions in ratings of pain intensity, which could explain alcohol misuse in those with persistent pain, despite its potential consequences for long-term health.
Apparently, Thompson thinks the study's results will help create a painkiller better than the ones currently available.
He allegedly said, "If we can make a drug without the harmful side-effects, then we could have something that is potentially better than what is out there at the moment."
Even though the study suggests a few beers will help ease your pain better than painkillers will, you still need to drink responsibly.
Rosanna O'Connor, the Director of Alcohol and Drugs at Public Health England, made that clear. She stated, "Drinking too much will cause you more problems in the long run. It's better to see your GP."
Yup. I think I'll just call my doctor the next time I'm in pain.
Citations: PINTS BEAT PILLS Two pints of beer are 'BETTER than paracetamol for beating pain' and cut agony by a quarter, doctors claim (The Sun), Two Pints Of Beer Better For Pain Relief Than Paracetamol, Study Says (Independent)
