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Need pain relief? Drink a couple of pints, says science DON’T BOTHER WITH THE PARACETAMOL.
The next time you feel your brain pushing against your skull or your back protesting your posture, don’t bother reaching for a pill. Instead, head to your nearest watering hole and order a pint. Or two.
New research has found that two pints of beer can reduce pain by a quarter as compared to traditional painkillers. After conducting 18 studies, researchers have determined that increasing blood alcohol levels to 0.08% raises the body’s pain threshold, thereby reducing a person’s pain intensity ratings.
It is, however, unclear whether the alcohol affects the pain receptors in the brain or the pain is easier to bear because alcohol lowers anxiety, but it could explain why people suffering from chronic pain usually overindulge. That said, it’s still wise to drink in moderation, no matter the pain intensity.