KILL THE PAIN, NOT YOUR RACE PERFORMANCE
Study shows that taking too many painkillers can inhibit muscle growth
‘Paracetamol is helping athletes run faster’ said a Metro headline last August. The daily freebie reported a study from the University of Granada, showing that paracetamol and ibuprofen improve endurance performance. Exactly why remained unclear, but the favoured view was a raised pain tolerance. While triathletes may not be not averse to popping a pill or two in an effort to maintain training, you should think carefully according to a recent review article in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. Authors Tommy Lundberg and Glyn Howatson showed that both ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and paracetamol reduced protein synthesis after high-intensity training and weights. In other words, they reduced the anabolic effect, limiting muscular growth thanks to reducing activity of an enzyme linked with muscular regeneration. As both drugs are also linked to liver and gastrointestinal issues, respectively, it’s wise to avoid them unless needed – and certainly not recommended purely for sporting purposes.