Beer better for pain relief than paracetamol

Europa

May 3, 2017 2:34 PM

A new study has indicated that drinking two beers is more effective at relieving pain than taking painkillers.

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When you have a hangover, reaching for painkillers can often seem like a good idea.

But a new study has indicated that drinking two beers is more effective at relieving pain than taking painkillers.

The researchers from the University of Greenwich found that consuming two pints of beer can cut discomfort by a quarter.

They explained that by elevating your blood alcohol content to approximately 0.08 per cent, you will give your body “a small elevation of pain threshold” and thus a “moderate to large reduction in pain intensity ratings”.

“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,” the researchers indicated.

Dr Trevor Thompson, who led the study at London's Greenwich University, told The Sun: “[Alcohol] can be compared to opioid drugs such as codeine and the effect is more powerful than paracetamol.

“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.”

Some experts have, however, strongly indicated that the results of the study do not mean alcohol is good for humans.

Rosanna O'Connor, director of Alcohol and Drugs at Public Health England, said: “Drinking too much will cause you more problems in the long run. It’s better to see your GP.”

Europa