According to a review of studies conducted by the University of Greenwich in London, moderate alcohol intake produces the same effects as a conventional pain reliever. But how much do you have to take? Researchers estimate that raising blood alcohol levels by 0.08% in turn increases the pain threshold enough to feel that it is moderated or disappears. They translate it to drinking two pints of beer , a measure that is equivalent to just over a liter in English pub terms, although the alcoholic content of the drink must be taken into account.
Led by Trevor Thompson of the University of Greenwich School of Education and Health, the experts compared 18 experiments in which more than 400 people were subjected to different types of pain , such as that produced by cold, heat and pain. Pressure. On average, drinking two pints or two half-full glasses of wine alleviated the suffering of the volunteers by 24% , according to their reactions.
The hope of the researchers lies in isolating the active component that produces this effect , without the rest of the harmful and addictive elements of alcoholic beverages. For the moment, it is unknown why it eliminates pain, although several hypotheses are handled, such as that it acts on the same nerve receptors as ketamine – a powerful anesthetic drug – or that it reduces anxiety , so its analgesic capacity would be in the latter indirect case.
Either way, Thompson warns: “The amount of alcohol required to achieve a sustained long-term effect leads to a number of health problems , without even ruling out chronic pain.”
