4. A moderate intake of alcohol may soothe sore muscles
Sore muscles are common after a strenuous workout. They set in some hours after you’ve exercised. The stiff, painful feeling can persist for up to 3-4 days. It is called Delay Onset Muscle Syndrome (DOMS). It is characterized by microscopic damage to the muscles and inflammation caused by exertion. The pain can be so severe that you struggle to do everyday tasks.
The ethanol in beer is believed to have pain-relieving properties. Beverages that contain ethanol may also have an anti-inflammatory effect. The links between having a beer to relieve muscle soreness after a workout are tenuous.
But bear in mind the endorphins released into the bloodstream when you drink alcohol. They make us feel good and may reduce the brain’s perception of the sensation of pain.
Remember that too much of a good thing is bad for you. So, a beer or two after a workout if your muscles are sore won’t hurt. But if you drink excessively, you’ll wake the next morning feeling even worse. The loss of coordination and balance you experience during a heavy drinking session can overwork your muscles, leaving them aching and stiff.