Liam Neeson recently shared his experience with a health issue that was aggravated by a popular drink he enjoyed consuming.
The acclaimed actor from Northern Ireland has been a familiar face in the film industry for many years, and fans may catch him in the beloved holiday film, Love Actually, this season.
However, few knew that he was privately dealing with a condition he described as ‘agonizing’ and brought him to tears.
Neeson spoke about his health challenges while showing support for Eamonn Holmes, a UK GB News anchor who has also been open about his health journey.
During an unexpected encounter on a flight, he advised the TV presenter that ‘rest is rust and motion is lotion’.
Neeson’s condition was worsened by a beverage that many people consume daily.
This led to him waking up at night with intense pain.
In a 2022 interview with Radio 5 Live, Neeson recounted how his symptoms began before he received a diagnosis and treatment: “I was getting shooting pains in my leg, cramps in the middle of the night. The pain made me cry it was agonizing.”
A friend suggested he see a massage therapist, and taking that advice proved beneficial as the therapist helped him manage his pain effectively.
Neeson disclosed the presence of ‘lactic acid crystals’ in his leg, which the therapist was able to address.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, WebMD explains lactic acid as ‘a substance your body makes as your cells use glucose or other carbs for energy’.
Engaging in physical activity or exertion can increase lactic acid levels, potentially leading to ‘lactic acidosis’ if the levels become too high.
Symptoms associated with this condition include ‘a burning feeling in your muscles, cramps, nausea, weakness, and exhaustion’.
While many sources attribute this to physical overexertion, Neeson identified his problem as excessive consumption of a common daily beverage.
He recounted his conversation that prompted him to alter his lifestyle.
He said: “[The therapist] said ‘do you drink a lot of caffeine?’ and I said yes, I do. He said ‘I would maybe drop it if you can and switch to decaf’ and I did. And the cramps disappeared by 90 percent.”
By eliminating caffeine, Neeson found significant relief from the severe pain.
The Mayo Clinic advises that up to 400mg of caffeine per day is generally safe for most adults, equivalent to about four cups of coffee, two ‘energy shot’ drinks, or 10 cans of cola.
Additionally, staying hydrated and stretching before exercise can also be beneficial.