Liam Neeson is best known for portraying the strong Bryan Mills in the Taken series. However, when the 70-year-old actor was not on set, he suffered from severe muscle cramps induced by excessive caffeine use.

This success from critically praised films has allowed him to establish himself as an influential figure in action thrillers. Memory,  released in April 2022, features an accomplished assassin who becomes pursued by a criminal organization, demonstrating how Liam has continued to thrive in this genre late in his career.

Notably, Liam has helped GB News broadcaster Eamonn Holmes manage his chronic pain after experiencing it. When the two men were seated next to each other on a plane, Neeson allegedly said to Holmes, “Rest is rust and action is lotion”—a proverb indicating that sitting still may be harmful while staying active can be beneficial.

During a radio appearance, Liam Neeson recently recounted his experience with leg cramps. He admitted that it was so excruciatingly uncomfortable that he cried out in misery.

To make him feel better, one of his friends arranged for him to meet the massage therapist who works with Broadway dancers. This proved a fantastic option since it allowed the actor to undergo treatment that dissolved the lactic acid crystals that had developed and were growing in size around the tightened muscles.

As lactic acid accumulates in muscle fibers, it crystallizes into solid formations. This can be painful since the longer these muscles remain clenched, the more significant these lactic acid crystals develop, exacerbating the pain. Thankfully, Liam Neeson could immediately obtain relief from these bothersome leg cramps thanks to massage therapy and tailored therapies.

Because of the decrease in blood flow produced by a higher concentration of muscle fibers, lactic acid begins to collect as waste products usually eliminated by relaxed muscles but cannot be adequately removed.

This process is compounded further by the difficulty of adequately tensing muscles to eliminate this acid accumulation. Huddersfield Sports Massage Therapy recently confirmed that drinking beverages or using hydration measures are insufficient to lower lactic acid levels once they have begun to collect.

Because the acid comes into contact with sensitive muscle fibers as it builds up and crystallizes, it can cause nerve discomfort in the place where it was formed. Furthermore, if left untreated for a period, these crystals restrict essential nutrients from entering the wounded muscle, resulting in significant discomfort and potentially long-term impairment.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lactic acid builds up in muscles due to overuse and dehydration. While this was true for Liam Neeson, a significant percentage was related to his caffeine usage.

Neeson grew addicted to decaffeinated tea instead of coffee after witnessing the favorable advantages of reducing his caffeine intake. When his therapist asked about his caffeine consumption, he admitted that he consumed more than the average person. His therapist then encouraged him to switch to decaf, which he did, and his cramps decreased by 90%.

Graham and Spriet’s research has shown that during endurance activities such as long-distance running, there is an increase in blood glucose levels, which causes lactic acid buildup in muscles.

According to research, caffeine use causes an increase in the amount of lactate in the blood. This is why individuals must control their caffeine usage. According to the Mayo Clinic, the safe daily dose for most adults is up to 400mg, equivalent to two energy shot drinks, ten cans of cola, or four cups of brewed coffee.

Individuals must consume caffeinated beverages in moderation to maintain optimum physical health levels.