The Reason Behind Wine-Triggered Headaches and Migraines
Red wine is a popular beverage enjoyed by many, but for some, it can lead to unwanted headaches. Here's a look at the potential causes and some tips to help combat red wine headaches.
A small study from 2001 found no correlation between wine sensitivity or intolerance and the drink's histamine content, yet other factors are thought to be at play. Science hasn't been able to prove the exact cause of red wine-induced migraines, but some research suggests that the presence of high tannins and histamines in red wine could trigger headaches and migraines due to their potential to cause blood vessel dilation and immune reactions in sensitive individuals.
Alcohol in general and certain compounds in red wine are linked to causing migraine attacks and headaches. Wine hangovers may be more intense than hangover from other types of alcohol due to wine's higher concentrations of fermentation byproducts called congeners. Sulfites, chemicals that occur naturally during fermentation and are also cited as a headache culprit, are present in higher amounts in red wine compared to white wine.
Other ingredients in the drink can also trigger headaches from red wine. For instance, tannins, which are also found in dark chocolate, coffee, black tea, berries, nuts, and other foods, can produce serotonin and cause headaches in some people. Red wine has more tannins than white wine.
The good news is that there are ways to help prevent and treat red wine headaches. Drinking red wines with lower tannin content like pinot noir, cabernet franc, zinfandel, and merlot may help combat red wine headaches. Sipping red wine slowly can also help prevent headaches.
Drinking plenty of water before and after drinking red wine can help prevent dehydration, a common cause of headaches. Avoiding mixing red wine with other drinks can also help prevent headaches.
If a headache does occur, there are several strategies that can help. Drinking lots of water, using a cool compress, lying down in a dark room, trying drinking coffee or another caffeinated beverage, and trying taking ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain relievers can help treat red wine headaches. Keeping a food journal can help narrow down food and drink triggers for red wine headaches.
It's also important to note that mixing over-the-counter pain relievers with alcohol can be dangerous in some cases. Talking to a doctor and allergist may help pinpoint the food or drink causing a headache.
A 2019 survey found that nearly 80 percent of people reporting alcohol-induced migraines blamed red wine. However, it's important to remember that there is no concrete scientific link between migraine and red wine. The level of histamines in red wine may cause headaches and migraines, but the exact cause remains unknown.
In conclusion, while red wine can potentially trigger headaches and migraines, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent and treat these unwanted side effects. By being mindful of the types of wine consumed, the amount consumed, and the timing of consumption, individuals can help reduce their risk of red wine headaches.
