Wine includes biogenic amines, which can induce headaches in some people. They are a class of compounds formed during fermentation that include substances linked to headaches such as histamine and tannins.
Histamine is a natural substance found in grape skins. Because red wine is created from the entire grape (including the skin), rather than simply the juice, it contains more histamine than white wine.
Some people lack an enzyme in the small intestine that breaks down histamine. Because alcohol inhibits the enzyme, the combination may increase histamine levels in the blood, causing blood vessels to widen and cause a headache.
Tannins, another component of grape skin, might be to blame. Tannins are plant compounds that provide taste and antioxidants to red wines. However, they also stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can produce headaches in certain people at excessive amounts.
Some people lack the enzyme that aids in the metabolization of histamine, making them more susceptible to wine headaches. Furthermore, genetics (as well as certain drugs like MAO inhibitors) may impede certain drinkers’ capacity to metabolize histamine and its relatives.
This implies that more amines are transported from the stomach to the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as facial flushing and, of course, headaches.
Tips For Avoiding Wine Headaches
According to 2013 research, more than one-third of habitual wine drinkers get periodic headaches from wine—and this is not due to overindulgence. A single glass of wine may set one-off. Here are some tips which can help you in avoiding wine headaches:
1. Between Glasses, Drink Some Water
The most typical mistake made by wine drinkers is hydration. It’s easy to forget when you’re already drinking. Make it a practice to drink a glass of water before a glass of wine.
Because alcohol is a diuretic, it will cause dehydration in you. Diuretics cause an increase in urine output, resulting in frequent trips to the toilet as the fluid in your body is flushed out.
Drink a glass of water between each glass of wine to keep your body hydrated. You should avoid drinking too much wine at once, lowering your chances of developing wine headaches or even a hangover in the morning.
2. With A Drop Of Vinegar, Remove The Sulfites And Tannins
Whether or not you get wine headaches from sulfites and tannins, there are products you can buy to remove them from your wine. You may eliminate both the sulfites and the tannins without losing the wine’s flavor—and save yourself from future wine headaches.
3. Wine Straining
You may buy items that aid in the removal of sulfites from wine. There are filters available for purchase, or you may buy a device that will strain and preserve the bottle of wine at the same time.
4. Select A Wine That Is Low In Tyramine
Tyramine-rich foods can cause migraines in some people. However, not everyone has a headache as a result of tyramine. Keep track of the wines that give you headaches and check for any similarities in the sorts of wines—and even where they were manufactured.
5. Limit Your Consumption
A moderate amount would be one drink per day for a female and two drinks per day for a male.
Examine your intake to see if it’s time to start restricting it. Even speaking with your doctor about it will help keep those wine headaches at bay.
6. Don’t Mix Sugary Foods With Wine
The only thing worse than a red wine headache is a cake-and-wine headache. Don’t mix sugary foods with wine. Only a cake-and-wine headache is worse than a red wine headache.
The cake sounds extremely delicious (especially after a glass of wine), but the mix of sugar and alcohol will considerably increase the likelihood of a headache.
Drinks That You Can Drink Instead of Wine
If you are looking for a wine replacement, there are quite a few healthy and enjoyable alternatives, such as:
- Red and White Wine Vinegar
- Pomegranate Juice
- Cranberry Juice
- Ginger Ale
- Red or White Grape Juice
- Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable Stock
- Apple Juice
- Lemon Juice
Faqs
1. How do you prevent a headache when drinking wine?
Before consuming wine, take a full glass of water. Furthermore, if you’re going to have a second glass of wine, wait at least an hour and drink a full glass of water before doing so. Also, drink your wine gently and avoid mixing it with other alcoholic beverages.
In addition to this, start with less than half a glass of fresh red wine. It will cause you a headache within 15 minutes if it is going to do so and depending on that, you can stop drinking the wine.
2. What kind of wine doesn’t give you a headache?
You can try white wines that are naturally lower in tannins, as well as red wines made from grapes that are often thinner-skinned and lower in tannins, such as Pinot Noir.
3. Why do I get a headache after drinking a small amount of alcohol?
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes your kidneys to excrete more fluid than you take in. Drinking even a small amount of alcohol has effects on the body’s metabolism and can result in dehydration. This will eventually lead to headaches.
4. What to drink if wine gives you a headache?
If wine gives you a headache, take aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen with water. Of course, it is not suggested if you drink heavily. However, over-the-counter blood thinners can be beneficial.
Bottom Line
A wine headache is not uncommon, and if you get one frequently, it does not imply you should avoid wine forever. Experimenting with several kinds of wines may help you identify ones that cause headaches.
Drinking slowly and in moderation may also help prevent headaches. However, if you suffer headaches no matter what sort of wine you drink or how much you drink, you should try a new beverage.
Also Read:-Does Red Wine Vinegar Have Alcohol
