DO YOU ENJOY INDULGING IN A GLASS OF RED WINE? While I am not a fan, indulging in a glass of red wine is a sensory experience, a ritual many savor. However, for some unfortunate enthusiasts, this ritual is tainted by a rather unwelcome companion — the post-wine headache. Today, we explore tannin terrors: red wine headaches unveiled.
I am thinking about wine headaches, partly because a new study claims to explain the connection between drinking wine and headaches. No, it’s not simply the alcohol.
In this essay, I will delve into the various factors that could be behind the infamous headache after drinking red wine, exploring the intricate interplay of histamines, sulfites, tannins, and more. We’ll then look at the new study.
Wine Headaches are Common: The Usual Suspects
Headaches are common; post-alcohol consumption headaches are quite common.
I rarely drink alcohol; if I do, I am likely to suffer from a headache.
Did you know that red wine is linked with more headaches than other alcohol types?
Why Does Red Wine Cause Headaches?
Why do I (and others) get headaches from alcohol, especially red wine?
Sulfites
But why does red wine cause headaches for some? Is it sulfites? In short, no.
Those who have an allergy to sulfites tend to develop hives and difficulty breathing, not a headache. In addition, white wines typically have more sulfites than reds.
Tannins
Could it be tannins? Maybe.
Tannins are a grape skin constituent. These plant antioxidants give flavor to red wines. But tannins also lead to the release of neurotransmitters that are linked to pain.
Histamines
Others claim histamines are to blame for wine-associated headaches. This grape skin component is more abundant in red than white wine.
Red wine contains the whole grape, including the skin. Some individuals have a shortage of an enzyme that breaks histamine down in the small intestines.
Alcohol also inhibits this enzyme, causing histamine blood levels to rise. This increase can cause widening of blood vessels. The result? A headache.
Alas, we have not had a good answer.
Other Suspects
The red wine fermentation process produces tyramine. Some, like me, are more sensitive to tyramine, leading to headaches. You can find tyramine in other fermented and aged foods.
Alcohol’s dehydrating effects can cause headaches. As you consume your glass of red wine, you may lose more fluids than you gain.
Some individuals are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol in general. I am among this group; I can get headaches even with moderate alcohol consumption.
Finally, fermentation and aging byproducts can create congeners. These substances can contribute to the taste and aroma of the wine but may also be linked to headaches.
Some studies suggest that congeners can impact blood vessels and neurological function, potentially leading to headaches.
Tannin Terrors: Red Wine Headaches Unveiled
I recently discovered a new study that provides insight into why red wine causes some to experience headaches.
Here’s my takeaway from the research:
A natural flavonol in red wine may interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, causing an accumulation of toxins that can quickly cause headaches.
The flavonol is quercetin, a plant compound found in fruits and vegetables. Examples include berries, grapes, onions, and broccoli.
A Study Author’s Explanation
Study co-author Andrew Waterhouse explains:
“When (quercetin) gets in your bloodstream, your body converts it to a different form called quercetin glucuronide. In that form, it blocks the metabolism of alcohol.”
Waterhouse and colleagues examined how flavanol may affect a genetic variant of an enzyme (ALDH2) involved in the body’s alcohol metabolism.
Eight Percent Lack an Enzyme
About eight of the world’s population has a variant of the enzyme that isn’t particularly active.
The deficiency is highly prevalent among people of East Asian descent — affecting two in five of this population. The prevalence varies among Asian subgroups, however.
Having a dysfunctional ALDH2 variant has been associated with skin flushing, heart palpitations, and headaches after drinking.
What Happens in the Body
When we drink alcohol, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase converts alcohol to acetaldehyde in the liver.
Acetaldehyde is a toxin; it is an irritant and causes inflammation. For most of us, acetaldehyde in the body is short-lived. The enzyme ALDH2 transforms it into less toxic acetate.
In the lab, the study authors discovered a quercitin derivative (quercetin glucuronide) inhibits the enzyme variant. This interference could cause toxic acetaldehyde to accumulate, leading to headaches in susceptible individuals.
Navigating the Wineglass Minefield
For those (like me) who have experienced the throbbing aftermath of a red wine indulgence, the question becomes:
Is there a way to enjoy wine without the subsequent headache? While complete avoidance may be an option for some, there are several strategies that enthusiasts can employ to mitigate the risk.
- Choose lower histamine wine. Some wines are known to have lower histamine levels than others. Wines made from certain grape varieties or produced through specific winemaking techniques may be less likely to trigger histamine-related reactions.
- Explore Lighter Reds: Tannin levels vary among red wines, with lighter reds generally containing fewer tannins. Exploring varieties like Pinot Noir may provide a smoother experience for tannins-sensitive patients.
- Stay Hydrated: To counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol, alternating between sips of water and wine can help maintain hydration levels and reduce the risk of headaches. Try drinking a full glass of water before drinking wine.
- Know Your Limits: Understanding personal alcohol tolerance and setting reasonable limits can prevent overindulgence. Moderation is key, and pacing oneself while enjoying a glass of red wine can significantly decrease the likelihood of headaches.
- Avoid drinking wine if you are stressed, upset, or don’t feel well.
- Avoid consuming alcohol on an empty stomach.
- Wait. If you are having a second glass of wine, wait at least an hour (and drink a full glass of water before the second glass of wine).
- Sip your wine slowly.
- Don’t mix your wine with other alcoholic beverages.
- Stop at the first sign of a headache.
Please see your healthcare provider if your wine headache is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms you haven’t had before.
My Final Thoughts – Red Wine Headaches
The relationship between red wine and headaches is undoubtedly complex, with multiple factors coming into play.
Histamines, tannins, tyramine, and other compounds can all contribute to this unpleasant phenomenon. Dehydration matters, too.
However, armed with knowledge and a willingness to explore alternatives, individuals can navigate the world of red wine more confidently, savoring the experience without the looming threat of a post-wine headache.
Whether it’s through selecting specific wine varieties, moderating alcohol intake, or staying well-hydrated, there are avenues for wine lovers to enjoy their favorite beverage without succumbing to the tannin terrors that can follow.
Summary — Red Wine Headaches
In summary, there are several reasons why some people may experience headaches after drinking red wine.
To test their hypothesis, the scientists look forward to comparing individuals’ responses to wines that are either high or low in quercetin.
Of course, there is always the alternative of simply not drinking. For those who enjoy alcohol in moderation, I hope this essay has helped you.
Thank you for reading “Red Wine Headaches.”
