Instead, choose a single type of alcohol and consume it in moderation. Furthermore, mixing different types of alcohol can lead to dehydration, as alcohol has diuretic properties that increase urine production. Dehydration is a known trigger for headaches, and when combined with the effects of alcohol, it can intensify the likelihood of developing a headache. It is important to note that not everyone will experience alcohol-induced headaches due to congeners. Some individuals may be more sensitive to these compounds, while others may not be affected at all.
Cluster headaches
Tannins are thought to trigger migraines even in people who take preventive treatments. Grape skins also contain plant chemicals called tannins, which help give wine its flavor. Tannins also prompt your body to release serotonin, which may cause headaches in some people. Histamines are released during fermentation, and red wines typically contain higher levels of histamines than white wines. Similarly, tyramine levels can vary depending on the winemaking process.
Alcohol and headaches
- It may even be more severe that it prevents you from reaching optimum activity levels.
- Aim for one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage to maintain hydration.
- Alcohol increases GABA and decreases glutamate, creating a sedative effect.
- Research shows that people with migraine may also experience related symptoms during a hangover.
In some cases, the reaction can be a result of sensitivity to an ingredient in alcohol, such as gluten, or a result of drinking too much. If you are concerned that you may be allergic to alcohol, please contact your doctor or health care provider for medical advice and treatment. However, there are several steps you can take in order to help minimize your risk of experiencing headaches when drinking beer. Unfortunately, some people are more susceptible to getting headaches when drinking beer than others.
The Connection Between Vasodilation and Headaches
• Itching– Itching is a common symptom of liver damage and is caused by a buildup of toxins in the body. • Nausea and loss of appetite– Drinking a large amount of alcohol over an extended period of time can cause digestive issues, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. • Jaundice– Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, due to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a byproduct of old red blood cells and when levels become abnormally high, it is considered a sign of liver damage.
Second, consider choosing wines with lower histamine content, such as white wines or wines produced using methods that minimize histamine production. People who are sensitive to histamines or tyramine may experience headaches, nasal congestion, skin flushing, and other allergy-related symptoms after consuming wine. This sensitivity can be due to a deficiency in the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for breaking down histamine in the body. If you’re prone to headaches, opting for wines with lower congener content might be a helpful strategy. Lighter-bodied white wines and some rosé wines generally contain fewer congeners than full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Exploring different wine varietals and paying attention to how your body reacts can help you identify which wines are less likely to trigger a headache.
Monument is an online alcohol treatment platform that can help provide support every step of the way. You can get peer support, and explore treatment options like therapy and medication to stop drinking. Self-medicating with alcohol only creates an unhealthy cycle that can be hard to break, and leads to even more health issues in the long-term.
This eliminates at least one of alcoholism treatment the possible triggers of tension headaches. You think that hangover headaches only happen to people who drink a lot over the course of several hours. However, anyone who gets a headache after drinking a small amount of alcohol knows this isn’t the case. There are animal studies that suggest a potential link between alcohol’s inflammatory effects and headaches. A 2023 review of studies concluded that alcohol consumption increases the risk of headaches, particularly migraine and tension-type headaches. Wine is often acknowledged as the most common drink to provoke a headache, but any type of alcohol can do it.
Migraine Headache
You should decide whether to drink alcohol with migraine based on your experience and comfort level. If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and be prepared to adjust your intake based on your migraine symptoms. Alcoholic beverage ingredients linked to migraine — and hangovers — include histamine, tyramine and congeners. One way to limit your risk and stay social is to order a migraine-friendly ginger ale in a beer glass.
If you experience frequent or severe headaches, it’s essential to consult a physician to rule out any underlying medical conditions. A doctor can help you identify the why does rum give me a headache cause of your headaches and recommend appropriate treatment options. Though a true allergy is rare, it is important to acknowledge that the perception of sulfite sensitivity plays a role in how people interpret their headaches. The knowledge or suspicion that sulfites might be present can exacerbate anxiety about wine consumption, leading to an increased sensitivity to perceived symptoms. Sulfites are preservatives commonly used in winemaking to prevent oxidation and bacterial growth. While some people believe that sulfites are the primary cause of wine headaches, this is often a misconception.
Unfortunately, this may lead to inflammation throughout the body, which can trigger migraines in some people. For some people that also includes alcohol, maybe just certain kinds. National Library of Medicine, one-third of migraine sufferers point to alcohol as a trigger. Study authors found that participants who avoided wine are also those who most often mentioned drinking wine before an attack, which could indicate that their attacks are triggered by wine. The same participants were also the most frequent consumers of wine.