Have you ever had a headache after drinking wine? If so, you’re not alone. Many people get headaches from wine, and it can be quite frustrating. Imagine trying to enjoy a glass of your favorite vino knowing that a pounding headache may be on the way.
So, what causes these so-called “wine headaches”? And more importantly, how can you avoid them? In this article, we’ll explore the answers to these questions and give you tips on enjoying wine without getting a headache.
What are wine headaches?
Wine headaches are usually characterized by a throbbing sensation in the temples or behind the eyes. They can also cause nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and a general feeling of malaise.
Interestingly, wine headaches are not caused by the alcohol in wine. Rather, they are usually caused by histamine or sulfites. Histamine is a natural compound that is found in many foods, including wine. It is also produced by our bodies as part of an immune response to foreign substances.
Sulfites are added to wine as a preservative. They occur naturally, but most winemakers add extra sulfites to their wines during the production process. Sulfites also serve the purpose of protecting wine from oxidation, and unwanted bacteria and yeasts. Sulfites can also be found in other food products, such as dried fruit, pickles, and processed meats.
Why do wine headaches occur?
For most people, wine headaches are caused by an allergy or intolerance to histamine or sulfur dioxide. When these substances are ingested, they can cause the blood vessels in the brain to dilate. This dilation of blood vessels is what causes the throbbing sensation associated with a headache.
Some people are more sensitive to histamine and sulfites than others. If you suffer from migraines, you may be particularly susceptible to getting headaches from wine. This is because people who suffer from migraines often have sensitivities to other substances that can trigger headaches, such as bright lights, strong smells, and certain foods.
How to avoid wine headaches
The best way to avoid getting a headache is to drink wine that is low in histamine and sulfites. There are many brands of “low histamine” or “no sulfite” wines on the market these days. Be aware, however, that all wines contain some level of sulfite despite the “no sulfite” label. You can also buy special filters that remove histamines and sulfites from wine.
If you are especially sensitive to histamine, you may want to avoid red wines, as they tend to contain higher levels of histamine than white wines. You may also want to stay away from aged wines, as the histamine levels increase as wine gets older.
Best wine types to avoid headaches
Riesling is a type of white wine that is made from the Riesling grape. It is a very versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods. Riesling wines are usually light-bodied and have a slightly sweet taste.
Gewurztraminer is another type of white wine that is made from the Gewurztraminer grape. It is typically off-dry, meaning that it has a slightly sweet taste. Gewurztraminer wines are often full-bodied and have a complex flavor profile.
Moscato is a type of white wine that is made from the Muscat grape. It is a sweet wine with low alcohol content. Moscato wines are typically light-bodied and have a fruity flavor.
We hope this article has provided some helpful information on headaches caused by wine.
Cheers!
