Ever wonder what causes red wine headaches? Are you afraid to drink wine because of it? Fortunately, not all wines will give you a headache. Just make sure you avoid those containing sulfites. These compounds occur naturally in wine, but they are also used as preservatives. In general, organic and natural wines are the lowest in sulfites.
Are Sulfites Dangerous?
Sulfites can be found in most wines. These sulfuric compounds are often responsible for the so-called “red wine headaches,” nausea, and flushing. Red wine is the only alcoholic beverage that causes these symptoms. It’s not known why some people are sensitive to sulfites, while others have no reaction whatsoever.
These natural compounds are also found in dried fruit and processed foods. Deli meats contain sulfites too. People with asthma and food allergies are more vulnerable to sulfites than those who don’t have these problems. The good news is that most wines come with warning labels, so you can easily tell which ones contain sulfites. These substances are not considered dangerous. It all comes down to how sensitive you are.
Other Possible Causes of Migraines
Sulfites are not the only cause of red wine migraines. Health experts believe that alcohol, tannins, histamine, tyramine, and prostaglandins may have the same effect. Studies also indicate that red wine headaches could be caused by a strain of yeast or bacteria found in this beverage.
Tyramine is considered one of the main culprits for headaches. This naturally occurring compound is found in aged, spoiled, and fermented foods. Migraines could also be caused by the release of prostaglandins. Tannins, the antioxidants in red wine, may trigger migraines too.
Certain types of red wine have high histamine levels. If you’re allergic to this substance, you may experience headaches. To prevent this problem, take a antihistamine an hour before drinking wine. As a rule of thumb, steer clear of cheap wine and other alcoholic beverages containing a lot of sugar.
