Red wine headaches can occur after just one glass and are sometimes accompanied by nausea. The exact cause is unknown, but sulfites, tannins, histamines, and tyramines are commonly blamed. To prevent headaches, individuals can experiment with different red wines, take antihistamines, or avoid red wine completely.
A red wine headache (RWD) is a painful headache caused by drinking red wine. These types of headaches can occur after drinking just one glass and are sometimes accompanied by nausea. Some people believe that certain substances in red wine, particularly sulfites, tannins, histamines and tyramines, are the cause of red wine headaches. While the exact cause of these headaches is still unknown as of 2011, there are ways to lessen the effects of a red wine headache. People experiencing these headaches can experiment with different red wines, take antihistamines, or avoid this type of alcohol to prevent future discomfort.
For a headache to be considered a red wine headache, it must occur within minutes of consuming red wine. A red wine headache is not the same thing as a hangover. A hangover typically occurs at least six hours after consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. Red wine headaches also differ from alcohol allergies and other negative reactions, such as the Asian blush experienced by many people of Asian descent. People who experience red wine headaches can usually drink other types of alcohol without experiencing ill effects.
Medical experts aren’t exactly sure why some people get red wine headaches. While these headaches must be caused by something in the red wine, researchers haven’t pinpointed which substance is to blame. The compounds most commonly blamed for causing headaches are sulfites, tannins, histamines and tyramines. However, researchers are uncertain whether one or more of these compounds are capable of causing headaches in a significant portion of the population.
While the cause of these headaches is currently unknown, there are ways to prevent red wine headaches from occurring. To prevent headaches, an individual can experiment with different red wines to determine which wine they are sensitive to. Some wines might cause headaches, while others will leave an individual unaffected. To test a wine, take a few sips within a 15 to 20 minute period. If the wine does not cause a headache within this time frame, the individual can probably continue drinking the glass without consequences.
Wine drinkers can also prevent a bad reaction by taking an antihistamine or avoiding red wine completely. If a wine’s histamine content is to blame, taking an antihistamine before consuming red wine should prevent future discomfort. To avoid dangerous side effects, users should determine if a specific antihistamine is safe to combine with alcohol. If this method doesn’t work, avoiding red wine completely may be the best way to avoid red wine headaches.
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