Even those who don't usually react badly to alcohol can experience headaches from red wine.
According to a new study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the cause may be a natural antioxidant found in red wine, which interferes with the normal process of alcohol metabolism in the body.
Previous research has shown that red wine is more likely to trigger headaches in people who are sensitive to alcohol. Compared to spirits, white wine or sparkling wine, it is up to three times more problematic than beer. You don't even have to drink a lot - headaches can occur within 30 minutes after just one or two glasses.
How can an antioxidant become toxic?
To understand why red wine triggers headaches, researchers looked at the role of quercetin — a flavanol (a subclass of flavonoids) found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, including grapes. According to the American Heart Association, flavonoids provide benefits for heart and brain health. Quercetin is known as a healthy antioxidant and is even sold as a supplement, but when combined with alcohol, it can become problematic.
“When it enters the bloodstream, the body converts it into another form called quercetin glucuronide,” study co-author Dr. Andrew Waterhouse, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, explains to Everyday Health.
In this form, quercetin blocks the metabolism of alcohol, causing the accumulation of a toxin called acetaldehyde. The study's lead author, Dr. Apramita Devi, explains: "Acetaldehyde is a well-known toxin, an irritant that can cause inflammation. High levels of it are associated with flushing, headaches and nausea," the Telegraph reports.
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Why are some people more sensitive than others?
The authors suspect that in some individuals quercetin more readily inhibits the enzymes that break down alcohol, or their body reacts more strongly to the accumulation of acetaldehyde.
“Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and is often considered a beneficial nutritional component of red wine, but this study suggests that this is not always the case,” says registered dietitian Catherine Donelan. She adds that more studies are needed to confirm this, but the findings are of particular importance for wine drinkers who often suffer from headaches.
The researchers plan to test their theory in people who commonly get headaches after drinking alcohol. “If our hypothesis turns out to be correct, then we will have new tools to answer these questions,” says Waterhouse, adding that a clinical trial is already underway.
Flavanol levels vary by type of wine
The amount of quercetin varies greatly between red wine varieties, as it is affected by sunlight. “If the grapes are grown in full sun, the quercetin content can be four to five times higher,” explains Waterhouse. The production method also plays a role: the time the grapes are in contact with the skins during fermentation, the fining process (with egg white, gelatin or carbon) and the period of aging of the wine.
It's not just quercetin: the role of sulfites, histamine and tannins
"Historically, wine has been associated with side effects such as headaches, skin rashes, and nasal congestion. These are often attributed to sensitivities to ingredients such as sulfites, histamine, tannins, and tyramine," explains Donelan.
She adds that alcohol itself contributes to dehydration and damages the digestive, cardiovascular, immune, and central nervous systems. Furthermore, it is classified as a carcinogen, so the less you consume, the lower the risk.
How to avoid headaches from red wine?
To reduce the risk, Donelan suggests:
▪ choose varieties with little or no sulfites (usually organic wine),
▪ wines with lower tannin, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot,
▪ varieties with lower histamine content,
▪ wines with lower alcohol content.
Also, drink plenty of water and eat a protein- and fiber-rich meal before or while drinking wine. “This dilutes the potentially problematic content and slows its absorption in the digestive tract,” explains Donelan.
If you're trying a new wine, start with less than half a glass. If it gives you a headache, it usually happens within 15 minutes.
Remember!
Red wine can cause headaches due to the interaction of quercetin with alcohol metabolism, but also from the presence of sulfites, histamine, and tannins.
Choosing varieties with lower irritating ingredients, hydrating, and eating healthy before consumption can help prevent it. /Telegraph/
