If you enjoy a glass of red wine every now and then, you might have experienced a headache after drinking it. If so, you're not alone. Many people complain of headaches after having red wine, and studies show that this is a common issue. But why does it happen? Is it only red wine that causes these headaches, or could other types of alcohol be responsible too?

Why does red wine cause headaches for some people?

Many people say that red wine gives them headaches more than other types of alcohol. Studies support this, showing that red wine is often the main cause of headaches for people who drink alcohol. Some people even say that this wine makes their migraines worse. In a study of around 2,200 people with migraines, about one out of three said alcohol caused their headaches. Of those, 78 percent said red wine was the main trigger for their migraines.

Morris Levin, a professor of neurology and the director of the Headache Centre at the University of California, San Francisco, has said that possibly millions of people suffer from these headaches. He supports the research that shows red wine is a frequent cause for those who experience headaches after drinking alcohol. Chia-Chun Chiang, a headache specialist at the Mayo Clinic, also mentioned that people with migraine disorders are often more sensitive to how alcohol affects them.

“How alcohol triggers headaches, and why only some people experience them, remains a mystery,” said Aaron White, the senior scientific adviser to the director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Experts believe there may be a few different reasons, but not all of these ideas have been proven yet.

Possible causes of headaches

One possible reason for headaches is something called tannins, which are found in the wine. Tannins come from the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes. Red wines, especially darker ones, have more tannins. This might make wine more likely to cause headaches for some people.

Another reason for headaches could be histamines or sulphites in wine. Sulphites are chemicals added to wine to keep it fresh, while histamines are naturally found in wine because of the fermentation process. Some people are sensitive to these substances, which might be why it gives them headaches.

A recent study suggests that quercetin, an antioxidant found in red wine, might also be causing headaches. Quercetin is found in the skins of grapes and is believed to help protect the body’s cells. However, some people might be more sensitive to it, which could lead to headaches.

Another possible cause is the way alcohol is processed in the liver. When you drink alcohol, your liver breaks it down into a substance called acetaldehyde. In large amounts, acetaldehyde can be harmful. If your body doesn’t break it down properly and it builds up in your system, it may cause headaches, especially in people who are sensitive to alcohol.

What you can do to avoid headaches

If red wine gives you headaches, here are some tips to help avoid them:

  1. Try cheaper red wines: surprising as it may sound, cheaper red wines might be better for you. Grapes used for cheap wines usually grow in areas with less sunlight, which can mean lower levels of quercetin (a compound that may cause headaches). These wines might be less likely to give you headaches.
  2. Go for lighter: Wines like pinot noir are lighter and might not cause headaches as much. Lighter wines generally have lower levels of compounds that might trigger headaches.
  3. Eat before drinking: Eating a meal or a big snack before drinking wine slows down the absorption of alcohol in your body. This can reduce the chances of getting a headache or experiencing other side effects.
  4. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is important to avoid headaches. Make sure you drink enough water before, during, and after drinking alcohol to stay hydrated and lessen the chances of a headache.
  5. Manage headache disorders: If you have migraines or other headache conditions, it can help to see a doctor for treatment. When your headaches are under control, you may no longer have headaches from drinking red wine.

If you often get headaches from drinking, there are ways to reduce or prevent them. Eating a good meal before drinking, choosing lighter or cheaper wines, and drinking plenty of water can help. However, for some people, it might be best to accept that red wine just doesn’t suit them. If you keep having headaches after drinking, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor for personalised advice.