Alcohol and Headaches: How Drinking Changes Headache Frequency and Triggers
Wondering if alcohol is spiking your headaches? See what types of drinks trigger pain, how much is too much, and practical ways to cut headache frequency-without guesswork.
If you’ve ever felt a pounding throb after a glass of red, you’re not alone. Many people notice that wine can kick off a migraine, but the exact reason isn’t always clear. Understanding what’s happening in your body makes it easier to decide whether to skip the bottle or try a different approach.
Red wine contains several compounds that can act as migraine triggers. Histamine, tannins, and sulfites are the usual suspects. Histamine widens blood vessels, which can lead to that throbbing sensation. Tannins affect serotonin levels, and for some folks that shift can set off a headache. Sulfites keep wine fresh but also irritate sensitive nerves.
Alcohol itself is a vasodilator – it expands blood vessels in the brain. That sudden change can be enough to start a migraine attack, especially if you’re already prone to them. Dehydration plays a role too; alcohol makes you pee more, so you lose fluids faster than you think.
First, try a small taste test. Sip just one ounce of red and wait 30 minutes. If you feel any tension or visual changes, stop drinking – it’s a sign your body reacts badly. Staying hydrated is a simple fix: drink a glass of water between each alcoholic sip to keep fluid loss in check.
Choosing the right wine can help too. Look for bottles with low sulfite labels or opt for white wines, which usually have fewer tannins. Some people find that organic or biodynamic wines cause less trouble because they avoid many additives.
If you still want to enjoy a glass, pair it with food rich in magnesium – nuts, leafy greens, or dark chocolate. Magnesium can calm nerve activity and may lower the chance of a migraine starting.
When a headache does begin, act fast. Over‑the‑counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen work best if taken early. A cool compress on your forehead or neck can also shrink blood vessels and ease pain. If you have prescription meds for migraines, follow your doctor’s plan as soon as symptoms appear.
Finally, keep a simple diary. Note the type of wine, how much you drank, any foods you ate, and whether a migraine followed. Over weeks you’ll see patterns that tell you which drinks to avoid and which ones are safer.
If migraines keep showing up despite these tricks, it’s worth chatting with a healthcare professional. They can run tests for histamine intolerance or suggest preventative medications tailored to your triggers.
Bottom line: red wine can be a migraine trigger because of its mix of histamine, tannins, sulfites, and alcohol’s effect on blood vessels. By testing small amounts, staying hydrated, picking low‑sulfite options, and tracking your reactions, you’ll know whether you can enjoy a glass without the pain or if it’s best to stick to something else entirely.
Wondering if alcohol is spiking your headaches? See what types of drinks trigger pain, how much is too much, and practical ways to cut headache frequency-without guesswork.