Headache after red wine: scientists have found a possible cause
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Scientists have found a probable reason why even a glass of red wine can cause headaches.
The matter may be flavonoids – compounds with an antioxidant effect, which are contained in grapes and are included in the composition of the drink.
This is reported by Medical News Today with reference to a study published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports.
A group of scientists from the University of California analyzed the composition of red wine in detail. They found a high content of flavonoids in it.
Among them is quercetin. It is an antioxidant found in grapes. It is in combination with alcohol that it can cause negative side effects.
| Flavonoids in red wine can cause headaches. Photo: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images |
“The most interesting aspect of this project is that the effect is not direct. In other words, we found that the ‘culprit’ is quercetin glucuronide, but if you consume it with other food, you will not get a headache.
According to our hypothesis, headache occurs only when quercetin and alcohol are consumed simultaneously. I think that’s why it took so long to study this issue.” Andrew Waterhouse, co-author of the study, said.
It is during the interaction of quercetin with alcohol that it turns into another form – quercetin glucuronide. This leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, which is a toxin. It causes redness, headache and nausea.
However, our body produces an enzyme that breaks down acetaldehyde – aldehyde dehydrogenase.
“You probably know someone in your life who is more affected by alcohol. They get very red when they drink. They can’t seem to drink as much as others, and they get worse headaches when they drink.” “In some people, it’s due to a genetic variation that causes aldehyde dehydrogenase to work less efficiently. As a result, acetaldehyde builds up in their bodies more quickly, and they get more hangovers.” – explained Nate Wood, an employee of the Yale School of Medicine, who was not involved in the research.
A derivative of quercetin, quercetin glucuronide, may have a similar effect. It actually blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase.
The method of growing grapes affects the level of quercetin content. Exposure to sunlight during growth potentially increases it.
In addition, the adverse consequences of drinking red wine are influenced by the high content of substances such as histamine and tannins.
There may also be a genetic factor that should not be ruled out. In particular, the lack of an enzyme that metabolizes alcohol.
People with migraines may also be at increased risk of red wine headaches. Women are also more prone to it. They have a higher percentage of body fat that stores alcohol and lower levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase.
At the same time, side effects from drinking alcohol, including flushing and headaches, occur in 40% of the East Asian population. They have a dysfunctional form of aldehyde dehydrogenase.
Neurologist Mary-Ann Mace from the Cleveland Clinic advises to follow these rules to reduce the risk of negative effects after wine:
- red wine should be avoided or consumed in small quantities;
- give preference to white wine.
- choose high-quality wines with less sugar.
- do not drink on an empty stomach.
- follow the rule “1 to 1” – a glass of wine, then a glass of water or a sip of wine, then a sip of water.
We will remind you that earlier we wrote that the consumption of alcohol in any quantity has a harmful effect on the human body.
Read also: How alcohol affects the nervous system and what are the alternatives for “soothing”
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