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What’s to blame for your headache after sipping some red wine?

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on June 23, 2016

Written by Monica Joyce, MS, RD, LD, CDE: Most individuals blame sulfates. They are easy to blame since they are listed on the bottle and so for years have had a finger pointed at them.

The Chicago Tribune article by Debbie Carlson based on research states otherwise. Red wine experts say that they are likely linked to tyramine and tannins. Tryamine is produced during fermentation and is know to trigger headaches in people that can’t break down the substance as well as effect blood pressure. Aged cheese also has high tyramine and wine and cheese is often eaten together. Tannin is the natural substance found in grape skin and seeds and in rd wine they are part of the fermentation process.

some tips from Dr. Seymour Diamond of the national Headache Clinic is to drink 2 cups of strong coffee which will constrict the blood vessels. A little bit of honey in coffee can also help since fructose can metabolize the alcohol faster. Water helps since it can dilute the effect of wine. If you enjoy a good glass of red wine it might be a good idea to try these tips or stick to one glass.