Other types of headaches, including severe headaches, can occur as a result of alcohol consumption. For instance, many people with migraine report ‌they cannot drink red wine. Experts think this is because red wine contains histamines, sulfites, and other ingredients that may trigger migraine. Alcohol-related headaches can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who live with migraine. While the exact reasons why alcohol triggers headaches are still not fully understood, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk and enjoy a drink without pain.

What alcohol to drink to avoid migraine attacks

• Darker liquors such as brandy, dark rum, and whiskey contain more congeners than lighter liquors like gin and vodka, so they may be more likely to cause a migraine.
• So with that goal in mind, we spoke to a number of physicians specializing in headache and migraine treatment as well as addiction medicine to find out exactly why drinking may trigger a headache.
• Reducing or eliminating alcohol may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
• Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.
• Several studies have investigated alcohol as a potential migraine trigger.

Its diuretic effect can lead to dehydration, a known contributor to headaches. For example, consuming about four standard drinks can cause the body to eliminate a significant amount of water over several hours. This increased urine production results from alcohol inhibiting the release of antidiuretic hormone, preventing kidneys from reabsorbing water. Staying well-hydrated is also important, especially when consuming alcohol, to counteract its diuretic effects. Drinking water before, during, and after alcohol consumption can help mitigate dehydration. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for personalized advice, diagnosis, and management if alcohol-induced migraines are a significant concern.

Prevention

Understanding how long these headaches can last can help you take the necessary steps to prevent or manage them effectively. Other reasons why alcohol causes headaches include changes in blood flow to the brain, inflammation of blood vessels, and its impact on serotonin levels. why does alcohol give me a migraine Additionally, alcohol affects blood circulation in the brain, causing an increase or decrease in blood flow that can result in throbbing headaches. Alcohol also has inflammatory effects on blood vessels, leading to tension and cluster headaches. It’s important to distinguish between a “cause” and a “trigger.” The cause of migraines is multifaceted, often involving genetic factors and imbalances in brain chemicals.

Symptoms

We know that Sobriety if we treat the underlying cause, we can make great strides in helping migraine patients live pain-free. There is some evidence that certain distilled spirits may cause fewer headaches. This is because beer and wine often contain more toxic byproducts from fermentation, such as aldehydes.

Is alcohol or another component of the drink the trigger?

The interval between drinking red wine and developing headache varied from 30 min to 3 h, https://beyondpetfood.com.au/does-alcohol-dehydrate-you/ and only one or two glasses need to be ingested. Wine contains some ingredients such biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine etc), sulphites, phenolic flavonoids that theoretically could provoke headache. While many individuals report alcohol as a trigger for their migraine episodes, the exact cause remains uncertain.

• However, the relationship between alcohol and migraines is complex, involving several scientific theories.
• Nonalcoholic beverages with little to no added sugar are the best drinks for migraine.
• When we really keep track, sometimes we find that the food or drink was not to blame at all.

Monitoring your alcohol intake can help minimize the impact of triggers. Drinking in moderation, staying hydrated, and keeping a migraine diary to identify your specific triggers can all help reduce the impact of alcohol on your migraines. Red wine is frequently cited as the most common culprit for triggering migraines. Darker liquors such as brandy, dark rum, and whiskey contain more congeners than lighter liquors like gin and vodka, so they may be more likely to cause a migraine. Alcohol is a trigger for migraine in some people, with one study finding that around a third (33%) of people who get migraines are sensitive to alcohol.

Furthermore, alcohol contains histamine, a compound that triggers headaches in certain individuals, especially those prone to allergies. Alcohol also stimulates the body to produce more histamine, potentially exacerbating the problem. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it is clear that alcohol’s impact on hormones and blood chemistry plays a significant role in causing headaches and hangovers. It is important to note that ethanol, the main compound in alcohol, is still the primary source of hangovers and other residual effects of alcohol. However, congeners are also believed to play a role in the occurrence of hangovers and headaches, especially for people who are prone to migraines or headaches in general. There isn’t one best alcohol type for individuals with migraine, because triggers can differ from person to person.