Arielle Cruz
Alcohol is a common trigger for migraine attacks, with around one-third of people with migraines reporting alcohol as a trigger. However, the type of alcohol consumed may play a role in the likelihood of experiencing a migraine or headache. For instance, red wine has been described as a dominant trigger of migraines and cluster headaches due to its high levels of tannins and congeners. Other wines, such as white wine, champagne, and sparkling wines, as well as beer, have also been linked to headaches. To reduce the impact of alcohol on migraines and headaches, it is recommended to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of alcohol. While some people may find that certain alcohols are less likely to trigger headaches, the response varies from person to person, and complete abstinence from alcohol may be the only solution for some individuals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Type | Vodka, gin, and other drinks with lower alcohol by volume (ABV) are less likely to cause headaches. |
| Consumption | Drinking in moderation (1-2 drinks/day) may reduce the likelihood of alcohol-induced headaches. |
| Individual Sensitivity | The response to alcohol varies, and some people may be more sensitive to certain types of alcohol or specific components within alcoholic drinks. |
| Dehydration | Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can trigger headaches. Staying hydrated while drinking alcohol may help reduce the risk of a headache. |
| Caffeine | Caffeinated alcoholic beverages may contribute to migraine attacks and headaches. |
| Sugar | Sugary alcoholic drinks may be more likely to trigger headaches. |
| Tannins | Tannins in red and white wine can cause headaches and contribute to migraine attacks. |
| Congeners | Alcohol with high levels of congeners, such as brandy, red wine, and rum, may trigger headaches and migraines. |
| Sulfites | Wines with lower levels of sulfites may be less likely to cause headaches. |
| Personal Experimentation | Keeping a record of symptoms after consuming alcohol can help identify specific triggers and choose drinks that are less likely to cause headaches. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol is a common migraine trigger
Alcohol is a common trigger for migraine attacks, with about one-third of people with migraines reporting alcohol as a trigger. However, only 10% reported a frequent link. Alcohol can trigger a migraine attack within 30 minutes to three hours of consumption, and people with migraines are also more susceptible to experiencing a headache the morning after drinking, known as a delayed alcohol-induced headache or hangover headache.
The exact cause of alcohol-induced migraine attacks is unknown, and the root cause may differ between individuals. One theory is that the chemicals alcohol is broken down into by the body may directly trigger migraines. Another theory is that alcohol's diuretic effect, which increases urine production and can lead to dehydration, may be the cause. Alcoholic drinks also contain certain compounds besides the alcohol itself that may trigger migraine attacks, such as congeners, which are more prevalent in darker drinks like red wine, brandy, and whiskey. Additionally, alcohol causes our blood vessels to expand and increases blood flow, which could contribute to migraine attacks.
While there is no way to completely prevent alcohol from triggering migraines, monitoring your intake and drinking in moderation can help minimize the impact of triggers. It is also recommended to drink water alongside alcohol to prevent dehydration, a common migraine trigger. If you are unsure whether alcohol is triggering your migraines, keeping a detailed migraine journal that includes any foods and drinks consumed can help identify patterns.
Some individuals with migraines have reported that certain types of alcohol are less likely to trigger attacks. For example, some people can drink Fireball Whiskey, Amaretto Sours, and vodka without issues. However, the only guaranteed way to avoid alcohol-induced migraines is to abstain from drinking altogether.
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The type of alcohol may not matter
Alcohol is a common trigger for migraine attacks, with about one-third of people living with migraines reporting alcohol as a trigger. However, the mechanism through which alcohol triggers headaches is not well understood. While acute widening of blood vessels in the brain (vasodilation) may explain the cocktail headache, experts believe that nerve chemicals involved in central pain control, like serotonin, are responsible for hangover headaches. Interestingly, the type of alcohol does not seem to affect whether a person gets a headache.
Some studies have found that red wine is a common headache trigger, particularly in people with migraines. This may be due to high levels of certain compounds called flavonols, particularly quercetin. Additionally, tannins, which are found in both red and white wine, can also contribute to headaches. However, individuals' responses to alcohol vary, and there is no alcohol that will absolutely not cause a migraine or other types of headaches.
To reduce the impact of alcohol on migraines and the possibility of alcohol-induced headaches, it is recommended to drink in moderation, typically defined as two drinks or fewer per day for men and one drink or fewer per day for women. It is also helpful to maintain hydration by choosing drinks with a lower alcohol by volume (ABV) and adding water to mixed drinks. Identifying specific food and drink triggers is crucial, and keeping a migraine diary can help determine which alcohols trigger migraines and which do not.
While some people may find that certain types of alcohol are less likely to trigger migraines, the overall evidence suggests that the type of alcohol may not matter. Individual sensitivity to specific components of alcoholic drinks likely plays a role in triggering migraine attacks. Therefore, the best approach is to pay attention to how your body reacts to different types of alcohol and make choices that align with your personal triggers.
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Red wine is a common headache culprit
Alcohol is a common trigger for headaches and migraines. While ethanol is the biggest trigger for migraine attacks after drinking alcohol, other components of alcoholic drinks may also act as triggers.
Red wine is a common culprit for headaches and hangovers. Firstly, red wine contains congeners, which are impurities formed during fermentation. Research suggests that higher levels of congeners are associated with feeling worse after drinking. Red wine typically has more congeners than white wine, and darker liquors such as brandy, rum, and bourbon. One congener that is associated with hangover symptoms is acetaldehyde, which is 10 to 30 times more toxic than ethanol.
Secondly, red wine contains tannins, which are compounds that contribute to headaches. They are found in both red and white wine but are more concentrated in reds. Tannins are also found in tea, coffee, and chocolate and can cause vaso-relaxation or blood vessel relaxation, which can lead to headaches.
Thirdly, red wine may contain added sulphites, which are often blamed for headaches. While sulphites are naturally produced during fermentation, some wines may contain additional sulphites as preservatives. Wines with added sulphites are challenging to find and maintain, so they are relatively rare.
Finally, cheaper red wines may contain synthetic tannins or have a higher tannin content due to the way the grapes are handled. They may also use oak alternatives treated with chemicals to accelerate the absorption of oak flavors, which may aggravate headaches.
To reduce the chances of a headache from red wine, it is recommended to drink in moderation, stay hydrated, and eat before or while drinking.
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Alcohol-induced headaches may be preventable
The type of alcohol does not seem to affect whether a person gets a headache. However, some types of alcohol may be less likely to cause problems than others. For instance, red wine has been described as a dominant trigger of migraines and cluster headaches, but white wine, champagne, sparkling wines, and beer have also been linked to headaches. Additionally, brandy, red wine, and rum have the highest levels of congeners, which are substances that play a role in hangovers, while gin and vodka contain fewer of these chemicals.
To reduce the impact of alcohol on headaches and the possibility of alcohol-induced headaches, it is recommended to drink in moderation, which is defined as two drinks or fewer in a day for men and one drink or fewer in a day for women. It is also helpful to have an accountability partner to monitor your intake and to hold a glass of water or another non-alcoholic beverage to avoid social pressure.
Furthermore, it is important to identify your specific triggers. Keeping a record of any symptoms that occur after consuming alcohol and discussing them with your doctor can help with this. Some people may find that they can tolerate small amounts of alcohol without experiencing headaches, so slowly reintroducing occasional, small amounts of alcohol can help reduce the extent to which your brain interprets the beverage as dangerous.
Finally, it is worth noting that some foods and drinks can aid in alcohol-induced headache recovery. Mango, thyme, ginger, and asparagus are known to contain helpful properties for this purpose. Additionally, staying hydrated and eating on schedule are key non-pharmacologic treatments for people with migraines.
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Caffeine-free drinks may be best
Alcohol is a common trigger for migraine attacks, with about one-third of people living with migraines reporting alcohol as a trigger. However, the mechanism through which alcohol triggers these headaches is not well understood. While vasodilation may explain the cocktail headache, experts believe that nerve chemicals involved in central pain control, like serotonin, are responsible for hangover headaches.
The type of alcohol does not seem to affect whether a person gets a headache. However, red wine has been described as a dominant trigger of migraines and cluster headaches, with white wine, champagne, sparkling wines, and beer also being linked to headaches. Brandy, red wine, and rum have the highest levels of congeners, which are substances produced in the alcohol manufacturing process that contribute to hangovers.
If you are prone to migraines, it is recommended to steer clear of sugary and caffeinated beverages. Caffeine has been shown to contribute to migraine attacks, so it may be best to stick to caffeine-free drinks. Vodka, gin, and tequila are clear liquors with fewer congeners that may be better options for those prone to migraines. Additionally, mixed drinks with added water, such as a vodka soda or wine spritz, can help with hydration, which is key in migraine prevention.
It is important to note that the response to alcohol varies from person to person, and there is no alcohol that will absolutely not cause a migraine or headache. The best drinks for migraine sufferers are those that they have determined do not contribute to their attacks. Keeping a migraine diary can help identify which alcohols trigger migraines and which ones don't.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no alcohol that will absolutely not cause a headache. However, some drinks are less likely to trigger a migraine attack. These include vodka, gin, Fireball Whiskey, and Amaretto Sours.
Some ways to reduce the impact of alcohol on migraines include drinking in moderation, having an accountability partner, and keeping a record of symptoms that occur after drinking alcohol.
Some remedies for alcohol-induced headaches include eating fruits, herbs, and vegetables, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and drinking water, electrolytes, and healthy fruit or vegetable snacks.
