So, it’s possible that a histamine sensitivity could make you more susceptible to a headache when sipping on the red stuff. Fortunately, it’s easy to treat an alcohol-induced headache with plenty of rest, water, and TLC. You can also take steps to prevent headaches and other hangover symptoms in the future. Drinking plenty of water throughout the night can also help you avoid regretting that last beer the next day. By interspersing alcoholic drinks with water, you can stay hydrated. Remember to continue drinking water even after you’ve finished your final beer to avoid dehydration. Regardless of your background or drinking habits, enough of any type of beer will leave you with a hangover headache afterward. Certain ingredients and other components can lead to headaches and worse in the following hours.
- Hangover headaches are one of the most common effects of alcohol.
- However, prospective studies limit considerably the importance of alcohol as a trigger.
- It may also be helpful to keep a food journal to help narrow the list down of food and drink triggers.
Alcohol, and not a different constituent of the drink, is probably the trigger.
The Difference Between Alcohol-Induced Migraines and Headaches
Marxen M, Gan G, Schwarz D, Mennigen E, Pilhatsch M, Zimmermann US, et al. Acute effects of alcohol on brain perfusion monitored with arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging in young adults. Yadav RK, Kalita J, Misra UK. A study of triggers of migraine in India. Kuster GW, da Silva AL, Aquino CH, Ziviani LF, Domingues RB. Frequency and features of delayed alcohol-induced headache among university students.
Some people are equipped to handle alcohol better than others and are more adept at breaking down byproducts. These people are less likely to experience hangovers, and when they do, the results will be less severe. Greasy foods help line the intestines which causes alcohol absorption to take longer. Fructose, the naturally occurring sugar from fruits, helps return portions of the body’s chemical balance back to normal following does alcohol cause migraines alcohol consumption. Generally, a larger person will require more drinks to achieve the same blood-alcohol concentration as a smaller person. Therefore, smaller people might need less alcohol to trigger an alcohol-related headache. The type of alcohol being consumed can determine how little is needed to cause a headache. This is because ingredients and additives used in alcohol production can trigger headaches.
What’s the Connection Between Alcohol and Migraines?
When alcohol is made, the fermentation process creates a byproduct called congener. In fact, it was also suggested that dural mast cells could promote headache by releasing 5-HT, prostaglandin I and histamine . Many people have turned to abstinence as their preventative measure for reasons stated above. Sober House As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. If you have persistent lightheadedness or vomiting, seek medical attention. It’s important to note that alcohol use disorder is a serious illness that can have life-threatening consequences.
What are common triggers for migraines?
- Hormonal changes in women. Fluctuations in estrogen, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy and menopause, seem to trigger headaches in many women.
- Drinks.
- Stress.
- Sensory stimuli.
- Sleep changes.
- Physical factors.
- Weather changes.
- Medications.
But taking gabapentin and drinking alcohol at the same time can be dangerous. While the medication can be used to treat the painful symptoms of migraines, it should never be taken along with alcohol. Sulphites have not been shown convincingly to lead to headache in individuals with sulphite sensitivity. Sulphites are considered to be the cause of red wine intolerance, particularly asthma .