Researchers from the University of California have claimed that a compound that’s also present in a number of foods could be the reason why you suffer from red wine headaches
Scientists claim to have cracked the “millennia-old mystery” behind why red wine often leads to headaches.
The culprit appears to be quercetin, a compound present in larger amounts in red wine compared to white, say researchers from the University of California. They found that this compound might trigger a build-up of acetaldehyde, a known headache-inducing toxin.
The director of the university’s Headache Center, Dr Morris Levin, suggests that even “modest amounts” of quercetin could cause headaches in individuals, particularly those with existing conditions like migraines.
Dr Levin stated: “We postulate that when susceptible people consume wine with even modest amounts of quercetin, they develop headaches, particularly if they have a pre-existing migraine or another primary headache condition.”
He pointed out that east Asians might be more prone to these headaches. About 40 percent of people from regions like Korea, China, and Japan may find it difficult to clear acetaldehyde due to a particular enzyme deficiency.
Nonetheless, not all experts are on board with this hypothesis. Professor Roger Corder, an emeritus professor at Queen Mary University of London, suggests other components within wine could also be responsible for the headaches.
They include pectinases which, said to generate methanol, and dimethyl dicarbonate, a preservative used in more budget-friendly wines.
He labelled the quercetin theory as simply a “speculative hypothesis”, barely hanging on “only by the minutest of evidence”. As Healthline outlines, quercetin is found naturally in foods like veggies, fruits, and grains, potentially boasting health perks aplenty.
The antioxidant is renowned for its role in combating free radical damage, often linked with chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart problems. Beyond that, it’s suggested to temper inflammation, allergy flare-ups, and even high blood pressure.
Quercetin supplements are sometimes taken for boosting immunity, cutting down on inflammation and allergic reactions, improving workout results, and overall wellness. Although, exceeding 1,000 mg daily has been shown to possibly lead to headaches, stomach issues, and a sense of tingling.
When grappling with a headache, try keeping off the booze, not skipping meals, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and avoiding eye strain from prolonged screen use, says the NHS.
Persistent headaches, unresponsive to pain relief, marked by throbbing pain on the head’s side or front, feelings of nausea, or headaches routinely surfacing around your period signal it’s time to consult a doctor, according to NHS advice.
It also said that you should seek an urgent appointment or ring 111 if you or your child has a severe headache in combination with jaw pain while you’re eating, blurred or double vision, a painful scalp, or numbness or weakness in your arms or legs.
For more insights into headaches, visit the NHS website here.
