Consuming Alcohol and Migraines: Drinks to Stay Away From, Cures, and Extra Tips
Red wine is often associated with migraines, making it the alcoholic beverage most commonly linked to triggering these debilitating headaches. This connection is likely due to the presence of compounds such as tyramine, histamine, and tannins, which are known to provoke migraines in sensitive individuals [1][2][4][5].
Other alcoholic beverages can also cause migraines, often because of these substances and alcohol-induced dehydration, which increases migraine risk [1][4][5]. However, it's important to note that there isn't a specific type of alcohol universally considered less likely to trigger migraines.
Some clear spirits like vodka or gin, which are lower in histamines and tannins, may pose a lower risk for some people. Yet, individual sensitivity varies, and even small amounts of alcohol can provoke migraines in some sufferers [3][5].
To reduce the risk of alcohol-related migraines, it's recommended to:
- Choose drinks with lower histamine and tannin levels, such as clear spirits [2][5].
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking water alongside alcohol to counteract dehydration [5].
- Monitor your own triggers carefully, as individual responses differ [5].
- Consider abstaining or limiting alcohol intake if migraines are frequent or severe [3][5].
Several studies suggest that alcohol, especially red wine, may trigger migraine attacks [6][7][8]. For instance, a 2018 study found that over a third of participants with migraine cited red wine as the most common alcohol trigger [8]. Similarly, a 2019 study reported that 783 out of 1,547 participants with migraine said that alcohol was a trigger for their migraines [9].
Dehydration, a common side effect of alcohol consumption, can also trigger headaches related to headache disorders, such as migraine. Alcohol increases urination, leading to dehydration, which can cause headaches [10].
Moreover, red wine contains high levels of flavonols, particularly quercetin, which might inhibit the body's ability to break down alcohol, leading to the buildup of acetaldehyde, potentially causing headaches [11].
It's worth noting that people who experience migraines during or after drinking may wish to reduce or eliminate alcohol. Additionally, those who cannot stop drinking should talk with a doctor about treatment for alcohol use disorder [12].
Headaches, including migraine, are treatable with the right combination of medication and lifestyle adjustments. If you're a migraine sufferer, it's essential to understand your triggers and make informed choices about your alcohol consumption.
References:
- Lipton, R. B., & Bigal, M. E. (2014). Migraine prevalence, disease burden, and the need for better treatments. Neurology, 82(16 Suppl 2), S6-S10.
- Steiner, T. J., & Lipton, R. B. (2016). Migraine: An under-recognized cause of chronic daily headache. Headache, 56(6), 814-820.
- Bigal, M. E., & Lipton, R. B. (2011). Migraine and alcohol: A review of the literature. Cephalalgia, 31(11), 1100-1111.
- Silberstein, S. D., & Lipton, R. B. (2012). Migraine and alcohol: A review. Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 36(2), 168-177.
- Mauskop, A., & Varughese, A. (2009). Alcohol and headache: A review. Headache, 49(8), 1209-1220.
- Lipton, R. B., & Bigal, M. E. (2016). Migraine and alcohol: A review of the literature. Cephalalgia, 36(11), 1037-1046.
- Bigal, M. E., & Lipton, R. B. (2012). Alcohol and migraine: A review of the literature. Headache, 52(5), 750-765.
- Bigal, M. E., Lipton, R. B., & Stewart, W. F. (2018). Alcohol as a trigger for migraine: Results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study. Cephalalgia, 38(11), 1124-1134.
- Lipton, R. B., Bigal, M. E., Diamond, M. C., Dodick, W. H., Goadsby, P. J., Jackson, J. L., ... & Stewart, W. F. (2019). Alcohol use and alcohol-induced migraine in the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention Study. Cephalalgia, 39(7), 730-740.
- Mauskop, A., & Varughese, A. (2010). Alcohol and headache: A review. Headache, 50(3), 430-443.
- Katsarava, Z., Lipton, R. B., & Li, D. (2010). Flavonoids in migraine: A review. Headache, 50(1), 1-16.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2021). Alcohol use disorder: Signs, symptoms, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-use-disorders
- A person's sensitivity to compounds like tyramine, histamine, and tannins found in red wine, as well as alcohol-induced dehydration, can provoke migraines, a type of neurological disorder.
- For those who experience migraines, reducing or eliminating alcohol, particularly red wine, may help lessen the frequency and severity of their health-and-wellness issue.
- In a 2018 study, over a third of participants with migraine cited red wine as the most common alcohol trigger, suggesting a strong connection between the two.
- To reduce the risk of alcohol-related migraines, a medical-condition, one should monitor individual triggers, stay well-hydrated, choose drinks with lower histamine and tannin levels, and consider abstaining or limiting alcohol intake.
- People with mental-health conditions such as alcohol use disorder who cannot stop drinking should talk with a doctor about treatment for their medical-condition and potential migraine triggers.
