Have you ever wondered why you often experience a headache following a glass of red wine? It can be confusing for some who have read about all of the health benefits a glass of red wine can have. Interestingly, about 1 in 3 people who drink wine occasionally suffer from headaches as a result according to some researchers. However, this is not from overdrinking. It can happen after just one glass. Here is a little of the science behind red wine and headaches.
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If you get headaches from red wine, the reason is the sulfites that naturally occur during the fermentation process. Unfortunately, this is a bit of an old wives’ tale. Only about 1% of people are actually sensitive to sulfites, and allergic reactions to sulfites include hives or labored breathing, not headaches. In fact, white wine is usually higher in sulfites than red.
The problem most suffer from actually has to do with some of the antioxidants that make red wine good for a person in the first place being removed. These antioxidants that are concentrated in the skin of the grape give red wine much of its color, flavor, and health benefits. Unfortunately, the winemaking process can often extract these flavonoids. When that happens, the wine is more likely to cause headaches.
The other culprit is often genetic. You may be sensitive to amines, a compound that appears in greater quantities in red wines than in white wines. It is also common in cured meats, aged cheeses, and dried fruits, so if you have problems with those foods as well, this may be where the sensitivity lies.
Regardless of what triggers your headaches, the real underlying problem may be in the upper neck. When the C1 and C2 are misaligned, headaches are one common result. This is because a misalignment in this sensitive area can affect brainstem function and cerebral blood flow. By correcting the misalignment, many have received natural relief from chronic headaches.
If you have a headache problem, despite what may set off an attack, it is a good idea to have an upper cervical chiropractor give you a proper examination. If a misalignment is present, a gentle adjustment may be able to set you on the course to better overall health and wellbeing.
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.