Do this if you want to avoid a wine headache this Christmas

Ah red wine. The very second our flip flops are packed away for the winter our wine allegiance switches from rosé to red. Nights out become that little bit cosier, and mornings become that little bit heavier. Well actually a lot heavier, because though a night supping the red is undoubtedly more sophisticated than slamming the sambucas, the pounding head you’ll likely wake up with is so not the one.

But turns out there’s a scientific reason red wine headaches are so goddam awful. According to Vinepair, the cause of those wine-induced throbbing heads is down to tannins (the naturally occurring compounds in grape skins and seeds), sugar and histamines.

You experience the effect of tannins any time you get that drying feeling in your mouth. Unfortunately, some of us are more prone to getting headaches after drinking tannin-rich reds like Riojas and Malbecs (you can test if you are by drinking over-brewed black tea and seeing if you feel the same effects). But even if you’re not susceptible to tannin-induced headaches, most of us will feel the effects of the sugar and histamines, which cause dehydration and headaches.

When you consume lots of alcohol and sugar, if you’ve not been chugging the water, your body starts to pull the necessary water from other parts of your body, including your head. Hence, headache.

Histamines are chemicals that the body releases when we have an allergic reaction and can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose and the dreaded headache. Research has revealed that certain food and drinks that have been aged can lead to the body releasing allergy-type symptoms. Hence, headache.

So what can we do about it? Is there anything we can do to stop those hideous headaches ruining our day? For a start you can be wine-smart about the plonk you’re choosing. If you’re tannin-sensitive, avoid tannin-rich reds like Cabernet Sauvignons or Malbecs, or stick to white wine instead.

And though you’re likely to be skint in the run-up to Christmas you should try to steer clear of cheap wines because they have a higher sugar content. Ditto dessert wines (but you’re probably not really a dessert wine connoisseur anyway are you?)

If histamines are causing your throbbing head, try popping an anti-histamine before a night on sauce.

For most of us though, the cause of a wine headache boils down to a simple equation: Too much red wine + not enough water = killer headache. The solution? Drink a bucket-load of water and don’t overdo it. Simples.

What are your best tips for avoiding a wine induced headache? Let us know @yahoostyleuk

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