A Featured Barefoot Wine Article

Red Wine Headache - Sulfites, Histamines or ?

There was so much discussion after I posted John Kelly's article regarding sulfites, wines and headaches, I did some further research and wanted to pass the information along.
Red Wine Headache (RWH) is a well documented phenomenon. But there is no definitive information regarding RWH because there is no funding available for research. There is no evidence that sulfites are the cause of wine headaches. In fact, research done with subjects known to have sulfite allergies confirm that headaches are not one of the symptoms they experience when drinking wine. White wines often contain more sulfites than reds, and dried fruit contain sulfites and no one who eats either complains of headaches. So what is the culprit?

Some have suspected tannins, but tea, soy and chocolate have tannins and don't seem to be an issue.
Red wine has a lot more histamines than white, but there was a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology regarding a study of 16 people with an intolerance to wine, found no difference in reactions to low- and high-histamine wines.

Right now it looks like the cause may be prostaglandins, hormone like substances that may be responsible for the production of some types of pain and inflammation. A new study showed a distinct decrease in headaches in subjects prone to RWH and given prostaglandin inhibitors. In some non-controlled studies it looks like taking aspirin, which reduces prostaglandin production, may control or reduce RWH.
As I get more information I will post it and if any readers have any information please pass it along.

The Wine Rack: Red Wine Headache- sulfites, histamines or ??

Short Review on Barefoot Wine

Cork Taint: Something to Wine About


Drinking wine is a pleasurable experience. It leaves us relaxed, at ease, cheerful, and packed full of antioxidants. But, it doesn?t come without its ...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Barefoot Wine Items

The FTD Loving Remembrance Basket - Deluxe


In shades of pink, yellow and soft blue, accented with sprigs of green, this basket arrangement conveys your deepest sympathies. S32-3169D


Price: 85.99 USD



Current Barefoot Wine News

Red Wine Uruguayan Tannat - A Guide to This Fine Wine Its Benefits and Secrets

Tannat red wine produces wine tasting notes of red fruits and spices with an intense cherry red color and purplish tint. Why the Uruguayan Tannat is different to the French Tannat wine? The wine ...


Wine Tasting
Wine Prints

Labels: Wine Regions | Wine Review

&type=page">