Why Do I Get Headaches After Drinking Alcohol? Here’s Why & Fixes Upside Hangover Jelly

Chronic alcohol use can lead to a range of health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems and neurological damage. By enduring the temporary discomfort of withdrawal, you are setting yourself up for a healthier future. Experiencing headaches after stopping alcohol consumption is also not uncommon, especially for those who have been drinking regularly. This type of headache is often related to alcohol withdrawal, even if the individual wasn’t a heavy drinker. Alcohol can interfere with your blood https://ecosoberhouse.com/ sugar levels, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, which may contribute to the fatigue, irritability, and weakness that are often consequences of intoxication.

Migraine Headache

This response can catch you off guard, leading to questions about what might be causing this immediate discomfort. There’s a fascinating interplay of physiological reactions triggered by alcohol consumption that can contribute to that pounding sensation in your head. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which can rapidly lead to dehydration, and this is one of the prime culprits of sudden headaches.

Does wine trigger a headache more often than other types of alcohol?

In one study, researchers discovered that shy people had greater anxiety levels the day after drinking alcohol. You’ll want to make sure you have a full stomach before you drink, because as Mayo Clinic notes, alcohol is absorbed faster on an empty stomach. Scientists are finding some interesting foods that may help too, like asparagus. Research has found that extracts of asparagus leaves and shoots contain amino acids and minerals that may help liver cells better metabolize alcohol and reduce inflammation. Those components may also provide liver-protective effects, which could help your body recover faster, the research suggests — but why do i get a headache immediately after drinking alcohol no studies have yet been done in humans.

Alcohol Headaches: Why Some Suffer And Others Don’t

• Resting in a quiet room with low lighting can also help reduce sensitivity to light and sound.
• The correlation between alcohol and migraines, though, might not be as strong as once reported.
• “A sprinkle of salt on either can replenish electrolytes if someone has vomited,” Kennedy adds.
• If you’re not already working with a headache doctor, use our Find a Doctor tool to find someone in your area.

Alcohol inhibits the liver’s ability to regulate glucose levels, as the liver is busy detoxifying the body of alcohol. When the liver is occupied breaking down alcohol, it may not release sufficient glucose to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This can result in hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which is a common trigger for headaches. This article breaks down what might be causing your symptoms—like redness, nausea, or breathing issues—after drinking. We’ll explore potential triggers such as new health issues, medication interactions, or aging, and explain the difference between alcohol intolerance and allergies. Plus, get practical suggestions on managing these reactions, whether it’s adjusting your diet, medication, or alcohol intake.

Does Type of Alcohol Matter? Which Alcohol Is Best for Headaches?

To really see how this plays out, it helps to compare different drinks. Choosing wisely before you start your night is one of the best ways to protect yourself from a morning of regret. Simply being a bit more mindful about what you’re drinking can be a game-changer. If you want to dive deeper, check out our guide on what alcohol causes the least hangover for even more tips. When your body gets to work breaking down alcohol, it also has to deal with these complex compounds. This puts extra stress on your system, kicking the inflammatory response that causes a pounding head into overdrive.

• Drinks containing more alcohol and congeners may worsen the chance of developing a headache.
• As dehydration can cause headaches, staying hydrated when consuming alcohol is key.
• Research supports using this flowering plant to soothe those jitters, although study participants were given chamomile extract rather than tea.

Additionally, long-term sobriety can lead to improved mental health, better sleep, enhanced cognitive function and overall improved quality of life. Many people find that their mood stabilizes and their energy levels increase once they have fully detoxed from alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, greasy foods will not help you combat a hangover. That grease is not going to absorb the alcohol — which has already made its way through your liver. “It might sound good at the moment, but it won’t actually make your body feel better,” Michalczyk adds.

Sulfites

Additionally, keeping a drink diary or record of symptoms can help identify patterns and specific triggers drug addiction to make informed choices about alcohol consumption. Several factors may contribute to alcohol-induced headaches, including the presence of specific compounds in alcoholic drinks, such as congeners, histamine, and tyramine. Congeners are found in higher concentrations in darker liquors like brandy, dark rum, and whiskey, and may increase the likelihood of a headache. Histamine is common in red wine and can trigger migraines in certain people. Tyramine, found in red wine, beer, and whiskey, is another substance that can cause headaches or migraines.

A 1966 review noted 747 patients with alcohol-induced pain related to cancer, with Hodgkin lymphoma accounting for 40% of cases. Similar associations were found in reviews from 1994 and 2013, though there are only a few studies. The pain is very real, but scientific evidence for the reasons behind this phenomenon is lacking. We recommend taking a look at our patient guides, which include useful information like how to talk to your doctor about migraine.