Why Does Alcohol Give Me a Headache? Causes & Relief Methods

It may be that people have individual differences in brain receptors that influence the brain’s reaction to alcohol. Some reports suggest that some individuals only develop hangovers after taking these IPAs and not other types. Perhaps they may be allergic to some of the components in these beers. Besides the hop and malt residues present in hazy IPAs, these beers may contain other undissolved protein particles in suspension. Yes; hazy IPAs, like Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing, have been reported to cause severe headaches. Some individuals claim that hazy IPAs cause more headaches than regular ones.

• It is very important that you consult your doctor about timing, safety, and frequency before trying this approach.
• People sensitive to particular allergens may suffer wheeziness, skin flushes and headaches.
• If you choose to drink, do so responsibly and be prepared to adjust your intake based on your migraine symptoms.

Beer Headache: Don’t Let the Booze Leave You With a Buzzing Head

A moderate risk of bias was assigned when the paper received positive answers between mentioned ranges. The assessments were conducted by three researchers (BB, PN and MS1) separately, then the fourth author (MWP) compared this data and made a final decision. If you do feel like you need support regarding your alcohol intake, there Alcoholics Anonymous is no shame in asking for help. Reach out today, and our friendly and understanding team will take you through the available treatment options for alcohol dependency.

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Some people may experience an alcohol-related migraine between 30 minutes and 3 hours after drinking. Tension-type headaches are one of the most common types, affecting more than 70% of people. They cause mild to moderate pressure or pain that usually affects both sides of the head. Drinking plenty of water during and after alcohol consumption may decrease the chance of headaches. Perhaps you are one of those that develop headaches and hangovers after drinking an IPA. Don’t worry; there are measures to prevent this to allow you to enjoy your favorite beverage.

• Alcohol intolerance, on the other hand, is the inability to properly digest alcohol due to the lack of specific enzymes needed to break it down.
• Analysis of the 22 included studies revealed 5 cohort studies 36, 45, 52, 55, 58, 11 cross-sectional 26, 27, 44, 46–48, 51, 56, 57, 59, 60 and six case-controls 49, 50, 53, 54, 61, 62.
• According to a study examining the difference in blood-alcohol levels in women compared to men, the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol is smaller in females than in males.
• Additionally, artificial sweeteners can cause a release of chemicals that can trigger headaches.

Migraine Headache

So, the question of who is drinking more with a primary headache is still to be addressed. Additionally, only a few of the studies divided participants into migraine with and without aura. Therefore, there was insufficient data to analyze the relationship between alcohol and aura, and the data that does exist is inconsistent 65, 86. As why does rum give me a headache mentioned in the discussion above, alcohol consumption assessment is strongly based on patients’ honesty.

When alcohol is ingested, it causes a process known as diuresis, which involves the body releasing excess fluids in the form of urine. In the USA, 51% of adults consumed alcohol in the last year; additionally, 11% of those over 50 years old and 6% over 65 age reported the symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependence 21. In Europe, 60% of adults over 60 years of age are current drinkers, and 20% of these had higher levels of consumption than the general population 22.

There are some other factors you can look at, too, when you’re trying to figure out if you’re dealing with a hangover headache as opposed to a headache that’s caused by something else. If you are sensitive to one or more of the ingredients in beer, you may get an instant headache from consuming it. Eventually, the chemical makeup of your body becomes unbalanced, causing a hangover headache or sore throat. In other words, these issues are a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism in the body. According to the National Headache Foundation, over 90% of people have experienced an alcohol-induced headache over the course of their lives.

• Opting for lighter-colored liquors like vodka or gin may be a better choice for those prone to alcohol headaches.
• If you feel a headache coming on, drink a tall glass of water and take some over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin.
• It’s best to limit alcohol to one or two drinks when you do decide to indulge in some alcohol.

Individuals with lower body weights cannot process as much alcohol https://cambioskapital.com/sober-living/recovery-tattoo-ideas-symbols-of-strength-and-2/ as individuals with higher body weights. While there is some research on the reasons alcohol causes headaches, study authors have not definitively proven the link between the two. If the headache persists or gets worse despite the treatments listed above, it may be helpful to speak to a doctor about your symptoms. If stress is causing your headache, take a few minutes to relax and practice deep breathing or meditation.

The role of congeners and histamines in alcohol

Are non-carbonated beverages a safer choice for headache-prone folks? Ditching the bubbles can reduce the risk, especially if carbonation is the trigger. But remember, other factors like caffeine and additives might still play a role. Gaining a greater understanding of these headaches can be key in battling them. There are multiple ways in which you can prevent and heal an alcohol-induced headache using natural remedies.

Dehydration headache

This histamine release can trigger a cascade of events that lead to migraines. Histamine can cause blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, leading to inflammation and pain. However, congeners can also have negative effects on the body, including triggering headaches.

How to Prevent a Cocktail Headache

Additionally, sipping drinks slowly with plenty of water throughout the night can also help reduce the likelihood of a hangover. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of malaise. The effects of a Histamine headache can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Treatment may include antihistamines and other medications to reduce inflammation and reduce the amount of histamine in your body, as well as lifestyle changes to reduce triggers.