Wine recommendations for migraine sufferers

[Thomas]

Perhaps Bucko, our resident Dr., can weigh in on this one.

It seems to me you are in a fix. Migraines appear to be triggered by red wine, probably for the same reason some people get headaches from red wine -- I get them infrequently enough not to quit drinking the stuff; it happens to me during pollen season.

Red wine, by virtue of its long skin contact, plus possible elements picked up during oak aging, can create a build up of histamines in the body. The sinus is the place for histamine build up to show its mettle, and headaches are a by-product.

I have a friend who loves wine, all colors, but she cannot drink red wine because she suffers from migraines. She misses the wine, but says it truly is worth the absence of pain. Caffeine withdrawal seems also to give her migraines, as does chocolate.