6 Ways to Prevent Wine Headaches

Love wine, but hate feeling crappy the next day? Here are 6 easy tricks to prevent wine headaches!

I may have been a Sommelier in my previous career, but now even one or two glasses of wine gives me a headache!

Completely giving up wine would make me pretty sad, so I found a few ways that allow me to enjoy my occasional glass and prevent wine headaches that used to take the fun out of it!

6 Ways to Prevent Wine Headaches

1. Drink Organic Wines / Sulfite-free wines

I’ve always wondered if the sulfites in wine are the culprit for that “yucky” feeling the next day. So when I saw a bottle of sulfite-free, organic wine for $4.99 on my last grocery shopping trip, I couldn’t help myself.

Simple Truth Organic is Kroger’s line of organic products. The Simple Truth 2013 California Red Wine is certified organic and contains no traceable amount of sulfites. (To be certified organic, a wine must also be sulfite-free.)

As far as taste goes, Simple Truth Organic red wine is fruity and smooth, though it won’t have the oaky-ness that may be a familiar flavor for some. It’s not mind-blowing stuff, but hey, it’s only five bucks after all! No complaints here!

Note: this is not a sponsored post. I simply saw Simple Truth Organic Wine at the grocery store and was curious!

I had two glasses on the night of my very (un)scientific experiment, which usually would be enough for me to feel after-effects in the morning, or even later in the evening. However, I felt great the next day! Score one for the sulfite-free wines!

Scientists are mixed on the validity to the claims that sulfite-free wines can prevent wine headaches. However, the results were positive for me!

What are sulfites anyways? “Sulfites” refers to sulfur dioxide, which is used to stabilize and preserve wine, giving it a longer shelf life. Sulfites are present in many foods from french fries to dried fruit. A small percentage of people, especially those who suffer from asthma, are known to be allergic to sulfites, though the jury is out on the exact effects on the general population.

2. Down a glass of water between each drink

My husband is not much of a drinker. However, when he does indulge, he always follows an alcoholic drink with a full glass of water.

Water itself does not prevent hangovers. What is does do is prevent dehydration, the effects of which can feel as bad or worse than a hangover.

3. Avoid carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks, both alcoholic and virgin, irritate the lining of the stomach. This not only can cause stomach upset, but it can also speed up the absorption of alcohol.

When enjoying wine, stay away from beer, soda, and even sparkling wine (which always makes me feel poorly the next day).

4. Pair food with wine

Not only is it fun to pair food and wine, but food will slow the body’s absorption of alcohol. So go ahead and fix that cheese plate, and say yes to the chocolate!

5. Take your vitamins…at night

This was the trick I swore by in college. I may or may not have drank more back then (wink).

When I returned home after a night out with friends, I would take my daily multivitamin with a full glass of water. I did this immediately before I went to sleep.

Note: I was not taking and extra dose of vitamins…that can make you sick. I simply waited to take my usual daily multivitamin until bedtime.

6. My “top secret” weapon

A few months ago I was invited to try a drink called RESQWATER, which claims to contain vitamins and minerals that fight toxins and free radicals in the body caused by drinking. I was skeptical, but this stuff really worked for me!! So much so, that I felt it deserved a mention here (even though this post is not sponsored).

It’s pricey, so I only use it on nights where I have more than one glass of wine.

This is my full review of RESQWATER and my husband’s amazing recipe for Tropical Rum Punch. You can purchase on Amazon if you want to keep a few bottles on hand for those extra-special occasions.

One more thing…

These tips to prevent wine headaches probably won’t work if you drink the whole bottle or mix it with a bunch of other alcohols.

These tips are simply meant to help you enjoy a glass or two with fewer side effects. They are based on my own personal experience, and of course, I am not a medical expert. Always drink responsibly!

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6 Ways to Prevent Wine Headaches

6 Ways to Prevent Wine Headaches

1. Drink Organic Wines / Sulfite-free wines