The hangover histamine connection

Have you ever woken up after a night of drinking with a pounding headache, feeling like your body just went through a wrestling match with a bear? Well, you're not alone. Many people experience hangovers, and one of the surprising culprits behind these unpleasant mornings is histamine. You might have heard of histamine in the context of allergies, but it also plays a significant role in how your body reacts to alcohol.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is a natural chemical found in your body and in certain foods. It's involved in various bodily functions, including your immune response, digestion, and nervous system. When you're exposed to allergens like pollen, your body releases histamine, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. But histamine isn't just about allergies; it can also be found in fermented foods and drinks, including alcohol.

Histamine in Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, beer, and certain spirits, contain varying levels of histamine. The histamine content in these drinks comes from the fermentation process. For example, red wine contains higher levels of histamine compared to white wine. If you’re sensitive to histamine, drinking these beverages can lead to a range of symptoms that contribute to that dreaded hangover.

How Histamine Affects the Body

When you consume alcohol, it affects your body in several ways. Alcohol itself can be a vasodilator, meaning it widens your blood vessels. This can lead to symptoms like headaches and flushing. But when you add histamine into the mix, things can get even more complicated.

Histamine acts on your body by binding to certain receptors, causing blood vessels to dilate further and leading to inflammation. This can result in symptoms like:

- Headaches: Histamine can cause your blood vessels to expand, leading to those throbbing headaches often associated with hangovers.

- Nasal Congestion: Just like with allergies, histamine can cause your nasal passages to swell, making it harder to breathe.

- Flushing: Histamine can cause your skin to become red and warm, a common reaction some people have when drinking alcohol.

- Stomach Issues: Histamine can increase stomach acid production, leading to nausea and digestive discomfort.

Why Some People Are More Affected

Not everyone reacts to histamine in the same way. Some people have higher levels of an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which helps break down histamine in the body. If you have low levels of DAO or if your DAO is not working properly, you might be more sensitive to histamine. This means that even small amounts of histamine from foods or drinks can trigger symptoms.

Alcohol and Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance is when your body can’t effectively break down histamine, leading to a build-up of this chemical in your system. This can cause symptoms similar to allergic reactions. When you drink alcohol, it can inhibit the action of DAO, making it even harder for your body to deal with histamine. So, if you're already histamine intolerant, alcohol can make your symptoms worse, leading to more severe hangovers.

How to Reduce Hangover Symptoms

If you suspect histamine is contributing to your hangovers, there are a few steps you can take to minimize your symptoms:

1. Choose Low-Histamine Drinks: Opt for alcoholic beverages with lower histamine content, such as white wine, vodka, or gin. Avoid red wine and beer, which tend to have higher histamine levels.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol. This can help flush out toxins and reduce the concentration of histamine in your system.

3. Pace Yourself: Drinking slowly can give your body more time to process alcohol and histamine, reducing the likelihood of a hangover.

4. Take Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines might help alleviate some of the symptoms caused by histamine. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before combining these with alcohol.

5. Eat Wisely: Some foods are also high in histamine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. Avoiding these foods when you plan to drink can help reduce your overall histamine load.

6. If you are interested in getting ZeroHangO! then go to the top of this page and click on Home (or on the three horizontal lines if on a cellphone and then click Home). Scroll down the page for more product information.

Conclusion

Understanding the connection between histamine and alcohol can help you make better choices and potentially avoid the worst hangover symptoms. While histamine isn't the only factor contributing to hangovers, it plays a significant role, especially for those who are sensitive to it. By being mindful of what you drink and taking steps to manage histamine levels, you can enjoy your night out without dreading the morning after. So, the next time you raise a glass, remember to think about histamine and make choices that will keep you feeling good the next day. Cheers!