By Jennifer King
If you find that you can’t consume as much alcohol as you used to in your younger years, science can explain the reasons why. As people age, their bodies’ natural ability to process alcohol changes. Factors such as a slower metabolism, lower water content in the body, and decreased liver function can cause worse hangovers, as can taking certain medications and health conditions that can compound a hangover’s effects. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy wine as much as you used to in your younger years. The key is to prioritize quality wine, choose the best bottles, and embrace the art of pacing.
Choosing Organic Wines
Organic food and beverages are known for containing more antioxidants and health benefits than their processed and chemical-ridden counterparts. The topic of whether organic wines reduce hangover severity, however, is far from settled. Some argue that these wines, made with organic grapes, are gentler on the body because they contain fewer sulfites and other preservatives. In non-organic wine, sulfites are added to prevent spoilage, oxidation, and premature aging. Organic and 100% organic wines, in contrast, must have no added sulfites and may contain sulfites only up to 10 parts per million. What effect does this have on hangovers?
Sulfites Aren’t to Blame
Some studies have shown that sulfites can produce asthmatic reactions in a small number of individuals, but when it comes to the classic symptoms of a hangover, such as a pounding headache, other components of wine, including histamines, tannins, and even alcohol itself, were more likely involved. Histamines, for instance, cause inflammation, dilate blood vessels, and can trigger allergy-like symptoms such as headaches and congestion. Tannins, meanwhile, trigger the release of serotonin (which can cause headaches) and may relax blood vessels in sensitive individuals. They can also cause a dry-mouth sensation, especially at high concentrations.
Making Smart Organic Wine Choices
Understanding wine types such as rosé, red, and white wines and the components of each of these wine types is vital if you wish to reduce the likelihood of a painful hangover. So is a little experimentation. For instance, if you react strongly to tannins, then it is wise to avoid red wine (which is high in tannins) and opt for organic rosé or white wine instead. Although rosé wine is made with Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and other red varietals, it generally has significantly fewer tannins than red wine. It is essentially made by limiting contact between red grape skins and juice to a few hours, meaning it fails to extract the high levels of tannins present in red wines, which are fermented with skins for weeks. White wine also contains much lower concentrations of tannins than reds, as it is usually pressed immediately to separate the juice from grape skins, seeds, and stems. Organic wine is still a better choice simply because it contains fewer additives, and hangovers can vary significantly in nature and severity depending on how the individual reacts to different ingredients.
Organic Wine Is Lower in Sugar and Potentially Triggering Additives
Research from Newcastle University shows that organic crops can have up to 60% higher antioxidant levels than conventional crops, meaning organic wines are the healthier choice. Organic wines are lower in sugar because their sweetness originates from the grapes themselves. When sugar is consumed, blood glucose levels rise quickly, causing the body to release insulin to bring levels back down. When the glucose drop happens too quickly or the body is subjected to constant rises and falls, the result can be headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and irritability. Non-organic wine can also contain a host of additives such as “mega purple,” a grape concentrate used for color and sweetness. It can also contain oak chips for flavor, and animal products such as gelatin, egg whites, milk products, fish bladders, and even clays like bentonite, which is used to clarify wine. Migraine sufferers know that triggers can come from a host of sources, which is why consuming wine whose contents are not clearly defined can be risky.
Organic wine is the smart choice for consumers who want to know exactly what they are feeding their bodies. While the low sulfite levels of organic wine may not necessarily keep hangovers at bay, its lower sugar content can certainly help avoid headaches caused by sugar spikes and dips. This beverage is also a good choice for those with a high sensitivity to additives, since strict requirements govern permitted ingredients.
