…but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s the deal, if you are anything like me you get a wicked headache after consuming red wine. It doesn’t even need to be that much, but lets face it, if one glass is going to give me a headache I may as well have two (or three).

Many have made the switch to white, since it contains less histamine, in fact red wine contains 10-200% more histamines than white wine does. For me I just can’t make the switch, I love the dark berry.

Alcohol in general is going to have an affect on anyone with histamine issues, especially if you are suffering from a deficiency in DAO (an enzyme which degrades histamine). Now add in a high histamine red wine and it’s a nightmare for many of us.

Let’s dig into the common ingredients:

• Fungicides
• Mycotoxins
• Phthalates

All three of these are considered mast cell triggers. <Mast cells are “master regulators” of the immune system. They come from bone marrow and go into all tissues of the body. Each mast cell contains secretory granules (storage sacs), each containing powerful biologically active molecules called mediators. These can be secreted when mast cells are triggered, leading to allergic and inflammatory diseases.>

• GM/ commercial Yeast: another concern is the yeast used in production of wines, in most cases it is genetically modified yeast and this is a huge histamine trigger.
• Sulfites: A wine maker can claim that there are “no sulfites” added, but all grapes create sulfites as a result of the fermentation process. Fermenting yeasts found on grape skins generate naturally occurring sulfites, about 6 to 40 ppm (parts per million). It is a MYTH that organic wine is sulfite-free. However they contain naturally occurring sulfites which don’t cause the same issue for most people
• Sulphur dioxide: A preservative which causes hives, dermatitis, GI issues and the dreaded “hot flash flush”
• Ammonium Sulphates: Another preservative which can cause a feeling of nausea, leading to vomiting for some, GI issues and of course creates a histamine response in the body.

Another fun fact is those who are prone to asthma may notice some wines are a trigger. If you have any kind of mast cell disorder both histamine and inflammation are being dumped into your bloodstream causing an asthma flare.

By now many of you are likely sitting there thinking that you have to give up your beloved red wine, which unless you are suffering from severe symptoms you wont have to. While I do recommend cutting it from your routine temporarily, it doesn’t have to be forever. Better yet I have a suggestion! Check out Dry Farm Wines, they are organic, low/no histamine, sulphite and preservative free, sugar free and also GM yeast free. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Cheers!, and you’re welcome.