From that late-evening espresso to the thrill of an impending holiday or the relentless pressures of a busy workweek, numerous factors can disrupt our nightly slumber. Yet, what often escapes our notice is the stealthy role that steroids, commonly taken for allergies or inflammation, may play in keeping sleep at bay. Gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between steroids and sleep is crucial in safeguarding ourselves against sleep disorders such as insomnia. This awareness is key to not only recognizing the potential impact of these medications but also to implementing strategies to ensure a peaceful night’s rest.
Did You Know?
Your genes encode drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug targets, and other proteins related to the action of drugs. Each individual has a unique genetic makeup. Hence, they might respond differently to certain medications. While some genes may affect the efficacy of the drug, others may result in side effects like insomnia. That is why we want to help you and your physician understand your genetic changes to optimize treatment and outcomes. Xcode Life’s Personalized Medicine Report profiles gene variants that influence your metabolic response to various drug therapies. The results of this report can be used as a supplement to the clinical decision-making process and reduce the cost and time associated with a trial-and-error treatment. Learn More
Corticosteroids or steroids are anti-inflammatory medicines that treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and weaken the immune system.
Steroids are prescribed to treat and manage conditions like the following.
Corticosteroids are different than anabolic steroids, which are used to increase muscle mass.
Steroid medications come in different forms.
Steroids usually don’t cause significant side effects if they are taken for a short time in smaller doses.
When used for more extended periods, steroids may cause the following side effects.
One of the very commonly noticed side effects of steroids is sleep disturbances, including insomnia.
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep all night.
People with insomnia don’t get good quality sleep at night, making them groggy in the morning.
An older study looked at the effects of hydrocortisone (a type of corticosteroid) on brain function and sleep. This study reports that hydrocortisone decreased Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, which is associated with poor sleep quality.
Studies suggest that steroids have similar structures to cortisol, the stress hormone.
The body makes cortisol when it is under stress. Usually, cortisol levels are high in the mornings and low at night to help the body rest.
Steroid medications disrupt the natural cortisol rhythm and keep the brain active at night.
Steroids may also reduce serum melatonin levels. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain during darkness.
Melatonin encourages the body to sleep. Steroids may cause sleep problems by reducing melatonin secretion.
All types of steroids may cause insomnia when the dosage is high or the period of usage is extended.
Corticosteroid tablets may show substantial side effects because the medication affects all parts of the body compared to injections or sprays that have more focused areas of action.
The following are the risk factors for steroid-induced insomnia.
While it is clear that corticosteroids may cause insomnia, for some people, these drugs can be important and cannot be avoided.
So, here are some tips from sleep experts on handling the drug’s side effects.
All studies report that the higher the dosage and the more extended the period of use, the risk of insomnia is high.
A 2020 study reports that symptoms of insomnia may start from day three of corticosteroid therapy and continue for as long as the medication is taken.
Talk to your doctor about the dosage and period of use, and try lowering both if possible.
Taking steroids in the evening or before bedtime may increase the chances of staying awake. Morning doses seem to be better for this reason.
Since corticosteroids drain melatonin levels, replenishing lost melatonin may help fall asleep at night.
Talk to your doctor to see if you could start melatonin supplements while on corticosteroids.
Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (SWS) is an unpleasant side effect of stopping steroids abruptly, especially if you have been using them for a longer period.
SWS can cause muscle stiffness, fatigue, joint pain, fever, or sleep disturbances. SWS could also be a contributor to insomnia.
Doctors recommend slowly waning off the dosage to help prevent SWS.
HELPME SLEEP is a nomogram created to help handle sleep problems in critically ill patients.
Individuals struggling with steroid-induced insomnia can also pick up pointers from this nomogram to help handle the issue.
Some tips that can help include:
Hand-picked Content For You: Can Lack Of Sleep Cause Nausea? How To Prevent It?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7829766/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7357890/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008542/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29061489/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3614616/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4052587/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroids/
Imagine having a tiny architect inside every cell of your body, designing and defining everything from your smile to the way you laugh. These microscopic architects, the genes, play a fascinating role in making you, well, you!
Genes are segments of DNA packed within the cells of every living creature. Imagine a long, winding train with countless carriages; each carriage here represents a gene. These genes carry the instructions for making proteins, which are the fundamental components of our body, influencing everything from our eye color to how our body fights diseases.
Think of genes as information vaults. Each one stores detailed instructions for making the proteins necessary for your body’s various functions. The human genome is an impressive collection of about 20,687 protein-coding genes, each a key player in your biological makeup. From determining your hair texture to influencing how you metabolize food, genes are the directors behind the scenes of your life’s play. The way they are expressed, or ‘turned on and off,’ determines how these proteins are produced. Various factors, including environmental elements and lifestyle choices, influence this process.
Genes come in different versions, known as alleles, which bring variety and individuality to life. For instance, one allele may lead to curly hair, while another results in straight hair. It’s the combination of these alleles, one inherited from each parent, that weaves your unique genetic tapestry. This diversity extends beyond physical traits; it includes differences like having dimples, blood type, or even susceptibility to allergies. Alleles are the essence of genetic diversity, playing a crucial role in both individual uniqueness and the broader scope of human evolution.
The study of genes and their functions has led to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine and biology. For instance, understanding genetic mutations has been crucial in identifying the risk of certain diseases and developing targeted therapies. Moreover, the versatility of genes is so profound that they can influence how we metabolize foods and medicines – a key factor in personalized medicine.
And that’s a wrap on genes! They’re not just biological jargon; they’re the essence of our physical and even behavioral traits. Join us next time in the “2-Minute DNA Digest” as we dive into another exciting aspect of genetics. Remember, every part of you tells a story written in the language of genes!
Are you looking for a natural way to support your liver’s detoxification process? Folate, a B vitamin found in many foods, may be the answer you’re searching for. Not only does it play a crucial role in DNA synthesis and cell division, but recent studies have shown that it can help with liver detox by washing the harmful toxins out of the body. Keep reading to find out if adding folate to your diet could be the key to a healthier, happier liver.
Did You Know?
Vitamin B9 needs to be converted into a form called tetrahydrofolate or THF to be effectively used by the body. The conversion of folic acid to THF is carried out by an enzyme called THF reductase. This conversion is a very crucial step in the MTHFR cycle. The MTHFR gene is a well-known gene associated with folate deficiency. This gene helps the conversion of inactive vitamin B9, such as folate or folic acid, to active B9, the THF. 30-60% of people have a change in this gene that ultimately leads to low vitamin B9 levels in the body. Other genes like MTYL1 also influence your vitamin B9 levels. A simple genetic test can reveal your genetic status of vitamin B9 deficiency. Learn more.
Detoxification is the metabolic filtration process by which the liver rids the blood and body of harmful and foreign substances.
It helps convert toxins into waste products, cleanses the blood, and metabolizes nutrients and medications to provide the body with essential proteins.
For this reason, it is of paramount importance to keep your liver healthy.
Folate or folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin in several foods, including leafy greens.
This essential vitamin plays a vital role in many biosynthetic processes, acting as a donor or carbon molecules like methyl groups (called methylation) to other organic compounds.
This process of methylation forms a part of the liver’s detoxification process.
The normal plasma folate levels in adults are 2 to 20 ng/mL.
Adults require about 200 micrograms of folate every day, while pregnant women are recommended to take 400 micrograms daily throughout their first trimester.
When the intake of folate is less, it can lead to folate deficiency. Common symptoms of folate deficiency are:
Elevated liver enzymes in routine liver function tests indicate a problem with the organ.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are two effective and inexpensive ways to keep the liver enzymes within the normal range.
Adding folate to the diet or taking folic acid supplements is known to lower liver enzymes.
A 2016 study linked folate deficiency to increased alanine transaminase (ALT) (a type of liver enzyme) levels and liver damage.
The study also stated that folic acid intake lowered ALT levels in people with liver damage.
Several studies have found that folate can help slow down the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and reverse inflammation and fibrosis (thickening of scar tissue in the liver).
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterized by fat build-up in the liver.
1 in 4 Americans suffers from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, resulting in cirrhosis and cancer over time.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore have discovered a mechanism that leads to fatty liver disease.
Their research found that vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements can reverse the process that leads to NAFLD.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an umbrella term for a range of liver conditions affecting people who drink little or no alcohol.
One of the study’s authors highlighted that fat deposition in the liver is reversible in its early stages.
If the condition is allowed to progress, the excess fat results in liver inflammation. This is termed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Unfortunately, there are no treatments for NASH, as scientists don’t completely understand the mechanics of the disease.
What is known is that NASH is associated with elevated levels of homocysteine (an amino acid).
Note: High homocysteine levels are toxic to the body; this amino acid is broken down by 2 vitamins – B9 and B12.
The authors found an association between homocysteine and NASH progression in preclinical models and humans.
When there’s an excess of homocysteine, it attaches to some liver proteins, thereby preventing them from doing their functions.
One such protein implicated in NASH is syntaxin 17, which is involved in the transportation, digestion, and removal of fats.
When homocysteine binds to syntaxin 17, it prevents the protein from removing fat from the body.
This drives the development and progression of fatty liver disease to NASH.
An Inexpensive Therapy For NASH
The study reported that two vitamins (B12 and B9) increase syntaxin 17 levels by breaking down excess homocysteine in the body.
The increased levels support the removal of fat cells.
This was found to slow down NASH progress and reverse liver inflammation and fibrosis.
The author says, “Vitamin B12/B8 could be an inexpensive way to prevent and delay NASH progression. Further, homocysteine levels can be used as a marker to assess NASH severity.”
Several foods are rich sources of vitamin B12 and folate.
A few common folate-rich foods to include in the diet:
Adults need about 1.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily.
Foods that are excellent sources of vitamin B12 are
Many factors like unhealthy lifestyles, exposure to pollution, and hard metals in diets can impair detoxification, resulting in several chronic conditions.
While the liver is the primary detoxification center in the body, other organs like the intestines, kidneys, and skin also play significant roles.
Here are some ways to support your liver detox:
We are exposed to toxins and harmful chemicals every day.
Eating a clean diet and drinking hygienic water are the best ways to reduce your toxic load.
Here are some ways to lower your toxin load:
While a glass of alcohol or a smoking session may seem relaxing at the end of a tiring day, they surely pump your body with harmful chemicals and toxins.
Limiting your alcohol and caffeine consumption and staying clear of any kind of smoke (active or passive) do a big favor to your liver.
Replacing smoking and drinking with healthy de-stress activities like walking, going to the gym, or doing yoga can support your liver detox.
Glutathione is an antioxidant found in plants and is made up of the amino acid glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid.
It is one of the major substances responsible for detoxification.
Glutathione can be taken as a supplement to boost liver detox.
Disclaimer: Nutritional supplements should be taken only after consulting a qualified medical practitioner. This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t serve as a prescription for any drug/supplement.
Gut health is important for immunity and overall health, and well-being.
When there is inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, it makes eliminating toxins in the intestines and the liver difficult, increasing the load on the kidneys.
Eating foods that cause inflammation, imbalance of healthy bacteria and yeast, and accumulation of harmful heavy metals can affect detoxification.
A clean diet rich in antioxidants and healthy nutrients can support the liver’s detoxification process.
Changes in certain genes can result in impaired detoxification.
A genetic mutation (abnormal change) that commonly affects detoxification is the MTHFR mutation.
The MTHFR gene produces an enzyme that converts inactive vitamin B9 to the active form.
Certain changes in this gene can result in MTHFR enzyme deficiency; this can decrease the levels of active vitamin B9, leading to homocysteine buildup.
This impaired gene functioning is said to cause chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, asthma, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and autism.
Knowing about your genes and the presence of mutations can help you and your doctor take appropriate measures to restore normal detoxification.
In our search for comfort during moments of anxiety and stress, it’s common to turn to indulgent foods like ice cream, donuts, and cheesy pizzas. While these treats provide temporary solace, they fall short of addressing the root causes of our anxiety. Stepping beyond momentary fixes, we find that proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in supporting mental well-being. Among the various nutrients, magnesium has emerged as a topic of interest for its potential “anxiety-relieving” properties. But does magnesium actually help with anxiety? In this article, we delve into expert insights to explore the efficacy of magnesium in alleviating anxiety symptoms, examining whether this vital mineral could be a crucial component in our mental wellness toolkit.
Did You Know?
Magnesium deficiency or hypomagnesemia can lead to muscle weakness, cramping, numbness, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, and several other symptoms. In certain cases, people may also have very high levels of magnesium, and this is termed hypermagnesemia. The magnesium levels in your body are partly influenced by your genes. CASR is a gene that contains instructions for producing a protein called the calcium-sensing receptor. Certain types of this gene can increase your risk of magnesium deficiency by reducing the reabsorption of magnesium in the kidneys. Learn more.
Anxiety is a feeling of intense fear or nervousness.
Around 4% of the global population currently experience some form of anxiety.
Anxiety is often treated with medications and psychotherapy.
Medications for anxiety include antidepressants and beta-blockers, while cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based approach to relieve symptoms of anxiety.
Magnesium is a common mineral found in the body, yet many adults are deficient in it.
It plays a role in regulating energy levels and brain health, which means a deficiency in this mineral can affect your mental health.
Magnesium boosts brain function and regulates cortisol levels in the body.
Cortisol is associated with increased stress, and lowering it can help decrease symptoms of anxiety.
Magnesium plays a vital role in maintaining your overall health and well-being.
However, whether magnesium helps improve symptoms of anxiety is a subject of debate.
The good news is that some studies show that magnesium does help in improving some symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Magnesium deficiency can cause delirium, mental numbness, and, in severe cases, coma.
It can also increase your risk of suffering from stress, depression, and anxiety.
However, we need more evidence and research to support this claim,
Health conditions such as diabetes and celiac disease are associated with low levels of magnesium.
People with alcohol use disorder can also suffer from magnesium deficiency.
You can either take magnesium as part of your diet or in the form of supplements.
Magnesium prescribed for anxiety should have two qualities:
The two most commonly prescribed forms of magnesium are magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate.
But these two forms will likely pass through the gut and cause loose stools and diarrhea.
Based on some recent studies, here are the forms of magnesium commonly prescribed to relieve anxiety:
It is said to be one of the most effective forms of magnesium against anxiety.
This form of magnesium has an amino acid called taurine, which has a calming effect on the brain.
It also leads to better absorption of magnesium in the brain.
Magnesium taurate is gentle on the gut and does not cause loose stools or diarrhea.
Studies show that this form of magnesium effectively treats anxiety.
However, it is expensive and might require higher doses to be effective.
Glycine is an essential amino acid and is an important neurotransmitter in the brain.
Glycine can significantly improve sleep, making this form of magnesium ideal for insomnia patients.
Magnesium glycinate is also quite gentle on the GI tract.
This is one of the best-absorbed forms of magnesium.
It increases both the serum and muscle levels of magnesium.
Some studies show that magnesium malate can help treat chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
Current research shows that magnesium taurate and glycinate are most effective in treating anxiety and mental health disorders.
There is limited research to show that magnesium is beneficial in treating anxiety.
However, magnesium does play a role in regulating the chemical messengers in the brain, which has led scientists to conclude that it might be effective in treating anxiety.
People who have used magnesium for their anxiety have generally given positive feedback.
If you are considering taking magnesium for your anxiety, start at low doses and gradually increase to avoid side effects.
You May Be Interested In: Is Anxiety Genetic? Nature Vs Nurture.
A viral TikTok video that has garnered widespread attention claimed that magnesium helps reduce anxiety.
Experts agree that we don’t have enough evidence to support this claim.
However, magnesium can potentially help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
Doctors say that magnesium can reduce anxiety since it plays a vital role in the body’s metabolic functions.
One hypothesis about anxiety disorders is that when you are anxious, the circuits in your brain are hyperexcitable.
This causes inappropriate signaling and, therefore, anxiety.
Magnesium may have a calming effect on the nervous system (hence, it may promote better sleep.)
This could be a possible reason why magnesium helps reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Clinicians will often ask you to get a thorough physical check-up before prescribing medication for anxiety.
It is done to rule out any nutritional deficiency that you might be facing, which could be causing the anxiety.
However, even if you are not deficient, you might still benefit from supplements to support your health.
It is always advisable to talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.
Magnesium is generally safe for most people when taken appropriately.
The body does not store magnesium; excess magnesium is eliminated through stool.
However, more than 350mg of daily magnesium supplements can cause side effects.
They include:
Large doses of magnesium (more than 2500mg) can cause serious side effects such as irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, and coma.
If you have taken too much magnesium, you can experience the following symptoms:
In severe cases, magnesium overdose can cause cardiac arrest.
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for healthy bones, muscles, and nerves.
It acts as a cofactor (or helper molecule) in several important biochemical reactions in the body.
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It is best to take magnesium supplements with meals.
Taking magnesium on an empty stomach can cause diarrhea.
While some recommend taking magnesium supplements just before bed, you can take it any time during the day as long as you consistently take it.
At present, we don’t have enough research to determine how much magnesium we need to treat anxiety.
The daily dietary allowance of magnesium recommended by the FDA is 350mg.
But this dose does not take into account any pre-existing mental health conditions.
If you are considering taking magnesium supplements, make sure that you consult your doctor to figure out the correct dose.
How long magnesium takes to work depends on your deficiency’s severity and metabolism.
It usually takes up to a week for anxiety to subside after starting on magnesium supplements.
It is essential to be consistent and monitor your progress over time.
Magnesium is often prescribed to soften stool and treat constipation.
Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea and cramps.
Magnesium supplements can interfere with certain medications, including heart medicines, diuretics, and antibiotics.
It can react with the Prakinson’s drug, Cinnamon.
If you take these medications, talk to your doctor before starting magnesium supplements.
People with heart disease, kidney disease, intestinal disease, and diabetes should not take magnesium supplements without consulting their doctor.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in muscle function.
Some research shows that taking magnesium supplements can help manage anxiety.
While more credible research is needed, those taking magnesium for anxiety reportedly had positive experiences.
Many forms of magnesium are recommended to treat anxiety, such as magnesium glycinate and carbonate.
Epsom salt baths are an alternative way of magnesium absorption.
Foods rich in magnesium, such as legumes and seeds, can also help counter magnesium deficiency in the body.
Magnesium interferes with certain medications and can have some side effects when taken in excess.
It is always advisable to consult a doctor before starting any supplements.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452159/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470576/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827637/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders
Did you know that around 70 million Americans are not getting enough sleep? When we think about the consequences of sleep deprivation, we often consider irritability, fatigue, or a foggy mind. However, a less-discussed yet equally important effect is its impact on our digestive health. Surprisingly, a persistent lack of sleep can lead to nausea, an unsettling connection that many might not be aware of. This revelation underscores the importance of quality sleep, not just for mental clarity and mood but also for our gut well-being. In this article, we delve into the intricate link between inadequate sleep and the experience of nausea, shedding light on why getting enough rest is crucial for our overall health. Plus, we’ll share practical tips to manage and prevent nausea caused by sleep deprivation.
Genes And Sleep Health
Some people feel refreshed with just 6 hours of sleep, while others feel drowsy even after sleeping for 9 hours. While you may be all about the morning jog, your friend’s day might not even start till noon! Like hair or eye color, sleep traits may also be associated with genetics. Understanding the genetic basis of sleep helps highlight certain factors that could affect the quality and quantity of sleep. Using your ancestry test DNA data, you can unlock more than 15+ important aspects of health. Learn more.
Getting a good night’s sleep benefits your gut health.
Here are a few ways in which insomnia affects your gut health:
Sleep deprivation is a condition where a person is not getting enough sleep.
It can be occasional, or it can be a chronic problem that lasts for a long time.
Research shows that chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to health issues.
It can also indicate that you are suffering from a disorder that is making you sleep-deprived, such as depression and insomnia.
Sleep deprivation can occur due to several reasons.
Some reasons can be simple and easy to treat, while others can cause concern and signal a deeper problem.
Some common causes of lack of sleep are:
You can also experience sleep deprivation when you are suffering from sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (when your breathing pauses when you are sleeping) or restless leg syndrome (when you feel like moving your legs when you are resting.)
Other health conditions like arthritis, back pain, heart disease, depression, and anxiety can all make it harder to get quality sleep.
Any amount of sleep that is less than what you need to feel rested is considered sleep deprivation.
Some studies label 24 hours of no sleep as sleep deprivation, while others say that not having a good night’s sleep is total sleep deprivation.
Getting only four hours of sleep for several nights can be termed partial sleep deprivation.
Over time, partial sleep deprivation can have the same effect on the body as total sleep deprivation.
Not getting quality sleep is also another reason for sleep deprivation.
You might be getting 8 hours of sleep, but waking up several times in the middle of the night can result in sleep deprivation.
The most common sign that you are sleep-deprived is feeling tired the next day.
Exhaustion can make you less alert and reduce your efficiency.
More specific symptoms of sleep deprivation are:
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Chronic lack of sleep can cause various disorders, such as:
Lack of sleep directly affects the digestive system and the body’s immune response.
It can lead to hormonal imbalances in the body.
All these factors can collectively make you nauseous.
Nausea is feeling sick to your stomach and having the urge to vomit.
Nausea can result from stress, current health conditions, or medications you currently take.
However, recent studies have found a connection between sleep deprivation and nausea.
When you are short on sleep, your appetite changes.
You start to crave unhealthy and oily foods.
You might also start drinking more coffee to counter the exhaustion from lack of sleep.
Eating foods high in salt and sugar causes gastrointestinal issues, which in turn can make you feel nauseous.
When you are sleep-deprived, your body’s immune system starts to work overtime, releasing a protein called cytokine.
Cytokine causes tissue inflammation all over the body, including in your digestive organs.
It can also make you feel nauseous.
Lack of sleep causes problems with regular hormone release.
When you are short on sleep, you feel exhausted and stressed.
Stress stimulates the hypothalamus to release corticotropin-stimulating hormone (CRF).
Too much CRF in the body can cause gastrointestinal issues.
It can cause spasms in the upper stomach muscles, making you nauseous.
This is why nausea tends to occur with insomnia.
Lack of sleep over a long period can cause problems with your overall health.
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Here are a few simple ways to deal with lack of sleep-induced nausea:
Better sleep hygiene can improve sleep quality and help counter sleep deprivation.
Here are some steps to get more quality sleep:
Lack of sleep can cause nausea.
Sleep is essential for the body’s overall health.
When you are short on sleep, you start to have problems with your digestive system and immunity.
You start to feel exhausted, which leads to stress.
All these factors collectively make you nauseous when you have not slept well.
You can counter the lack of sleep-induced nausea by avoiding junk foods, drinking fragrant tea, or going to an airy space or room.
You can also take steps to get better sleep at night, such as avoiding screens just before bed, not eating a large meal before bed, and cutting down on caffeine and alcohol.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/can-lack-of-sleep-cause-nausea
https://www.health.com/sleep-deprivation-8364530
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385214/
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation
A glass of wine after a long day may be a great way to unwind. In some people, though, drinking this alcoholic beverage can cause a headache and facial flush after. If you have been that person who has never been able to tolerate red wine, then recent studies report that quercetin, a type of polyphenol in red wine, could be the culprit. Keep reading to learn more about the study and what it concludes. If you love red wine but just can’t handle the headaches, we also have tips on enjoying your favorite drink without struggling with the after-effects.
Did You Know?
Our genes play a big role in how we respond to alcohol. Two key enzymes are involved in breaking down the alcohol we consume. A genetic deficiency in either of those enzymes can result in unpleasant side effects like red flush, nausea, vomiting, hangovers, or even severe toxicity! Learn more.
According to a 2021 report, the total wine sales in the United States in 2021 was $78.4 billion.
This number is only projected to increase in the coming years.
Multiple studies suggest that drinking moderate amounts of wine may help decrease the overall mortality rate, rate of cardiovascular diseases, and premature aging.
Red wine, especially, has higher amounts of antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals.
Unfortunately, not all people react well to red wine.
In some, consuming even small amounts of red wine can lead to headaches.
Red wine contains high amounts of certain polyphenols (pigments naturally found in plant-based foods) like tannin and quercetin.
Alcohol is also a rich source of histamines, chemicals that cause allergic symptoms in the body.
For a while now, researchers have been blaming histamines for causing headaches.
Histamine affects the hypothalamic activity in the brain, triggering migraines or contributing to their severity.
However, people who developed headaches after consuming red wine were usually fine with other types of alcohol.
So, the interest has now turned to the polyphenols in red wine.
Once you consume alcohol, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in the liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde and other compounds.
Now, another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), rapidly converts acetaldehyde into acetate.
Acetaldehyde is an active metabolite affecting the body and brain, causing various toxic, behavioral, and pharmacological effects.
Recent studies suggest that quercetin may affect the functioning of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) protein.
Quercetin can slow the conversion of acetaldehyde into acetate and, as a result, increase acetaldehyde levels in the body.
One of the side effects of high acetaldehyde levels could be headaches.
A 2023 study published in the open-access Scientific Reports journal proposed a new hypothesis on why red wine causes headaches in certain individuals.
This was not a human-subject testing study.
The researchers picked up chosen samples of red wine for analysis.
HPLC-grade phenolics were procured from Lifescience and pharmaceutical companies in the United States.
The researchers also procured Human recombinant ALDH2 enzyme and other reagents for the study.
The researchers used QuantiChrom™ aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor screening kits to measure how different phenolic compounds inhibited ALDH2.
This kit converted acetaldehyde in the red wine into acetic acid and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH).
The NADH interacted with a formazan agent, creating a colored substance.
The amount of colored substance absorbed was directly proportional to the enzyme activity, helping researchers understand the relationship between quercetin and the rate of ALDH2 inhibition.
The study observed the effects of different wine phenolics on the rate of ALDH2 inhibition.
The following were the results observed.
| S.no. | Compounds (20 μM) | ALDH2 inhibition (%) |
| 1 | Quercetin glucuronide | 78.69 ± 1.21 |
| 2 | Quercetin | 27.69 ± 0.61 |
| 3 | Tamarixetin | 25.83 ± 1.31 |
| 4 | Quercetin dihydrate | 25.71 ± 2.19 |
| 5 | Myricetin | 21.78 ± 1.56 |
| 6 | Quercetin-3-rhamnoside | 21.46 ± 1.90 |
| 7 | Quercetin galactoside | 20.61 ± 0.79 |
| 8 | Quercetin-7-rhamnoside | 19.58 ± 0.32d |
| 9 | Rutin | 18.53 ± 0.06 |
| 10 | Quercetin glucoside | 17.56 ± 1.84 |
| 11 | Kaempferol | 15.62 ± 0.78 |
| 12 | Catechin | 14.77 ± 0.39 |
| 13 | Epicatechin | 0.34 ± 0.12 |
According to the study, quercetin glucuronide, one of quercetin’s liver metabolites, showed the highest levels of ALDH2 inhibition.
The lowest inhibition was by epicatechin, a flavanol that belonged to the catechin family.
The primary limitation of the study was that it wasn’t human-tested since the study used a standard red wine sample for analysis.
However, there are different kinds of red wines in the world, each with varied quercetin levels. A larger sample could have led to more accurate results.
In human test subjects, specific gene polymorphisms could also affect acetaldehyde metabolism, which wasn’t considered in this study.
This is still a hypothesis, and human studies in the future may be able to verify this more precisely.
Hand-picked Article For You: Could You Have A Wine Allergy?
Thanks to genetic abnormalities, some people’s bodies may be unable to break down acetaldehyde effectively.
This can result in acetaldehyde buildup over time. Red wine contains much higher levels of quercetin.
As a result, drinking even small quantities of red wine can lead to excess acetaldehyde accumulation, leading to headaches.
For instance, studies report that 40% of Asians are born with a dysfunctional gene that does not produce enough ALDH enzyme to convert acetaldehyde into acetate.
In those consuming red wine in excess, quercetin may lead to severe ALDH2 inhibition over time, causing excess acetaldehyde circulation and headaches.
People with existing migraines may also be more susceptible to headaches when consuming red wine.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10940346/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10218803/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10218803/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37985790/#
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10662156/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6527032/#
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6527032/
https://www.ucdavis.edu/health/news/why-do-some-people-get-headaches-drinking-red-wine
