Today we want to discuss how to identify a red wine intolerance and what physical symptoms it has.

How does a red wine intolerance manifest?

We want to emphasize again at this point that a reaction to wine can sometimes also be a wine allergy. Wine-specific allergies can manifest as stomach pain, numbness in the mouth and throat area, or wheezing when breathing. In this regard, they differ somewhat from a general alcohol allergy. Especially with red wine, these symptoms are more often caused by sulfites, histamine or other compounds in the wine. Red wine even contains more of these potentially problematic components than white wine. The grape skins can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people. So pay attention to which signs appear immediately after drinking.

Although some signs of an allergy to red wine do not automatically mean you should stop drinking it, it is naturally frustrating if you were a fan of the vino.

But once you have felt the signs of the allergy, it is probably all the easier (and healthier) to skip the wine.

Did you know? Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University surveyed hundreds of people living in a wine region in western Germany. Of the approximately 950 respondents, almost 25% of the group reported at least mild signs of alcohol intolerance.

Symptoms of a red wine intolerance

The symptoms of a red wine intolerance can sometimes be similar to those of an allergy. For an accurate diagnosis of intolerance, you can order a home intolerance test and consult your general practitioner.

Headaches: With alcohol, an intolerance or allergy does not necessarily have to be present for possible symptoms to occur. Some people simply drink too much or do not tolerate red wine. People especially often get headaches from the histamines in red wine. If you do not tolerate histamines, you could develop allergy-like symptoms after drinking wine because it contains this compound. In addition to headaches, nasal congestion, hives and digestive problems can also occur as a reaction to histamines.

Red rash: If you suffer from a red wine intolerance or allergy, one of the most important signs is facial redness or a pinkish tint that develops on the face while drinking. This is due to the tannins in the wine and can be very unpleasant. Tannins are another substance in red wine that can trigger symptoms in some people. With the Medicross intolerance test you can quickly find out which intolerances you might suffer from.

Breathing difficulties: As a reaction to red wine intolerance, narrowing of the mouth and throat area can occur, which can be perceived as breathing difficulties. The airways can indeed narrow and cause difficulty breathing, which may manifest as wheezing.

Which substances cause a red wine intolerance?

Wine contains proteins from grapes, bacteria, and yeast as well as sulfites and other organic compounds. Each of these components, which are also found in beer and spirits, can trigger an allergic reaction or symptoms of red wine intolerance.

The symptoms of a red wine intolerance vary in type and severity depending on the person and can differ depending on the wine consumed. In general, the most common reaction is an itchy skin rash and redness. However, some wine drinkers may experience breathing difficulties, so it is important to seek help in the case of a moderate or more severe reaction.

People with sulfite allergies or sulfite sensitivity can have allergic reactions to wine and beer. Sulfites are chemical compounds usually used as preservatives. Winemakers and brewers often add sulfites to inhibit yeast growth and achieve the desired fermentation. Sulfite allergies can manifest differently than other wine allergies and can be more severe. Sulfite allergies can even trigger asthma attacks. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before drinking wine if you think you might suffer from this. The causes of a red wine intolerance or allergy can overlap but are usually due to the following ingredients.

The histamines, which are produced by bacteria and yeast in alcohol, are particularly high in red wine and can cause a reaction in some people. The same reaction is often triggered by chocolate or tea, which also have a high histamine content.

The main reason our immune system reacts to wine is related to certain ingredients or chemicals in the wine. The most common reaction is due to sulfates that naturally form during winemaking or, as mentioned, are later added as preservatives. Sulfates are found not only in beer and wine but also in a variety of foods such as dried fruits.

Gluten and wheat, which are often found in barley used to make beer, can also be present in some vodka, gin, and whiskey brands. In general, wine, sake, and cider are gluten-free, but when in doubt, you should choose an organic or gluten-free wine brand.

The glycoproteins are a protein found in fruits like grapes, bananas, and kiwis and can also form during wine fermentation. When consumed, they can cause allergy-like symptoms.
Besides ruling out intolerances, your body also needs sufficient vitamins to maintain your health. For this, you can do a home micronutrient analysis and, based on the results, have a personalized nutrient mix created for you. We wish you good health.