WINE ALLERGY OR WINE INTOLERANCE

     There are many stories in the news about allergies, and this includes Wine Allergies. Oh the Horror! But it is true. Worst yet, some folks do not even know that they have Wine Allergies or Intolerances. So is it a Wine Allergy? Or a Wine Intolerance? Let's dive in!

Unfortunately, this luscious glass of Red Wine can not be enjoyed by everyone. Photo comes from http://i.huffpost.com/gen/829452/images/o-GLASS-OF-WINE-facebook.jpg 

What is the Difference?

Wine Allergy: If after drinking a glass of wine (Red Wine is usually the offender), you experience a flushing of the skin (a rosy glow), nasal congestion, diarrhea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat, then by golly, the answer is yes. I mention Red Wine causing more issues than White Wine because the components making Red Wine come from the grape skins which may contribute to these reactions. These composites are left out of White Wine, because White Wine does not use grape skins. You may want to switch to White Wine which may have less of a reaction.

Wine Intolerance: A Wine Intolerance is more common when it comes to wine sensitivity. After a glass of wine, there is a flushing of the skin, rapid heart rate, and itchy skin, this could be a Wine Intolerance. There is another issue to mention and that is Alcohol Intolerance. Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand. This in turn causes flushing of the skin. If this is your only symptom, it could be a reaction from the ethanol found in any drink with alcohol.

     However, Wine Allergies and Wine Intolerances tend to mimic hangovers or seasonal allergies. Consequently,  people often attribute their symptoms to these.

What Are Specific Causes?

1. SULFITES and HISTAMINES

     Specific Wine Allergies are caused by Sulfites, Histamines, and a mixture of other ingredients used in the making of wine. This can include animal products from fish (including shellfish) to egg whites. While these products are not added directly to wine, they are used in its production. My advice if you have known sensitivities, is to read the wine label for ingredients. If you read on the label, may contain fish or may contain eggs, you may want to abstain.

     Sulfites occur naturally in the fermentation of the wine, and are useful in killing harmful bacteria. However, wine is not the only product that contain Sulfites. They can be found in ground beef, breakfast sausage, Dijon mustard, and dried fruits. Sometimes a plate of food can have more Sulfites than a glass of wine. If you think you might have a Sulfite Allergy, then you may experience a similar reaction from the aforementioned foods.

     Histamines in wine are caused by yeasts and bacteria in the wine-making process. This occurs in the beginning when the grape skins come in contact with the grape juice of the red grapes. The process is called Maceration, which gives the color and natural tannins from the grape skin contact to the wine.

     Reactions to Histamines may include headaches or even migraines, facial flushing, vertigo, rapid heart rate, nausea and vomiting, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. However, foods such as Aged Cheese, Fish and Meat can contain higher levels of Histamines than wine.

2. REACTION TO ALCOHOL

     Alcohol fermentation make different forms of alcohol. The different alcohols interact with acids and make the bouquet in wine. The fermentation process creates the tasting notes in wine that you will not find in grape juice. Grape juice is always going to  taste like........grape juice!

     An Alcohol Reaction can cause your skin to break out in hives and rashes, or your skin to flush. However, flushed skin can be  because of Rosacea, any other preexisting condition, or from medication. It is never a good idea to mix medication with alcohol. Check with your doctor before doing so.

If you have a reaction to wine, beer or spirits may be an option. Photos come from:
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/291682421881-0-1/s-l1000.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wKjXoSckzbQ/maxresdefault.jpg  

     To decide if you have a negative Alcohol Reaction to wine, you could try other kinds of alcohol such as spirits or beer. I do caution these kinds of alcohol because they can contain gluten. If you have a Gluten Intolerance, you should stay away from them. On the other hand, if there is no reaction from drinking spirits or beer, then there is your answer. A good point to remember is alcohol increases your existing sensitivities by decreasing your immunity to those sensitivities. This is why your hay fever is worse after a few drinks.

3. TANNINS

     The Tannins in wine come from skins of red gapes and oak barrels that wine ages in. Tannins are the bitter, acidic taste in your mouth. One can get the same type of taste from black coffee, black tea, or dark chocolate. Reactions to Tannins include a headache or migraine, stomach ache, or bowel irritation. If you have a Tannin Allergy from drinking wine, you may get the same effect from from Tannin rich foods or drinks. I will suggest if you do notice a Tannin Reaction, try some of the wineries that ferment their wine in steel tanks. The winemakers manually add oak chips to the tanks. This process cuts down on the Tannins.

4. BEING FEMALE

     Sorry girls, but being female can increase your chances of being allergic or intolerant to wine. Oh the Injustice! Being female makes you twice as likely to be allergic to wine as men. Due to their higher levels of body fat and lower levels of body water, women experience a more pronounced reaction to alcohol. Women have higher levels of body fat that retain alcohol while water helps to rid it.

WHAT TO DO?

    As suggested, you might try white wine or other types of alcohol. You need to decide if a rosy glow after a glass of wine is okay. I happen to like it! However, you must think of your health. If you notice an allergic reaction or intolerance to wine, this may involve curtailing your consumption of wine.

     As Buddha said, "To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear."

Until Next Time,

Minnie & The Hubster

Note: This is just some research I did for this blog. I, by no means am an expert. I do encourage you to do your own research on this subject.
Here are some of my sources:
1. What Causes Wine Intolerance? Are You Allergic to Wine?
2. 5 Signs You're Allergic to Wine, Which is Sadly a Thing  by Pamela J. Hobart December 5, 2015
3. The Wine Allergy You Didn't Know You Have  by Markham Heid July 11, 2012