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Here’s what is causing your wine headache

Are you feeling a bit sore behind the eyes after a good time last night? David Bird MW explains what is probably causing that wine headache, otherwise known as a hangover.

Ask Decanter: What gives me a wine headache?

Michael Marsiglio, from London, asks:  Is it the sulfites in wine or the alcohol – or both – that gives you a headache the day after overindulging?

David Bird MW,  for Decanter, replies: It could be both – or neither! Both of these substances are toxins, so should be approached with caution. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is dangerous in large doses but the tiny amount in wines is invaluable, giving great protection against oxidation.

There are a few unfortunate people who are extremely sensitive to the allergic effect of SO2, hence the warning that appears on all wine labels.

Alcohol is also dangerous in large quantities but acts in a different way by dehydrating the cells in our bodies. This effect can be overcome by drinking plenty of water.

It is probable that the headache is caused by other low-level components like amino acids, polyphenols and other complex organic molecules that are an essential part of all wines.
Read more at http://www.decanter.com/learn/wine-terminology/sulfites-what-gives-me-a-wine-headache-ask-decanter-296015/#VZqdS2kT8XDfsshU.99

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Most people don’t know but make-your-own-wine stores have come a long way over the past 30 years. As the industry has consolidated, the suppliers of these businesses are the same as the the high value brand wines you purchase at LCBO (Trius, Wayne Gretzky, Peller, Thirty Bench. and Hildebrand to name a few…).

When you make your own, your bottles are sterilized and reused each time which is a great environmental benefit. Often the wines have less than 1/7th the preservatives as the supply chain is much less complicated…. To learn more about crafting your own visit www.winebutler.ca

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