Alcohol and sugar have both been linked to triggering migraines. There are adverse effects linked to both that can provoke migraine headaches. It’s also important to note that certain alcohols and foods with sugar are more likely to trigger migraines or not.
Alcohol can provoke two different types of headache: an attack within hours or a delayed hangover headache. A typical migraine headache caused by alcohol will occur within 30 minutes to three hours. You may notice that red or cheap wines are more likely to bring on a migraine. Sugary alcoholic drinks can be especially triggering. Drinking wine in small amounts can have some health benefits, but there are often more negative effects that cancel out the benefits of drinking.
Having too much sugar in your diet can imbalances in your blood sugar, which can trigger a migraine. Fluctuating blood glucose levels can also have negative effects on your overall physical health and brain function.
While alcohol and sugar may not be the root cause of your migraines, there are four upsides to giving them up.
Weight loss. Decreasing your total calorie intake by reducing the amount of added sugars and alcohol you consume will help you lose weight. You could lose one to two pounds per month by cutting down on your added sugar intake and alcohol consumption.
Reduced blood pressure. The long-term effects of sobriety and reduced sugar intake include reduced blood pressure. Weight gain can lead to high blood pressure, so the impact of cutting back on both is positive for your physical and heart health.
Improved mental health. By cutting added sugar, you can improve your mental health. Added sugar intake is associated with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Researchers believe this is caused by inflammation in your brain from a higher glycemic index.
Long-term sobriety has also been shown to improve or reverse cognitive damage from alcohol consumption. Memory, planning, organization, behavior control, and reaction time have all been seen to improve after subjects of research gave up alcohol.
Increased energy. Another upside to giving up alcohol and sugar is the increased energy you’ll feel once you make it past withdrawal symptoms. By decreasing added sugar intake, you may start to see a change in your mind and body. Cutting sugar and alcohol from your diet reduces your blood sugar, avoiding major highs and lows.
While cutting out alcohol and sugar can seem like a huge feat, the benefits you’ll feel without them will be worth it. Talk to your doctor or a support group if you’re struggling with withdrawal symptoms.
