One in three migraine sufferers claim drinking prosecco can trigger agonising attacks
One in three migraine sufferers claim drinking prosecco can trigger painful attacks as Britons drink 130 million bottles of Italian fizz every year
- Britons drink a third of the total Italian production of prosecco every year
- Lloyds Pharmacy surveyed 500 migraine sufferers who reported a link to booze
One in three migraine sufferers claim prosecco can trigger the painful attacks, according to a survey of patients.
Stress, caffeine and flavorings used in some takeaways are known triggers for the debilitating headache, but this is the first evidence to suggest that the popular sparkling Italian wine is a culprit.
Every year, the British consume about 130 million bottles of prosecco, a third of the world’s supply.
Lloyds Pharmacy surveyed 500 migraine sufferers to explore the link between the condition and diet, including dietary and lifestyle triggers, and how to potentially reduce their impact.
A common symptom of migraines is a severe headache, usually on one side of the head, but patients also report vision problems, fatigue, and nausea.
A third of migraine sufferers claim that drinking prosecco can trigger a painful attack
Britons drink 130 million bottles of prosecco every year, accounting for a third of production
For the ten million Britons who suffer from migraines, the attacks can last from several hours to three days.
Scientists believe they are the result of abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain, but why this happens isn’t clear.
Hormonal changes, skipping meals and lack of sleep are said to increase the risk of attacks.
Migraine treatment usually includes pain relievers and anti-nausea medications, and if the attacks occur as many as four times a month, doctors may prescribe preventive medications.
The study found that 31 percent of respondents attributed caffeine as the cause, but only six percent reduced their intake to relieve their symptoms. One in 10 also said work stress caused migraines.
Sweetened drinks and MSG, a flavor enhancer often added to Chinese food and takeout meals, were other commonly reported food triggers for migraines.
Many respondents were unaware of common causes: Less than one percent knew processed meats are a frequent trigger, and only five percent knew cheese was linked to seizures.
Lloyds Pharmacy General Practitioner Dr. Neel Patel said: ‘The first step in managing migraines is identifying potential triggers. Keeping a headache diary can help you identify them so you can avoid them or manage them effectively.”
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can also help prevent migraines.