Alcohol
It is common knowledge that drinking alcohol can cause headaches. Typically, the headaches result from dehydration or the effects alcohol has on blood pressure. But there is another way in which alcohol can cause tension headaches: through withdrawal.
Addictions are characterized by long-term use despite the presence of adverse effects. When an individual is dependent on a substance, they will feel uncomfortable when the substance is not present. Alcohol withdrawal consists of physical and emotional symptoms when large amounts of alcohol are stopped simultaneously. The emotional symptoms include irritability and anxiety, which can lead to tension headaches, among other things.
When the body cannot eliminate toxins, the buildup of these toxins can result in tension headaches. Alcohol is a toxin that typically gets eliminated from the body by being converted into acetate through a process known as first-pass metabolism. However, alcohol also causes blood flow to increase, which reduces the ability of the liver to remove alcohol from the bloodstream.
Even if you feel fine after drinking a couple of glasses of wine or beer, your body may still be experiencing some intoxicating effects. The headache associated with a hangover may only occur once the alcohol has been fully metabolized when blood and tissue levels of alcohol have been reduced to zero.
Hangovers are usually characterized by dehydration and malnutrition, as well as feelings of nausea and dizziness, all of which contribute to tension headaches and further physical discomfort. Although many other factors can contribute to headaches and migraines, this one is worth noting because anyone who drinks casually can look out for and avoid it.
