I think it may be the sulfites too, but as I aged, I noticed that I just didn't enjoy the experience that much anymore. Plus just one glass of wine (I don't eat much sugar) gave me massive munchies. At my age (50+) I just don't need the calories or the munchies and also need my energy.

A lot of Asians lack, totally or partially, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase which processes alcohol in the bloodstream. DH and I can't drink too much because of this.

However, this genetic variant is not limited to Asians.

I started feeling really hung over after only a small amount of alcohol when I was in my early 40's. I stopped drinking altogether; it obvious to me that my body was sending me a message, and it was not worth it to me to feel that way the morning after. A few of my friends noticed the same issues with their own bodies. The Post had an article a few years ago about how some of us stop being able to process alcohol as well when they get older.

I'm 34 and haven't been able to tolerate beer at all, or more than half a glass of wine for three years (maybe longer, but I was pregnant before that).

I'm like this with beer. I am 45 and this started about a year ago. I used to drink 3 beers a few times a week. Now I almost never drink because I turn red and get sleepy. I also feel awful the next day.

It's sulfites, OP!

If it makes you feel bad, don't do it. It could also be a sensitivity to yeast. I really don't buy that it's cheap vs. expensive wine -- all reds, no matter how pricey, make me feel terrible. It's just not worth it.

I haven't been able to drink alcohol since about age 28. It just gives me a stomach ache and then it wakes me up in the middle of the night and I can't get back to sleep. It became just not worth it, I don't drink at all anymore. I used to like alcohol-free beer, but even that doesn't interest me anymore. I drink iced tea. It has been almost 30 years and I've had almost no alcohol. I like the taste, my body doesn't like me to drink it.

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: Are you Asian? If so, you might be experiencing the so-called Asian Flush (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcohol_flush_reaction). My SIL is Chinese and cannot tolerate wine because of this.

Personally, I can handle white wine without any problems but red wine gives me migraines. I suspect it's got something to do with the sulfates but I don't know. Even the smell of it bothers me.

+1

I find champagne/prosecco/cava the easiest to drink. With lots of water. At least 1-2 full glasses after and don't go to bed right away.

I am the same. It started at age 35, and got gradually worse over the next 10 years.
At this point, I drink no more than 1/2 glass of anything, 2 or 3 times a year. It's better if I eat lot at the same time.

Anonymous wrote:You could also have sugar intolerance.

How would I know this? What would wine do differently than, for example, a slice of cake? I don't feel groggy and woozy in the morning after cake. Curious because I feel like I need to eat more often than other people to stay energized.

You could also have sugar intolerance.

invest in your buzz by optimizing wine selection.

Think lower alcohol wines with 12.5% from France and specifically Bourgone. MacArthur Beverages has the best Burgundy selection in the city and there is a lot inventory and quality at the $20-30 price point. You will not longer feel any overcast the next am after switching.

A new PP -- I can't drink red wine at all and can drink only 1/2 a glass or less of white or champagne. I think I am allergic to it. Within a few sips I start to feel nauseous and light-headed, get an awful headache, very flushed face, and generally feel terrible. I can do 1/2 glass of a light white or champagne if I spread it over a 2 hour meal. Otherwise, no go. Fortunately I don't care for most wines or other alcohol and never have, but on the rare occasions where I do want a drink, it's frustrating not be to be able to have much! My husband likes that I am always the designated driver though.

I am not Asian but my friends have likened my reaction to the "Asian flush."

Anonymous wrote:I've been noticing that drinking a glass or two of red wine makes for a horrible nights sleep....awake throughout the night and in a weird sleepy awake state.

Alcohol is at first depressant and later a stimulant. So it will wake up at night and give you a bad nights sleep.