Did you ever wonder what made those bright red apples stay so red? You guessed it. And you really don't want to know about processed foods, like the Kraft Singles you put on your grilled cheese sandwiches -- those contain more than 100 times the sulfite levels of the glass of wine you thought you couldn't drink.

What about that prescription you picked up after your last doctor visit? It is loaded with sulfur dioxide to maintain freshness.

Why don't you hear about sulfites in all these food products? And why doesn't this columnist stop asking so many questions without providing any answers?

Well, I'm not sure on either, but what would a good reality show be without the suspense? But keep reading, and I will tell you why the red wines have been giving you a headache and what you can do to fix it.

4. Why can I drink white wine and not red? Why does red wine give me a headache?
One of the most common misperceptions I have encountered, at least in relation to sulfites in wine, concerns those who claim that they can drink white wine, but not red wine due to the sulfite content.

While it is true that reds possess more natural sulfites, white wines require the addition of considerably higher levels of sulfur dioxide in order to maintain freshness. For the record, white wines, particularly sweet whites, contain up to 10 times the level of sulfites as reds. And sulfites have nothing to do with headaches.

So what is it about red wines that cause so many allergic reactions / headaches? There are actually several factors that have been studied.

The first and most common are histamines. Histamines are found in nature in many forms including plant matter, i.e. grapes, and cause those susceptible to suffer from sinus issues. Since pollen and other goodies are trapped on the surface of the grape -- the skins -- and only red wines come in contact with the skins, it stands that those who are sensitive to histamines will be affected when they drink red wine.

Histamines can be up to 200 percent higher in reds than in whites. There is home remedy or wives' tale that dictates drinking a cup of black tea before consuming red wine. The compound quercetin found in black tea has been thought to inhibit the flushing effects of histamines, but this has not been studied extensively. The tried-and-true method is to take an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benedryl or Zyrtec. But, make sure you choose the non-drowsy variety or you may fall asleep in the middle of your toast to good red wine.

The second factor is tannin. Tannins in red wines can cause the release of small levels of serotonin in the brain, affecting those prone to migraines. But several Harvard studies have shown that those not prone to migraines did not get headaches from increased levels of tannin.

Prostaglandins are the third factor studied. Prostaglandins are substances that cause pain and swelling. When combined with the dehydrating properties of alcohol, have been thought to increase the likelihood of headaches when drinking red wine. The biochemistry behind this one is quite a bit more detailed, so I won't bore you with the details, but prostaglandins are everywhere. If you are particularly sensitive, then taking Ibuprofen, which is a prostaglandin inhibitor, may be helpful.

The fourth factor has not been studied, at least in any respectable research setting, but is a theory of mine. Cheap wine is the fourth factor. I am convinced that poorly-made wine contains more unbalanced bacteria, junk, stems, snakes and bugs and who-only-knows-what, that it's no wonder people get headaches from it. In order to make quality wine, a winemaker has to invest in quality production. No way can a $2 bottle of wine be made well. Since there is not a stitch of empirical evidence, feel free to scoff at me and love to hate me just like you did Stefan from last season's "Top Chef." And if you want to talk more on this topic, I can go for miles more than this column permits.

So, what does all this mean for the average wine drinker plagued by headaches?

Unless you have been packing an Epi-Pen for years, we know you don't have a sulfite allergy. So here is what you can do:

Hydration is key. An 8-ounce glass of water with every glass of wine will do wonders.

Eat before you drink. Americans are terrible at binging on empty stomachs during the weekend. Enjoy your wine with food, or at least have something in your stomach before you get started.

Take a pill. Over-the-counter antihistamines work great. Take a Zyrtec about and hour before you plan on drinking, especially if you have other seasonal or animal type allergies.

Drink quality wine. Remember, though, that quality doesn't have to mean expensive.

Read the label. The alcohol content in wine can kill you. A lot of New World producers make some big wines with 15 percent alcohol and higher. Those will do a lot more toward dehydration and hangover than lower alcohol wines.

Exercise moderation. Drinking too much will give you a headache, regardless of what color the wine is.

Have fun, when in doubt consult a physician, and we'll see you next week.