Experiencing headaches after meals may be a symptom of a medical condition. It is frequently accompanied by other symptoms. Headache, or cephalalgia, can take place in people of various ages and might be related to a different conditions. It might likewise be associated with poor lifestyle, which results in sleep deprivation, stress, and use of chemical compounds.
Specific foods can trigger a dull pain or throbbing feeling in the head, such as salty or sweet foods, but sometimes it is not the food itself which is the reason for the headache, however rather, an underlying medical condition. If you typically experience a headache after meal, this information may be handy. It is a good idea, nevertheless, to obtain correct diagnosis and treatment of your condition by speaking with a doctor.
Hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension is a typical disorder that may manifest as a headache after you eat salted foods. A high salt intake in an individual who has high blood pressure has the tendency to cause a headache. The kidneys, which usually manage the quantity of salt that gets in the bloodstream, may not have the ability to manage the excess salt load, which draws water into the bloodstream. This causes an increase in blood volume, which sets off a boost in blood pressure, resulting in headaches after meals.
Avoid eating foods that have a high salt content and speak with a doctor for correct medical treatment of your hypertension.
Diabetes
This is a condition characterized by having high blood sugar levels that can activate headaches after eating something sweet. Consuming sweet foods causes an unexpected increase in blood sugar levels, which activates the release of a hormone called insulin. Insulin increases the absorption of sugar into the cells, resulting in hypoglycemia or lowering of blood sugar levels. When big quantities of insulin are launched in action to sugar intake, a “sugar crash” takes place and the brain does not receive adequate sugar. This signifies the body to send out more blood flow to the brain. These modifications result in the growth or dilation of capillary in the brain, which activates a headache. The boost in blood flow to the brain can also cause the blood vessels to agreement and dilate, leading to increased high blood pressure, likewise triggering throbbing pains in the head.
To avoid this kind of headaches, it is best to avoid sweet foods, particularly if you have high blood sugar levels or diabetes. Make sure to get proper medical advice for the treatment of diabetes which is connected with numerous possible complications.
Migraines
Migraine headaches are identified by a throbbing pain experience in the head. These may happen as a severe headache just on one side of one’s head, which may be set off after eating certain foods. Examples of foods that can lead to a migraine attack consist of buttermilk, yogurt, blue cheese, sour cream, and other foods that contain tyramine. Other foods such as chocolate, cured meats, chicken liver, bananas, citrus fruits, soy sauce and foods containing ingredients can also cause the headache.
Migraine headaches may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness and increased sensitivity to light. If you observe that you experience a headache after you eat certain foods, it is best to avoid that particular food product.
Stomach Reflux Disease
Eating spicy food and fried foods can increase the acid production in the stomach. Often the acid seeps upward into the esophagus, towards the throat, a condition which is likewise called acid reflux. This condition is typically accompanied by headaches after eating, heartburn, nausea, chest pain or discomfort, and coughing.
To prevent experiencing these symptoms, prevent consuming fatty, spicy and sour foods, as well as alcoholic and carbonated drinks. Stop smoking cigarettes, because this can likewise trigger acid reflux.
Food Allergy
The body immune system of the body often reacts to certain foods which it views as a threat to the body by activating mast cells to launch histamines in the blood. This allergic reaction gives rise to numerous symptoms like facial swelling, hives, runny nose, wheezing, abdominal cramps, lightheadedness, and headaches. Often food allergy can set off a severe reaction which can be harmful.
For this factor, it is best to avoid specific foods that are understood to trigger an attack and to be all set with some medications in case severe symptoms are experienced. Seek medical aid right away when trouble in breathing or swallowing takes place.
Food Intolerance
Some people can not endure consuming food products including lactose (such as milk items) or gluten (wheat, barley, rye-containing products). When eaten, these foods result in negative responses manifested as diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches after consuming them.
Preventing food known to consist of these compounds will prevent symptoms of food intolerance. Nevertheless, to prevent a deficiency in nutrition, one must discover which foods can be used as alternatives to acquire important nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals consisted of in these foods.
When to see a doctor
A headache might be a harmless symptom if it takes place sometimes. However, when it is severe, or if it takes place more frequently than normal, it is best to seek medical recommendations to eliminate possible medical causes. Other indications for setting up a doctor’s see include failure to acquire relief from non-prescription drugs, disruption of normal activities or work, and distress from frequent headaches.
One need to immediately call 911 or go to the nearest hospital when a headache is unexpected and severe, and is accompanied by any of these symptoms:
- Confusion
- Stiff neck
- Incomprehensible speech
- Fainting
- High fever (> 102 -104 F or 39 – 40 C)
Weak point, paralysis, or numbness on one side of the body - Vision modifications
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble walking
- Nausea or vomiting unrelated to a hangover.