Headache after Eating

Do you often get a headache after eating certain food items? Why does that happen? Sometimes, pain or discomfort might be caused due to allergic reaction to certain food items. Your head may hurt if you consumed something that didn't agree with your system. If you have been getting recurring headaches after the consumption of salty foods or sweets, then it might be indicative of some serious medical condition.

Headache after Meals: Causes

If your head hurts after taking meals, then you must get yourself medically examined. This might be a symptom of certain medical conditions.

Migraine
Migraines could be caused due to many reasons. Consumption of certain foods can also cause a migraine attack which in turn may cause your head to hurt. Many people might suffer from nausea and pain in the head after they eat yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream and blue cheese. This may be due to the presence of tyramine in these food items. Other foods that might trigger migraine are chocolate, banana, beef and chicken livers, cured meats, pickled herring, soy sauce or citrus fruits. Consumption of food items that contain food additives could also be a contributory factor. If your head hurts every time you consume a particular food item, it would be best to refrain from consuming such a food item in future.

Blood Glucose Levels
Pain or discomfort in the head can also be caused due to extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Those who are suffering from low blood sugar or hypoglycemia might experience discomfort after consuming sugar or foods high in sugar. When one consumes such foods, the sugar reaches the blood within seconds and raises the blood sugar levels. In order to bring back the blood sugar levels to normal, the body produces insulin. The increase in blood glucose due to eating sweets is set off by the release of large amounts of insulin. This leads to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels or what we call a 'sugar crash'. When the brain doesn't receive sufficient quantity of glucose, the body increases the amount of blood flow to the brain, which leads to increase in the blood pressure. The blood vessels in the brain might also contract and expand as a result of these fluctuations and this triggers pain or discomfort in the head.

High Blood Pressure
Does your head hurt after consuming salty foods? If yes, you must get your blood pressure checked. Generally people who suffer from high blood pressure are advised to take a low-salt diet. If your salt intake is very high, your kidneys might not be able to control the level of salt and it might enter your bloodstream. When there is an excess of salt in the bloodstream, more water is drawn into the blood and that increases the volume of blood and raises your blood pressure. Avoid such foods and consult a doctor.

If you have been experiencing headaches after meals, get yourself medically examined. If you have normal blood glucose and blood pressure, then the most probable cause of pain might be a food allergy. If your head hurts after consuming a particular food, refrain from eating that particular food item.