migraine/cluster headache/ salt-related?
I've gotten cluster headaches before, and the headaches I'm talking about aren't them, but just wanted to give a bit of background- also, I'm healthy, exercise, eat pretty well except for a strong lack of salt in my diet, because, and here's my question
eating really salty foods (chips especially, most notably fritos) will give me a horrible headache an hour to a few hours afterwards... I realize, in retrospect, that the reason I avoid salty foods isn't really because I have a problem with the taste, but because ingesting much salt always gives me a bad headache.. is this normal? does anyone know why salty foods give me a headache?
Public Comments
1. Dehydration, especially if it is exacerbated by excess salt consumption can certainly cause headaches.2. it could be the MSG, which gives nearly everyone in my family migraines.
also, the sodium could be it for you too.
my best advice: avoid processing, fatty salts like that. lol. thats what i have to do.
3. There's a good chance that your headaches are directly related to a rise in your blood pressure. Ingesting a lot of salt laden foods can do this to you without question. If you have already realized the offending foods, start to eliminate them from your diet and see what happens. If you can also purchase a blood pressure monitor you can gauge how high your bp goes during your headaches. You should definitely discuss this with your doctor because if you are having issues with your bp he or she can give you more ideas on how to manage it. Good luck!
4. In the terms of migraines, salt could be your trigger. It is common for foods/chemicals to be a trigger for those types of headaches.
Cluster headaches are generally thought to be stress related and can also be triggered by chemicals.
As to the why? That would just be speculation. Your best bet is to see a neurologist and explain your situation to him/her to get a clear diagnosis. Unfortunately these headaches can be indications of something more serious.
