Scientists don't cite any direct correlation between sodium levels and migraine headaches, but the amount of salt you consume may be a factor in some types of headache pain. Salty foods can act as a migraine trigger in some people. Others might experience non-migraine headaches when sodium levels get too high or too low.
Migraines
Migraines are characterized by throbbing, pulsing pain that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound and sensory warning symptoms such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in the arm or leg. A migraine may last for hours or days, and MayoClinic.com reports it may be caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve and imbalances in brain chemicals.
Sodium
Some sodium is essential for life, but you may be getting far more than you realize. Americans don't get most of their sodium from a salt shaker. The Linus Pauling Institute reports that 75 percent of salt intake in the U.S. comes from salt that's added during the processing or manufacturing of foods. Canned soups, potato chips, pretzels, ham, hot dogs, and even breads and cereals can contain a lot of salt.
Migraine Triggers
There are many things that can trigger a migraine attack, and the triggers vary from person to person. Doctors often recommend that if you suffer from migraines, you should keep a headache diary to try to figure out your particular triggers. Some people are bothered by alcohol, caffeine, chocolate or aged cheeses. Stress, hormonal changes, changes in the weather , bright lights, loud noises and certain smells can also be triggers. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is another common trigger, along with processed foods, which may be high in salt.
Other Headaches
When your sodium levels drop very low, you can experience a condition called hyponatremia. It may occur if you drink too much water during endurance sports, but it also may be a result of medical conditions such as kidney, heart or liver failure, cancer and certain medications. Headache can be a symptom of hyponatremia. Too much salt in the diet can contribute to hypertension, better known as high blood pressure. Most people have no symptoms to let them know their blood pressure is too high, but when levels get very high, some people may experience a dull headache.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Migraine
- Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center:Sodium
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- UCLA Headache Research and Treatment Program: Migraine: Questions and Answers for Patients
- MayoClinic.com: Hyponatremia
- MayoClinic.com: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
