There are some symptoms that can be experienced after eating certain foods. One of these is having headaches and nausea. There are several factors that contribute to why patients experience such symptoms. Some are normal reactions of the body while there are those that will indicate a serious medical condition developing inside the body.
Headache and Nausea after Eating
Below are some basic facts about headaches and nausea that can be experienced after eating.
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This happens when the food that has been eaten is being rejected by the digestive system.
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Generally, it is accompanied by stomach upset. There are times when vomiting happens.
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When a patient constantly experience headaches and nausea after eating sweets or foods that are salty, then there is a big possibility that he or she has a serious medical condition that would need immediate medical attention.
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Best way to stop it from happening is to avoid the foods that trigger such reaction.
Causes and Treatment for Headache after Eating
Below are some of the common reasons that contribute to having headaches and nausea after eating along with its corresponding treatment procedures.
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Food Poisoning. Food that has not been well-prepared can lead to food poisoning.
It is best for patients to be thoroughly examined right after the symptoms arise so proper medications can be administered. It would usually need hospitalization and medications that are administered intravenously. -
Migraine. There are certain foods that can trigger migraine attacks which would usually involve severe headaches and nausea. These foods are those that have tyramine which include but are not limited to buttermilk, sour cream, cured meats, chocolates, blue cheese, and yogurt. For those patients that have migraine, it is best for them to avoid the foods that have been mentioned.
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Abnormal fluctuations in blood glucose levels. This usually happens after eating sweet-tasting foods. Those patients that have low blood sugar levels or are hypoglycemic are prone to experiencing headaches after eating foods that have high levels of sugar. Patients can lie down for around 20 minutes or until the headache and nausea is gone. It is also best to constantly monitor blood glucose levels at this time and avoid eating too much sweet at one time.
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Rise in the pressure of the blood. This is especially true after eating salty foods which may not be properly controlled by the kidneys and as result enters the bloodstream. That is why patients who are at risk of having high blood pressure are recommended to take a low-salt diet. There are medications that can manage high blood pressure which includes beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, and alpha blockers. But the best way to manage the condition and stop the headaches and nausea is by living a healthy lifestyle.