Can sugar cause headaches?

Headaches are a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. In this article, we explore the science behind how diet and sugar consumption may affect the body and result in headaches for some people. 

Various factors, including changes in blood sugar levels and the release of certain hormones in the body, and food chemical intolerance have been known to cause headaches; however, it's worth noting that not everyone is affected by diet in the same way, and some people may be more sensitive to its effects than others.

Can changes in blood sugar levels cause headaches?

When we consume carbohydrates including sugars, our body breaks them down into glucose, which enters our bloodstream and causes blood sugar levels to rise. This triggers the release of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Eating large amounts of any carbohydrate (starches or sugars), especially those that are rapidly absorbed (foods with a high glycemic index), can result in a rapid rise and fall in blood glucose levels. In some people, these spikes in blood sugar levels can cause headaches.

Blood sugar – also known as glucose, is the primary energy source for the body's cells. When we eat, our bodies break down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters the bloodstream and raises our blood sugar levels. The pancreas then releases insulin, a hormone that helps transport glucose from the blood into the body's cells, where it is used for energy.

If blood sugar levels fluctuate rapidly, it can cause various symptoms, including headaches. When blood sugar levels rise quickly, the body responds by releasing more insulin than usual, and this can cause blood sugar levels to drop quickly, which can also trigger headaches.

Additionally, when our blood sugar levels drop, the body may release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can cause the blood vessels in our brains to constrict, which is also a common cause of headaches.

Managing Blood Sugar-Related Headaches

If you experience headaches related to changes in blood sugar levels, there are several things you can do to manage them. Here are a few tips:

  1. Eat regular meals: Skipping meals or going too long without eating can cause blood sugar levels to drop, which may trigger headaches. Make sure to eat regular, balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
  2. Avoid having large amounts of less-healthy carbohydrates at the one time, such as sugary foods and drinks, and starchy, salty snack foods.
  3. Limit your intake of high glycemic index foods such as confectionary: Foods like confectionary high in glucose can cause blood sugar levels to spike and then drop rapidly, which can cause headaches. Opt for foods that are lower on the glycemic index, like whole grains, fruits, milk and vegetables.
  4. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can also contribute to headaches. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
  5. Consider tracking your blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes or other conditions that affect your blood sugar levels, it may be helpful to track them regularly. This can help you identify patterns and help to make adjustments in your diet or medication as needed.

Can consuming large amounts of sugar cause headaches?

When our bodies break down sugar, it uses water to do so. If you do not drink enough water to compensate for eating large amounts of sugar, it can contribute to dehydration. Dehydration is known to cause various symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

Managing Dehydration and Headaches

If you experience headaches related to dehydration, here are a few tips to help you manage them:

  1. Stay hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, more if you exercise or spend time in hot weather.
  2. Eat foods that are high in water: Eating foods that are high in water, like fruits and vegetables, can also help prevent dehydration and headaches.
  3. Limit your intake of less-healthy sugary foods, especially highly concentrated sugar foods such as confectionary.
  4. Monitor your symptoms: If you experience frequent or severe headaches, it may be worth talking to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss potential treatment options.
  5. Consider tracking your food intake and water consumption: Keeping a food diary or using a smartphone app can help you identify any patterns in your food and water intake, which will help you adjust your diet as needed.

By taking these steps, you can help prevent dehydration and headaches and improve your overall health and well-being.

Can certain hormones cause headaches?

Migraine headaches can be triggered by the female hormonal cycle in sufferers.

The release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can also contribute to headaches. These hormones can also be influenced by blood glucose fluctuations. 

When we consume carbohydrates (sugars and starches), our bodies produce insulin to help transport glucose into our cells. Iin some people, consuming large amounts of carbohydrates – especially those that are rapidly absorbed (high glycemic index) - can cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar levels, which triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause the blood vessels in the brain to constrict, causing headaches.

Increased cortisol and adrenaline levels can cause feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and irritability. Over time, this chronic stress can increase the risk of developing mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Managing Hormone-Related Headaches

To manage the impact of diet on cortisol and adrenaline levels, here are a few tips that may help:

  1. Limit your intake of less healthy, high-carbohydrate foods such as confectionary, sugary drinks and starchy, salty snack foods:. Opt for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, milk and whole grains instead.
  2. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes protein, fibre, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent the release of cortisol and adrenaline in the body.
  3. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can help regulate cortisol and adrenaline levels in our bodies.
  4. Manage stress: Learning stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce the impact of cortisol and adrenaline levels.
  5. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for regulating hormones in the body. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

 

To manage stress hormone levels, it's important to limit salty and sugary snacks, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and get enough sleep.

If you consistently experience headaches, it may be worth talking to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. 

 

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9141901/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8280611/

https://academic.oup.com/fampra/article/29/4/370/492787

https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s10194-007-0384-9

https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-021-01369-6

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest news and publications from Sugar Nutrition Resource Centre.

Find out more in our Resources section

 

Contact us

Locked Bag 2222
North Ryde NSW 2113 Australia

Quick Links

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWS

Copyright © 2024 Sugar Nutrition Resource Centre. Website design by Marketeam