Why do headaches worsen after eating sweets?

I often have headaches and crave sweets. Why do my headaches get worse every time I eat something sweet, and what should I be aware of? (Tran Hiep, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Headaches are a common condition. The pain can be mild and dull or persistent and intense, lasting for hours or days. When experiencing a headache, patients may have accompanying symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, and sensitivity to sound and light.

Headaches can be secondary (following physical damage such as encephalitis, stroke, brain tumor, brain hematoma, trauma, brain abscess) or primary (most commonly migraine, caused by stress, insomnia, or acute sleep deprivation).

With primary headaches, pain can be triggered or worsened by risk factors such as weather changes, fatigue, stress, caffeine withdrawal, or an inappropriate diet. Many people find that their headaches worsen or become more severe when eating certain foods.

You often experience more headaches after eating sweets. This is because eating sweets increases blood sugar levels, causing blood vessels in the brain to constrict, leading to muscle tension, allergic reactions, increased irritability, and nausea.

Artificial sweeteners in food and drinks can overstimulate or interfere with nerves, increasing muscle tension and leading to headaches and migraines. People allergic to artificial sweeteners may experience headaches even from drinking a small amount of soft drink.

Most sugars used in food processing are artificial, chemically-derived sweeteners. These are commonly found in soft drinks, ice cream, chewing gum, and processed foods. Some medications also contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. Excessive sugar consumption can easily lead to metabolic syndrome, endocrine disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

Headaches are also more likely to occur or worsen when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. High blood sugar causes blood vessels in the brain to constrict, leading to headaches. The pain tends to be mild, but as blood sugar levels continue to rise or remain high, the headache becomes more severe, causing feelings of nausea and irritability.

When the body consumes too much sugar or carbohydrates at once, the pancreas works harder to produce insulin to break down the sugar and regulate blood sugar levels. At this point, blood sugar levels drop suddenly, resulting in hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can also cause abdominal pain, nausea, tremors, fatigue, dizziness, mood swings, and headaches.

You should limit or avoid sugary foods and drinks when experiencing this condition. Foods high in starch and carbohydrates should also be limited. Prioritize fruits and vegetables, and get enough sleep. Some natural extracts, such as those from blueberries and ginkgo biloba, help neutralize free radicals, increase blood flow to the brain, and improve headaches.

If your headache is persistent or worsens, you should see a neurologist for evaluation and specific treatment.

Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

Readers can ask questions about nutrition here for the doctor to answer.

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