The causes of a headache after eating are as follows:
1. Low blood sugar level
Low blood sugar is one of the most important causes of headaches after eating, as it causes a migraine or another type of headache, and low blood sugar levels occur for two reasons, as follows:
Bad eating habits
The level of sugar in the blood decreases as a result of bad eating habits, and not only low blood sugar, it may also cause some chronic diseases if it continues, and the most prominent of these habits are the following:
1- Eat foods high in sugars.
2- Eat large numbers of meals per day.
3- Eat irregular or late food times.
4- Eating heavy meals such as fast food may trigger reactive hypoglycemia, which
. increases the likelihood of a headache.
Pathological reasons
The level of sugar in the blood decreases as a result of some diseases and disorders, including:
1- Diabetes.
2- Tumors in the digestive system.
3- Irregularity in the level of hormones in the body.
2. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
The TMJ connects the lower jaw with a portion of the skull, and is located near the earlobes. Any disturbance in the joint while chewing leads to a headache after eating.
It can be determined that there is a TMJ defect if the following symptoms are present:
1- A crackling sound of the jaw from one side near the earlobes while chewing.
2- Feeling of tightness when opening and closing the jaw.
3- Feeling of pain in the temporomandibular joint.
3. Food allergy
Some people suffer from allergies to certain types of foods that cause them a headache after eating them, and food allergy is one of the causes that varies from person to person.
4. Cold stimulation
Cold foods and drinks affect the blood vessels around the nerves in the facial region, causing headaches that range from mild to severe.
The headache from cold stimulation is direct and occurs during chewing.
Food increases the likelihood of developing a headache after eating
Not eating the following foods may be a reason to get rid of headaches for some people, not for everyone, because the nature of the bodies is different from each other, and among these foods are the following:
Mature cheese, such as: Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Emmental cheese, while cream cheese and American cheese are allowed.
Chocolate.
Types of fermented, spiced, and pickled foods.
Legumes, such as: beans, beans and peas.
Peanut Butter, Nuts.
Foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG), such as soy sauce, seasoned salt, and meat softeners.
Sausage, chicken liver, and canned meat.
Chilled foods and drinks, such as ice cream.
Drinks that contain caffeine, such as: soft drinks, tea, and coffee, as the maximum permissible amount for drinking should not exceed two cups per day, so that the amount of caffeine consumed does not exceed 200 mg per day.
Some types of fruits, such as: bananas, avocados, red peaches, figs, papaya, raisins, and citrus fruits, as the maximum allowed intake is half a cup per day.
Methods for treating headaches after eating
Methods for treating a headache after eating are as follows:
1. Changing bad eating patterns
All the following patterns must be changed:
Avoid eating breakfast late.
Avoid eating very heavy meals and in large quantities.
Avoid eating late food.
Avoid eating ice cream and very cold foods.
2. Consult a doctor
You should see a doctor if the headache after eating is caused by the following:
TMJ disorder.
Low sugar level that causes headaches due to diabetes.
I usually get a migraine after eating. I will try to take advantage of the advice in this article.