Did you know that having a poor eating cycle can lead to various health issues? Although it may not always show itself as severe, some problems can be pretty tough to deal with. For instance, you could get a headache from not eating and, in some cases, faint as well.
As extreme as it sounds, if your body doesn’t get what it needs, it can go into complete lockdown mode. But don’t worry. There are multiple ways you can avoid this from happening, as long as you understand what causes it in the first place.
Can I Get a Headache From Not Eating?
Not eating proper food or maintaining a good diet can indeed lead you to suffer from a pesky headache. Alongside the pounding inside your temples, you might also feel super exhausted. It’s common to experience signs of nausea, and dizziness, all of which can leave you completely drained of energy. This particular headache, though, is typically known as a hunger headache.
It might feel like something is squeezing your head together, causing it to pulsate. In addition, the pain that you experience can either get intense or moderate, depending on your blood pressure. The worst part, though, is that rather than staying in one place, the headache tends to travel from your head to your neck and back.
What is a Hunger Headache?
As the name suggests, a hunger headache sprouts from not eating. Usually, it’s a response to your blood sugar levels dropping. This causes the hormones in your body to alert your brain, so you can eat and raise your blood levels, effectively tightening the vessels. It’s this tightening of the blood vessels, the dilation, that becomes the reason behind the hunger pangs you feel.
Nevertheless, when dealing with a hunger headache, it’s important to know that it can spring up suddenly or start developing at a slow pace. Either way, despite the discomfort, the headache only lasts for 24 to 72 hours at max.
What Causes a Hunger Headache?
As obvious as it is, a hunger headache can be bright forth by other factors besides hunger, such as:
- Low Blood Sugar
- Dehydration
- Caffeine Withdrawal
- Lack of Proper Diet
Tips to Prevent Hunger Headaches
Whether you’re fasting or skipping meals, a headache from not eating can be pretty exhausting to deal with. That is why it is essential to take the proper steps needed when it comes to preventing these headaches.
- Drink more water.
- Minimize your caffeine intake rather than suddenly cutting it off.
- Take essential nutrients and vitamin supplements if needed.
- Keep snacks and energy bars on hand.
- Give your body the rest it needs.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
What’s The Takeaway
Headaches suck in general, but getting a headache from not eating can be especially hard to deal with. Make sure you’re taking the proper nutrients your body needs, along with constantly hydrating yourself. However, if you get frequent headaches, it’s better to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Call Sleep & Headache Solutions at (832) 688-8886 today to book your slot.