We’ve all been there before, there are one hundred different things to do, and subsequently, we push back some of the more important tasks to get them done.
And more often than not, we can get so wrapped up in all those extra jobs that it’s late evening before we even realize that we haven’t stopped to have some food.
And sometimes, you may not even realize that you’ve skipped breakfast and lunch until you start to feel that pounding hunger headache.
Despite its obvious cause, you can still expect some pretty unpleasant symptoms too.
Along with that painful headache, you can expect some extra head and neck tension, some dizziness, a bit of sweating, and even a sprinkle of nausea just to name a few.
But luckily, the cure for a hunger headache is relatively simple and most effects can dissipate within 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a cure for these painful symptoms, then keep on reading.
Hunger Headache Cures
Keep Your Blood Sugar In Check
Our bodies need food (see also: 6 Foods You Need To Avoid On Ayurvedic Medicine)to survive, and when it’s not getting enough to fuel it for the day ahead, it’ll have no problem letting you know – usually in the form of that hunger headache, you want to get rid of.
There’s a reason we’re always told to eat three healthy meals a day, and that is because it delivers the fuel your body requires to keep your blood sugar levels at their optimal level.
Literally every single cell in your body needs these blood sugars in order to be able to work correctly and effectively, so they’re pretty important.
If you are already eating three healthy balanced meals a day and are still getting hunger headaches it may be worth speaking to your medical professional as this could be an indicator of diabetes.
Feed Your Head
If you thought your stomach and taste buds could be pretty picky about the kinds of food you eat, just know that it’s a whole other level when it comes to your head.
Yes, believe it or not, you need to feed your head the right foods to keep those headaches at bay.
And the kind of food your head likes is healthy food. Fresh raw fruit and vegetables are by far your best bet, but you can also cook your veggies if you prefer so long as they are cooked without added fat or sugar.
In terms of carbohydrates, brown rice and whole grains work best for your brain, and seeds and nuts are great snack options for when you can’t quite eat a full meal.
Generally, slow-release proteins also work really well too because they fuel your body with a steady supply of nutrients and energy throughout the day.
A variety of fresh meats and fish are great sources of slow-release protein.
Protein Power
We’ve just spoken above about the amazing power of protein, but we’ll take a closer look at it here.
So, we know that protein can release energy throughout the day, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and keeping that steady flow of nutrients that can keep the headaches at bay.
But not all proteins are the same.
For example, processed proteins may taste delicious, but they won’t work as well as keeping you full for longer such as the likes of grilled chicken for example.
In fact, processed, cured, smoked, and dried meats can actually make your headache worse. This is because they often contain nitrates which are a type of additive known for causing headaches.
You may also want to try and avoid some aged cheeses as these can be common headache causes too. Feta, Swiss, and parmesan cheese are just a few examples of headache-inducing cheeses.
A good source of protein that isn’t meat could be a glass of milk in the morning or perhaps a small portion of cottage cheese that you could eat with some fresh fruit and crackers.
Drink More Water
When you have a headache, there really is no better way to get you feeling better again than ensuring that you are properly hydrated. Did you know that your brain is actually 73% water?
Yep! And when you don’t drink enough water it can actually cause your brain’s blood vessels to shrink…and that can be pretty painful.
On average, you want to be drinking a minimum of eight eight-ounce glasses of water each and every day, though the actual amount will vary on a variety of different factors.
Cut Down On The Caffeine
Now, we know, this is easier said than done. All of us like that extra caffeine buzz to help get us through our busy lives.
But while caffeine can also make us productive, it can also create some nasty headaches since it dilates the blood vessels in the body.
The only issue is that our bodies can get pretty addicted to the stuff. When you stop providing your blood vessels with caffeine they experience withdrawal. And they don’t like it one bit.
Your body will also let you know pretty quickly that it doesn’t enjoy the withholding of that caffeine fix and this can create a hunger-like headache.
In this instance, it is best to use the other techniques mentioned in this article to alleviate the headache rather than just supplying it with more caffeine.
Over time, your body will start to adjust to less caffeine consumption and these headaches will become a thing of the past.
Final Thoughts
Hunger headaches are essentially your body’s way of letting you know that it’s running on empty. And the best way to cure this kind of headache is to eat.
With that being said though, those delicious cream cakes, chocolate bars, and family-sized bags of chips aren’t going to cut it.
Your body craves healthy food that will fuel you for the day ahead. You’ll want to ensure that you’re snacking on slow-release proteins, along with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and lots of water.
If your headaches continue to persist though, it may be worth speaking to a medical professional to ensure that there isn’t an underlying issue that is causing them.
I'm Clare, the owner and operator of Off The Couch, where I serve as a qualified Nutrition & Health Coach.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, I offer coaching services both locally and globally, providing personalized strategies in nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and fitness.
My journey into this field began as I navigated my own chronic illnesses, including early menopause, Interstitial Cystitis, Lyme Disease, and hydrocephalus.
