Do you love going to barbecues or having them at your house? Do you ever get a headache afterward or later that night or early the next morning? That could be because food, drinks, and hot weather can all cause headaches at barbecue parties, especially in the middle of summer.
Pork can be utterly delicious, but for some unlucky folks it also triggers terrible headaches. If you’re prone to getting a pounding headache after eating bacon, ham or other pork products, it can really put a damper on enjoying these tasty meats.
But you don’t have to give up pork just yet! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of pork-related headaches and provide tips to help you prevent and get rid of these unpleasant episodes. With the right strategies, you can keep savoring pork pain-free
What Triggers Headaches After Eating Pork?
There are a few key culprits behind pork-provoked headaches:
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Nitrates/Nitrites – These compounds are added to cured and processed meats to preserve them But they can trigger headaches by widening blood vessels
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Tyramine – A naturally occurring amino acid in aged or fermented foods like cured pork It can cause blood vessel constriction that leads to headaches
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Fat Content – The high fat levels in pork may promote hormone release that causes headaches in some.
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Allergies – Pork allergies provoke immune reactions and histamine release, resulting in headaches and other symptoms.
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Sensitivity – Some people may have a particular sensitivity to pork that makes them prone to headaches after eating it.
So if you regularly get headaches after eating bacon, lunch meat or pork chops, one of these factors may be to blame.
Tips to Prevent Headaches from Pork
Luckily, there are preventative steps you can take to avoid pork-related headaches:
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Choose fresh, uncured cuts like pork tenderloin or chops. These contain less nitrates/nitrites.
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Read labels to pick low/no-nitrate bacon and lunch meats. Or opt for turkey versions.
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Don’t overcook pork, as this increases nitrite levels. Cook to 145°F for whole cuts.
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Limit intake of cured meats to 2-3 servings per week at most.
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Take a headache medicine like ibuprofen 30-60 minutes before eating pork to prevent episodes.
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Hydrate well and limit alcohol, which can exacerbate headaches.
With some planning and prudent pork choices, you can continue enjoying it headache-free.
Quick Ways to Get Rid of Pork-Related Headaches
If you already have a pork-provoked headache, try these fast-acting remedies:
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Take a headache relief medicine containing acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen. These reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels.
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Drink a cup of strong coffee. The caffeine helps restrict blood flow and eases headache pain.
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Use a cold compress on your head and neck. The cold constricts blood vessels to alleviate pressure.
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Massage pressure points on the webbing between your thumb and index finger. This releases tension.
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Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration that can worsen headaches.
Acting quickly to use vasoconstrictive remedies can knock out a pork-related headache fast.
Identifying and Avoiding Your Headache Triggers
Since everyone has unique headache triggers, it helps to identify yours:
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Keep a food/symptom diary. Note what you eat before getting a headache. Track pork specifically.
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Watch out for processed pork like sausage and hot dogs that contain more nitrates.
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Pay attention to preparation methods. Grilled and pan-fried pork may be bigger triggers.
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Look for patterns related to particular cuts. If bacon consistently causes issues, but pork tenderloin doesn’t, take note.
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Talk to your doctor about allergy testing if you suspect a pork allergy.
By honing in on your specific triggers, you can adjust your diet to prevent recurring headaches.
Alternative Proteins to Swap for Headache-Inducing Pork
If pork seems to constantly cause headaches no matter what you try, consider these alternative protein options:
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Chicken – A lean, mild protein that can easily substitute for pork in most recipes. Avoid nitrate-treated deli meat.
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Fish – Salmon, tuna and other oily fish provide anti-inflammatory omega-3s that may benefit headaches.
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Eggs – A super versatile protein. Make omelets, frittatas or egg salad instead of deli meat sandwiches.
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Tofu – Works well in Asian stir-fries or as a meat substitute in tacos, pasta, etc. Choose firm or extra-firm.
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Beans/Lentils – Mix these plant-based proteins into soups, stews, casseroles, salads and rice dishes.
With so many hearty protein alternatives, you can easily limit headache-provoking pork.
When to See a Doctor About Pork-Related Headaches
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:
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Headaches happen frequently after eating pork, regardless of type or preparation method.
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Headaches are severe and don’t respond well to over-the-counter medicines.
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You experience other concerning symptoms like vision changes, nausea/vomiting or light sensitivity along with headaches.
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Headaches disrupt your everyday activities.
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You suspect you may have developed a pork allergy.
Your doctor can help get to the bottom of your headaches, identify any underlying conditions, and develop an effective treatment plan.
The Takeaway
Dealing with recurring headaches after eating pork can really spoil your enjoyment of these tasty meats. But with prevention strategies, fast-acting remedies and by identifying your personal triggers, you can control pesky pork-related headaches.
Be diligent about choosing fresh, uncured cuts and properly cooked pork. Seek alternatives like chicken, fish and tofu if issues persist. With the right game plan, you can keep savoring ham, bacon and pork chops headache-free.
Here are a few final tips on managing pork-induced headaches:
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Avoid eating pork right before important meetings or events in case it triggers a migraine.
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If you start experiencing aura symptoms like flashing lights after eating pork, take abortive medication right away.
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Eliminate common headache triggers like stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and skipping meals which can make pork-induced headaches worse.
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Limit alcohol, aged cheeses, processed meats and artificial sweeteners which are common headache triggers.
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Use mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or neck stretches to relax muscles and increase blood flow to ease headache tension.
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Consider following an elimination diet, removing pork for 2-4 weeks, then slowly reintroducing it while tracking symptoms in a food journal.
With diligence and preventative care, those tasty pork dishes don’t have to put you out of commission with pounding headaches!
Barbecue food is often ripe with nitrates and nitrites.
Nitrates and nitrites are chemicals that are often added to processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and lunchmeat to make them taste better and keep them fresh longer. However, many people are allergic to them. Nitrates and nitrites can also be found in foods like sauerkraut and pickles that you put on a burger.
These chemicals help stop bad bacteria from growing, but they give some people headaches. This could be because the nitrates and nitrites make blood vessels wider, or dilate. Avoiding eating too much processed meats might help lessen your headaches.
Dressings, sauces and other BBQ foods might have MSG.
Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is also bad for some people. It is used to make BBQ sauces and a lot of processed and packaged foods taste better. MSG could be in lunchmeat, potato chips, salad dressings, soy sauce and more. It could also be called something other than “monosodium glutamate” in the list of ingredients, like “autolyzed yeast,” “hydrolyzed vegetable protein,” “autolyzed oat flour,” and more. If you or a guest is sensitive to MSG, look for labels that say “MSG-free” on the food you buy.
Migraine trigger foods
FAQ
Why do I have a headache after eating pork?
How do you neutralize a headache?
Can eating meat cause headaches?
Although the most common contributing factors, such as stress, anxiety, overworking and under-sleeping, are not diet-related, certain foods, including meat, can trigger or worsen headaches in some people. If your symptoms are severe or long-lasting, seek guidance from your doctor.
How to stop sex headache?
Treatment options for orgasm headaches can include over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen and indomethacin, and prescription medications, such as triptans and beta-blockers.
Do you have a headache if you eat a steak?
A cooked steak with herbs and spices. Over 20 percent of women and 10 percent of men experienced migraines or other severe headaches within a three-month period in 2009, according to a National Health Interview Survey.
How to prevent headaches?
Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated throughout the day is a simple way to reduce the risk of headaches while benefiting your overall health. Hydration needs vary, depending on factors like activity levels, body size, and more, so let your thirst be your guide ( 62 ).