Yes, it can be easy to forget or delay your meals when you are busy. Did you forget to eat your breakfast or lunch today because of the extended meeting of the day or stuck somewhere for a long time? You are not the only one. Many people skip and delay the meals when there is a hectic schedule for the day. But what happens when you cut your meals and delay having food? You might have mixed feelings of getting hungry and angry at the same time, and the headache starts to kick in. you might be getting the headache because you are hungry for the whole day; all you got into your digestive system is just a black coffee. Then, how to get rid of a headache from not eating?
What causes hunger headache?
Our body and brain need a balance of nutrients for proper functionality and energy, which we get from eating our food (especially carbohydrates). Our body converts carbohydrates into glucose and carries it to all parts of our body, including the brain. You might be astonished to hear that the brain is only two percent of total body weight but consumes twenty percent of glucose-derived energy, making it the primary glucose consumer. Therefore, proper regulation of glucose metabolism is essential for the appropriate functioning of the body and brain.
When we skip our meals or do not eat enough calories required, the result is a low blood glucose level. It tends to affect the brain in the first place giving you a headache. When blood sugar level drops, you might feel irritable, confused, and exhausted because the brain and body cannot function 100%.
How to get rid of hunger headaches?
To answer “How to get rid of hunger headache?’ is quite simple and precise. Go for some healthy foods immediately so that your blood glucose level (1) comes to normal. When you have a hunger headache, you might crave junk and unhealthy foods, but always go for healthy food with protein and carbs as the body needs carbs to make glucose. It is recommended to avoid too much sugar, which can also play a role in giving you a headache.
If the pain increases and feels intolerable, you might want to go for the painkillers to reduce your pain, but remember to have some healthy meal beforehand to get relief. While the painkiller can give you relief shortly, it is not recommended to treat your headache by eating some food. Do not treat yourself with the drugs that come with side effects in the long run.
You can try these simple tips for “how to get rid of headache from not eating?”
Drink water
When you were going through the extended meeting of the day or in some hassle, you might forget to drink water. And your body may be dehydrating as you are losing more water than you are taking in. our body relies heavily on water to perform crucial functions. Having too little water or severe dehydration can affect the brain and body.
The first work to do when you have a hunger headache is drinking water. Have one or two glasses of water and sip it slowly. It might help relieve the symptoms.
You can also try some electrolyte drinks that help to replenish electrolytes in your body disrupted by dehydration. Coconut water, watermelon juice, or low sugar sporty drinks can help you replenish the essential minerals in your body and provide you relief from headaches within a few hours.
Eat a balance of Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat.
When you are starving, you can be irritated and confused. What kind of food do you go for when you are not able to think straight? You may probably go for some unhealthy foods like fast food or candy bar. Your body craves salt and sugar when you are hungry because your body is looking for a quick sugar level fix. But remember, having too sweet stuff like candy bars can send you to a sugar crash.
For relief, always choose a healthy option and do not rush into the quick fix. Having a meal with a balance of carbs, protein, and fat is a much healthier choice and help relieve your headache without any side effects. You can have oatmeal and peanut butter, which is easy to prepare and does not take much time. You can have green vegetables like broccoli, peas, carrots, and spinach with rice to get fiber.
Consuming fruits like avocado, apples, and watermelon can also help relieve the hunger headache.
Relax to relieve stress
While the cause of headaches is not eating enough food, you can relax for some hours after having a balanced meal. A stressful day can also trigger headache symptoms, especially when you are not eating. Calm your mind and give proper rest to your brain and body for some hours. You can stay in a quiet place and relax your body and mind to fight stress.
If the pain persists, you can try a cold compress to help you feel better. You can make one at your home or buy the ice gel pack, which is comfortable to use and help relieve the headache. Ice can be your favorite companion when having a headache. Stay in a quiet place and place the ice pack in your forehead to get relief. But do not use the ice application for more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
How to prevent a headache from not eating?
The answer is quite fair and easy to do. You can prevent the headache by not skipping meals. If you don’t have enough time to have full meals, you can carry some portable and healthy snacks like an energy bar, nuts, and seeds to fill your stomach when you are hungry. Hard-boiled eggs and protein shakes are also a good and healthy option and take some minutes to prepare.
You might want to go for easy meals like processed food when you have a busy day, but try to avoid processed food as they contain refined sugar and a high level of additives, which can negatively affect the blood sugar level. Always try to go for a whole food option as they are a healthy option that helps you make fuller for a longer time.
Dehydration also plays a role in hunger headache, be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink enough water so that you don’t run out of electrolytes.
If your headache is because of coffee withdrawal, slowly cut off the caffeine intake. Drink a cup of green tea or dark chocolate to get relief from headache.
Takeaway
We all suffer from headaches from not eating at some point in our life. Suffering from headaches is unavoidable when you have a hectic schedule and a never-ending to-do list. But if low blood glucose levels trigger your headache, it is best to pay attention to your diet. It would be best to take care of your body by providing enough nutrients for the brain and the body’s proper functioning.
If you have a busy time and do not have time to eat, you should carry some portable and healthy snacks to stabilize your blood glucose level and mood. This way, you can give your best in your daily work and maintain good health. People end up skipping meals and staying without food for more than five to six hours due to the busy schedule, which adversely affects the body function and results in headache, confusion, irritation, and fatigue.
Therefore a simple lifestyle change can help you prevent the hunger headache. We hope this article helps you find the answer to ‘how to get rid of headache from not eating?’
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