How to Get Rid of a Headache from Eating Pork – A Complete Guide

Pork is a delicious meat that is commonly consumed around the world. However, some people experience headaches after eating pork. This can be frustrating and concerning if you enjoy pork as part of your diet.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the potential causes of pork-induced headaches, symptoms to look out for, and most importantly, tips on how to prevent and get rid of headaches from eating pork.

What Causes Headaches After Eating Pork?

There are a few potential culprits that can trigger headaches after consuming pork products:

Nitrates and Nitrites

Processed and cured pork products like bacon, ham, and sausages often contain nitrates and nitrites. These compounds are added to preserve the meat and enhance the color.

However, nitrates and nitrites can cause the blood vessels in our body to dilate and swell. This dilation then triggers vascular headaches in some individuals.

Tyramine

Tyramine is an amino acid that is naturally present at higher levels in aged, fermented, and cured foods. Pork products like cured ham, bacon, and sausages can have high tyramine content.

Tyramine can cause blood vessels to constrict and then lead to a throbbing headache in those prone to migraines

Fats

The high fat content of certain pork products may also play a role. Fatty foods can cause our body to release certain hormones that end up triggering headaches in some cases.

Allergies

Rarely, an allergy to pork can also cause headaches after consumption along with other symptoms like itching, hives, nausea etc. A pork allergy is often linked to being allergic to cat dander as well (pork-cat syndrome).

MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer added to many processed foods including lunch meats, canned soups etc. MSG may potentially trigger headaches in some individuals.

Undercooked Pork

There is also a small risk of getting headaches from consuming undercooked or raw pork as it can cause food poisoning. Trichinosis from infected pork can result in muscle pains, headaches, fever etc. Properly cooked pork eliminates this risk.

Symptoms of Pork-Induced Headaches

Here are some of the common symptoms experienced with headaches caused by eating pork products:

• Throbbing or pounding pain on one or both sides of the head
• Pain that starts around 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating pork
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nasal congestion
• Watery eyes
• Flushing of the face
• Dizziness

The symptoms can last anywhere from 4-72 hours in most cases. Seeking medical help is recommended if the headaches are very frequent or severe.

Tips to Prevent Headaches from Eating Pork

Here are some tips to prevent pesky headaches triggered by pork:

1. Choose Fresh Cuts of Pork

Opt for fresh pork loin, chops, roasts etc instead of cured or processed pork like ham, bacon, and sausages. Fresh pork has lower levels of nitrates/nitrites compared to cured meats.

2. Read Labels Carefully

If consuming cured pork, read the labels carefully and avoid products listing nitrates or nitrites in the ingredients list. Go for “nitrate-free” or “no nitrites added” options.

3. Cook Thoroughly

Undercooked pork can harbor parasites leading to headaches and food poisoning. Ensure pork reaches the recommended safe minimum internal temperature (145°F for whole cuts, 160°F for ground pork) to kill any potential pathogens.

4. Limit Fatty Pork

Limit intake of high fat pork products like ribs, pork belly etc. The high fat content can trigger headaches in some predisposed individuals.

5. Avoid MSG

Check labels and avoid pork cured products, cold cuts, and canned meats listing MSG or monosodium glutamate in ingredients.

6. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can make headaches worse. Drink plenty of water and hydrating fluids like herbal tea before and after meals.

7. Limit Aged Cheese/Wine with Pork

Tyramine in aged cheese and red wine can add to the tyramine load and make pork-induced headaches worse.

8. Take an Antihistamine

If you have a pork allergy, taking an antihistamine like Zyrtec before consuming pork can prevent a reaction and headaches.

How to Get Rid of a Headache from Pork

If you already have a pounding headache after eating some bacon or ham, try these remedies for relief:

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink water and electrolyte drinks to counteract dehydration which exacerbates headaches.

2. Limit Caffeine

While coffee can help some types of headaches, caffeine withdrawal is also a headache trigger. Limit caffeine to 1-2 cups a day.

3. Take a Pain Reliever

For severe headaches, take an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin for relief. Follow dosage instructions.

4. Apply Hot/Cold Compress

Apply an ice pack or cooling gel pack on the forehead and back of neck for 15-20 minutes to reduce headache pain and inflammation.

5. Get Some Rest

Lie down in a dark, quiet room. Getting adequate rest and sleep can help relieve headache pain faster.

6. Try Essential Oils

Peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils applied topically may provide headache relief.

7. Massage Head and Neck

Gently massage the temples, base of skull and neck muscles to relieve tension contributing to headaches.

8. Try a Supplement

Magnesium, riboflavin (B2), Coenzyme Q10 or butterbur supplements may help treat recurring headaches. Consult your doctor first.

9. Eliminate Suspected Triggers

Keep a food diary. Eliminate cured meats, cheeses, MSG, wine etc from your diet for 2-3 weeks to pinpoint your headache triggers. Slowly reintroduce one at a time while monitoring symptoms.

Getting to the root cause and avoiding triggers is key to preventing headaches from pork long-term. But trying these remedies can provide much needed relief when a pork-induced headache does strike unexpectedly. With some care and vigilance, you can continue enjoying your BLTs without pain!