can eating salmon cause headaches

Can Eating Salmon Cause Headaches? The Truth Behind This Common Concern

Headaches can be frustrating and debilitating. If you find yourself frequently getting headaches after eating salmon you may wonder if the popular fish is to blame.

I used to love eating salmon, whether it was grilled, smoked, or baked. But I started noticing that I would often get a throbbing headache a few hours after eating it. I did some digging to try and figure out what was causing these pesky “salmon headaches.”

After researching online and talking to my doctor, I learned that there are a few possible reasons why salmon could be triggering headaches for some people. Keep reading to learn more about the potential links between salmon consumption and headaches.

What the Research Says

There hasn’t been extensive scientific research directly examining if eating salmon causes headaches. However, some small studies have looked at connections between eating fish in general and getting headaches afterwards.

One study from 2020 found that 22% of people reported getting headaches after eating fish. Salmon was one of the most commonly reported trigger fish. Other culprits included tuna, halibut, and mackerel.

Another small study from 2018 followed people who said they experienced headaches after eating fish. These participants ate fish like salmon, then filled out questionnaires about symptoms. Nearly three-quarters reported getting a headache within 4 hours of fish consumption.

While we need more research, these early studies suggest a potential link for some people between eating salmon and subsequent headaches.

Possible Causes of “Salmon Headaches”

If you tend to get headaches after eating salmon, there are a few possible explanations. Here are some of the most common theories behind why salmon could trigger headaches:

1. Tyramine

Tyramine is a compound that forms naturally as fish age or cure. Smoked salmon typically contains higher levels of tyramine since smoking is a preserving process. Consuming tyramine may trigger migraines and headaches in sensitive individuals by causing blood vessels to constrict.

If you notice you’re more prone to headaches after eating smoked salmon compared to fresh, tyramine could be the reason. Switching to fresh salmon may help you avoid “salmon migraines.”

1. Histamine

Like tyramine, histamine is another naturally occurring compound in fish that increases as it ages. Histamine is produced by bacteria during preservation and fermentation. Eating fish with high histamine levels can provoke headache symptoms in some people.

1. Preservatives

Pre-packaged smoked salmon often contains preservatives like nitrates, nitrites, and sulfites to extend shelf life. These compounds are known headache triggers for some. Be sure to check labels and watch out for them if you’re sensitive.

1. Food Poisoning

Consuming contaminated fish can cause sudden onset of headache along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is caused by toxins like ciguatera or bacteria like salmonella. Properly handling and cooking salmon reduces this risk. But if headache comes on quickly along with other symptoms after eating salmon, foodborne illness could be the cause.

1. MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an additive used in some salad dressings, seasonings, and restaurant foods. While not present in salmon itself, MSG as an ingredient in foods paired with salmon could be the trigger.

1. Allergy

It’s rare, but some people may experience headaches after eating salmon as part of a severe food allergy reaction. More common allergy symptoms include hives, stomach pain, and throat irritation. If you suspect a salmon allergy, see an allergist.

Tips to Prevent Salmon-Related Headaches

If you frequently get headaches after eating salmon, try these proactive tips to enjoy salmon without the pain:

• Opt for wild-caught fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon to avoid tyramine and histamine.

• Read ingredient labels and avoid pre-packaged salmon with preservatives like nitrites.

• Purchase salmon from reputable sellers and cook thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.

• Avoid adding MSG-containing ingredients when cooking salmon.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever at first signs of headache to help mitigate symptoms.

• Keep a food diary. If you consistently get headaches within 12 hours of eating salmon, it may be a trigger worth avoiding.

• See an allergist if headache is severe or accompanied by other allergy symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, an occasional headache after eating salmon is not a major cause for concern. Taking an OTC pain reliever and drinking water is often sufficient for relief.

However, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you experience:

• Frequent headaches that consistently occur after eating salmon

• Sudden, severe headache after salmon along with vomiting, diarrhea or fever (could indicate food poisoning)

• Headache accompanied by swelling, trouble breathing, or throat tightness (could indicate allergy)

Your doctor can help get to the root cause of your “salmon headaches” and determine if avoiding it is needed. They may refer you to an allergist for food allergy testing as well.

The Takeaway

While most post-meal headaches are harmless, salmon can trigger head pain for some people. Compounds in fish, preservatives, MSG, illness, or allergies may be potential causes. Pay attention to symptoms and talk to your doctor if salmon-related headaches are frequent or severe. With the right precautions, you can still enjoy the nutritional benefits of salmon without the unwanted side effect of head pain.