How to Get Rid of a Pork Headache: A Complete Guide

Pork is delicious, but it can sometimes lead to nasty headaches afterwards. As a fellow pork lover who has experienced my fair share of pounding pork headaches, I want to share what I’ve learned about identifying the causes and finding relief.

What Causes Pork Headaches?

There are a few things commonly found in pork that can trigger headaches for some people:

• Nitrates/Nitrites – These preservatives are added to processed pork products like bacon ham and hot dogs. For people sensitive to them, they can dilate blood vessels and lead to headaches.

• MSG – Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer sometimes added to pork. It’s a known headache trigger for some.

• High Sodium – Processed pork often contains lots of sodium, which can cause dehydration and increased blood pressure. Both can cause headaches

• Undercooked Pork – Consuming raw or undercooked pork may expose you to parasites like trichinella, which can cause severe symptoms including headache.

• Smoked/Dried Pork – Heavily preserved pork products may contain compounds that provoke headaches in sensitive individuals.

• Pork Allergy – For people with a pork allergy, consuming it can trigger an allergic response leading to headache. This allergy is related to cat allergies.

Dietary Changes to Prevent Pork Headaches

If you think pork is causing your headaches, try making some of these dietary tweaks:

• Cut back on fried/processed pork like bacon and deli meats. Opt for leaner cuts and experiment with grilling or baking instead.

• Check labels and avoid products with nitrates, nitrites, and MSG. Look for “no added nitrates” labels.

• Reduce overall sodium intake by limiting processed pork and opting for fresh whenever possible.

• Always ensure pork is cooked thoroughly to recommended safe internal temperatures. Use a meat thermometer.

• Consider reducing smoked/dried pork intake if you suspect it’s a trigger.

• Keep a food/symptom diary to identify your specific headache triggers among different pork dishes.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Diet isn’t the only thing that impacts headaches. Try incorporating some of these lifestyle tweaks as well:

• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, which can help minimize headaches. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks which can worsen them.

• Get adequate sleep – Lack of sleep is a common headache trigger, so aim for 7-9 hours per night.

• Manage stress – High stress levels can provoke headaches. Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to relax.

• Exercise regularly – Working out helps reduce tension and relieve headaches. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days.

• Take breaks – If you feel a headache coming on, take a break and give your eyes a rest from screens. Apply a warm compress to your head and neck.

Natural Remedies to Soothe Headaches

When a pork headache strikes, these natural remedies can provide relief:

• Peppermint oil – Apply topically to temples and back of neck. The cooling sensation can alleviate pain.

• Ginger – Make ginger tea or chew raw ginger. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce headaches.

• Feverfew – Take feverfew capsules or tea. This herb has been shown effective for migraines.

• Magnesium – Taking a magnesium supplement may help relax blood vessels and muscles.

• Caffeine – A cup of coffee or tea can help relieve headache pain, but don’t overdo it.

• Essential oils – Lavender, rosemary, and peppermint oils can be applied topically or inhaled to reduce headaches.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Frequent or worsening headaches after eating pork

• Headaches accompanied by fever, nausea, stiff neck, or confusion

• Sudden, severe headaches unlike your typical pattern

• Headaches that interfere with your daily activities

Seek emergency care for “thunderclap” headaches that come on suddenly and intensely. This can indicate a serious condition like hemorrhage or stroke.

The Takeaway

It’s certainly possible for pork to trigger headaches in susceptible individuals. Pay attention to your personal headache triggers and make dietary and lifestyle changes accordingly. Natural remedies and OTC medications can provide relief once a pork headache strikes. But recurrent or severe headaches may require a doctor’s input to identify and manage the underlying cause.