Headaches
Is dehydration causing your headache?
Research suggests dehydration – which is caused when water and electrolytes in the body are depleted -- can trigger headaches, everything from mild episodes to severe migraines. Dehydration headaches cause pain in the front, back, on one side, or throughout the head. Plus, another sign of a dehydration-induced headache is more intense pain caused when the head moves. Migraine pain, on the other hand, is much more severe, and attacks are often accompanied by vomiting, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The American Headache Society, The Migraine Trust and National Headache Foundation all consider proper hydration as a tactic to help prevent migraines.
Why Dehydration Causes Headaches
Water and electrolytes are critical for proper brain function. But dehydration makes it more difficult for our bodies to supply the brain with these vital nutrients. Additionally, research suggests that dehydration may cause the blood vessels narrow, which makes it more difficult for oxygen, blood and electrolytes to reach the brain.