What foods cause “sausage” headaches. And what does sausage have to do with it?

It is difficult to find a person who has not experienced a headache, even in the mildest form. There are many reasons for this condition, but there are some that few people have heard of. For example, there is such a term as “sausage” headache.”

“Sausage” headache: what it is and what sausages have to do with it

This type of headache got its name not by chance. Its main cause is excess salt in the diet. It is food salt very often leads to an increase in blood pressure, and, as a consequence, to headaches.

“Sausage” headache is usually localized in the temple area, has a pressing and throbbing character and is accompanied by palpitations, facial redness, nausea, excessive sweating. The duration can vary from 20 minutes to 2 hours.

The answer to the question of why sausages appear in the name is very simple: in meat products, which include sausages, the amount of salt is sometimes just off the charts.

The salt we consume is sodium chloride, and it is sodium that plays an important role in our well-being.

What happens to sodium when we consume it

• The kidneys balance its content in the body. When sodium is low, they retain it. When levels are high, they excrete some sodium with urine.

• If the kidneys can not excrete enough sodium, it accumulates in the blood. The trace element is able to attract and retain water, so blood volume increases. The heart begins to work harder to pump all the blood, which increases the pressure in the arteries. Over time, this can increase your risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, and having a stroke.

It’s worth noting that there are some people who are more sensitive to the effects of sodium than others. This means that the trace element is more easily retained in their bodies, leading to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. In addition, thirst and general weakness can also add to headaches.

What foods contain a lot of salt

Salt and sugar are now present in almost every food item. And if you think that their amount depends only on how much you yourself added salt and sugar to dishes and drinks, you are very wrong.

Leaders in salt content are:

• meat products;

• canned foods;

• cooked breakfasts and lunches;

A large amount of salt is initially contained in animal products as well. For example, in fish and eggs.

Is it worth giving up salt

After all this is said, the thought may arise that a complete refusal from salt is necessary. But this is not the case. Moreover, the exclusion of salt from the diet is no less dangerous than its excess.

Salt is essential for us to:

• to maintain acid-base balance;

• to generate nerve impulses;

• water metabolism and fluid retention in the body.

Therefore, it is important not to refuse salt, and try to observe its norm in the diet.

What is the norm of salt in adults

The norm of salt in the diet for an adult is 5 g (about one teaspoon) per day. This recommendation applies to all people, except those who have diseases or take medications that can lead to hyponatremia (low concentration of sodium in the blood), a sharp increase in the water content of the body or require a special diet under the supervision of a doctor.

How to reduce the amount of salt in the diet

To reduce salt intake, it is enough to adhere to a few simple rules.

• Give preference to cooking dishes at home. In this case, you will be able to control the addition of salt and oil, which manufacturers often use to improve the flavor.

• Try not to over-salt dishes, especially if the recipe contains seasonings: most often salt is already contained in them.

• Replace salt with herbs. This will not only make your diet healthier, but also revitalize the taste of familiar dishes.

• Include more fresh foods in your diet. Fresh vegetables, meat and fish contain less sodium than in processed forms. For example, canned, grilled, or fried.

• Read the ingredients. Before you buy, look beyond the label: “reduced salt” doesn’t mean a big difference compared to a regular product.

If you decide to reduce your salt intake, remember that it is better to reduce the amount of salt gradually. It will take time for your taste buds to adjust. But the health benefits you will provide will definitely be worth the effort.