Salt Questions · Health & nutrition
Can a high-salt diet cause headaches?
Short answer
There is some evidence it can. In a 2014 analysis of the DASH-Sodium feeding trial, adults on a high-sodium diet reported significantly more headaches than when they ate a low-sodium diet: lowering sodium cut the odds of headache by about a third. The effect was seen regardless of the type of diet.
The study
In the DASH-Sodium trial, 412 adults ate carefully controlled diets at three sodium levels for 30 days each. Researchers later analysed reported symptoms. Compared with the high-sodium period (about 3,500 mg a day), the low-sodium period (about 1,150 mg a day) was associated with roughly 31% lower odds of headache.
Why salt might matter
The mechanism isn't clear. It doesn't seem to be explained by blood pressure changes alone. Researchers suggest effects on blood vessels and fluid balance.
What it means for you
If you get frequent headaches, keeping a food and symptom diary, including salty meals, may help. Many other triggers exist, and persistent or severe headaches should be checked by a doctor.
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Cite this page
For school projects and reports. Teachers often prefer the original sources too: see the list below.
The Salt Almanac. (2026, November 8). Can a high-salt diet cause headaches. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/can-a-high-salt-diet-cause-headaches
“Can a high-salt diet cause headaches.” The Salt Almanac, 8 Nov. 2026, saltalmanac.com/answers/can-a-high-salt-diet-cause-headaches. Accessed [today's date].
“Can a high-salt diet cause headaches.” The Salt Almanac. Last modified November 8, 2026. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/can-a-high-salt-diet-cause-headaches.
Original sources
- Amer M, et al. Effects of dietary sodium and the DASH diet on the occurrence of headaches. BMJ Open, 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25500372/