Dietary Triggers for Intracranial Hypertension

I think we have all heard by now that Intracranial Hypertension is most prominent in obese or overweight women. So why is weight loss in itself not the cure?

Perhaps it isn’t always so much about the weight but what we are putting into our bodies.

In this post, we will be discussing the most common dietary triggers for IH.

First, however, I want to make it clear that we are all unique. Some of us may tolerate some foods better than others. This post is not intended to steer you away from any particular food that you may require for your own health needs. (And you can believe I still consume each and every one of these categories to some extent.) This post is merely to bring attention to the most common foods that affect our health and to give possibility as to why.

It is strongly encouraged to keep a food journal in order to know which foods may be triggering your symptoms.

That said, let’s begin!

Sodium

Possibly the biggest dietary trigger for IH patients is sodium. Remember, fluid follows sodium. If your diet consists of a lot of salt, you can expect a lot of fluid to be hanging around… spinal fluid to be exact. Too much salt also increases blood pressure which in turn worsens intracranial pressure. Be leery; salt is in more than you may realize!

Learn More: A Pinch of Salt

(Note: Patients suffering from both IH and POTS may need more salt as opposed to less.)

Sugar

While most patients with IH focus solely on their salt intake, excessive sugar consumption is also a major trigger. It not only opens the door to weight gain but also to inflammation and high blood pressure, both which worsen IH symptoms.

Our hormones play a huge role with this condition, and sugar directly affects our hormones. Outside of our reproductive hormones, sugar affects our epinephrine and nor-epinephrine, which affects our blood vessels. This is why a person may develop a “sugar headache”. Sugar directly affects our brain and nervous system. Note that sugar substitutes are also known to cause headaches.

Not balancing our sugar intake properly can lead to crashes, which not only includes more headaches but also mood changes, affecting cortisol levels. Remember that cortisol is the stress hormone that can cause fluid retention.

Learn More: Sugarcoated Lies

Carbs

Carbohydrates are macronutrients and considered beneficial for our bodies. However, carbs in the wrong form or amounts can contribute to fat stores. The hormones affecting the symptoms of IH can be stored in these same fat stores. Let’s also not forget that carbs convert into sugar (see above).

While I do not suggest carbs be avoided entirely, try to consume those that are less processed and preferably to their most natural state. 

Fat

Rule of thumb, if it increases blood pressure, it can increase intracranial pressure. Again, I am never one to avoid any food group, but please be smart about this one and choose healthy fats where possible.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A and IH have had relations long before the term Pseudotumor Cerebri even came about. Vitamin A toxicity has been known to cause increased intracranial pressure for centuries. However, the key word here is “toxicity”.

Vitamin A is very beneficial for our bodies. It promotes healthy eyes, prevents cancer, builds our immune system, and supports our bones and skin. But too much of anything is never a good thing.

Some people may tolerate higher levels than others, so the only thing determining how much Vitamin A you can consume is your own body.

Other

The list could really go on and on about what foods some IH patients are affected by. For those who suffer from migraine or headaches along with their IH, they may find that whatever triggers their headache can trigger their IH. Just about every part of an IH diet is individualized, which is why it is so important to keep a food journal along with your symptom tracker.

Some may avoid dairy like the plague whereas I personally thrive by it. Some may have sensitivities to certain amino acids, such as tyramine (which can be found in aged cheeses and cured meats). Others may steer clear of foods infamous for promoting inflammation. Caffeine is also another huge hit or miss, helping some while hurting others. Alcohol tends to make many feel worse – not to mention it may interact with the medications often prescribed for this condition.

Dehydration is also a big no-no, especially if you are taking any of the diuretic medications often prescribed for this condition (such as Diamox or Lasix). Dehydration pulls fluid out of your body which can leave your body aching with pain.

There are many diets out there. You can only adjust yours until you find what is right for you.

What are your dietary triggers when it comes to IH? Let us know in the comments below!