Dissecting Headaches

🧠 Dissecting Headaches!

The Sodium Connection You’re Probably Missing

We’ve all been there — that throbbing, pressure-filled headache that seems to come out of nowhere. You might think it’s stress, lack of sleep, or dehydration (and sometimes it is)… but there’s another culprit most people don’t realize: low sodium.

Your brain itself can’t actually feel pain — there are no pain receptors in the brain tissue. The pain you feel during a headache comes from the dura mater, a protective layer around the brain rich in pain-sensitive nerves. When your body’s fluid and electrolyte balance is off, especially when sodium is low, this layer can swell or tighten — creating that all-too-familiar ache.

Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps your body regulate fluid balance and nerve function. When you sweat, work out, or even drink lots of plain water without replenishing electrolytes, your sodium levels can dip — and your head pays the price.

That’s why sometimes the solution to a stubborn headache isn’t more caffeine or painkillers — it’s hydration with electrolytes (especially sodium).

💡 Pro tip: Try adding a pinch of sea salt to your water or using an electrolyte mix, especially if you’re active or sweating often. Your head — and your energy — will thank you.