Low Vitamin D Linked to Headaches
Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and musculoskeletal pain. According to the University of Eastern Finland, The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor study found low vitamin D may increase the risk of chronic headache.
The study examined approximately 2,600 men aged between 42 and 60 years. In 68% of these men, the vitamin D was low and considered to be deficient. Chronic headache occurring at least on a weekly basis were reported by 250 of the men. The study also found chronic headaches were more frequent outside the summer months of June through September. During the summer months, the average levels of vitamin D were higher.
Most of the vitamin D needed by humans does not come from diet. Ideally, the best way to get more vitamin D is to get sun exposure. Even in the winter months, there are still a couple of hours around noon to get a few D’s. When the weather isn’t suitable for getting some sun exposure, turn to foods. Fatty fish are the best natural source of vitamin D, such as: tuna, mackerel, and salmon.
There is no guarantee that raising vitamin D levels will reduce headaches, but there is a good chance it may help reduce the frequency.
Source: University of Eastern Finland. “Vitamin D deficiency increases risk of chronic headache.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 January 2017. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170104103543.htm.