Does Salt Water Actually Help Migraine Headaches?

Exploring Salt Water as a Migraine Remedy

Migraine attacks involve intense, throbbing headache pain along with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Finding relief becomes imperative.

When desperate for solutions during a migraine episode, some patients report trying unconventional DIY home remedies. One of the most discussed involves using salt water.

The Salt Water Migraine Remedy

This home remedy for migraine relief calls for dissolving table salt or Himalayan pink salt in warm water. Recommended proportions range from 1/2 to 1 full teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of water.

After stirring to dissolve the salt, the mixture gets slowly sipped or even used to rinse the nasal passages in hopes of alleviating migraine pain.

How Its Supposed to Work

No scientific studies specifically explore salt water for migraines. But theories behind how it might help include:

• Salt balances electrolytes which may ease headache pain
• Warm liquid soothes the stomach
• Nasal saline wash could reduce sinus inflammation triggering migraines

Anecdotal Experiences Using Salt Water

Lacking hard research, anecdotal reports comprise the best insight available regarding salt water for migraine relief currently. Experiences vary greatly.

Positive Outcomes

Some migraineurs praise the salt water remedys ability to lessen or even halt their headache attacks and associated symptoms like light sensitivity.

Specific benefits mentioned in first-hand accounts include:

• Dulling or ending head pain
• Easing nausea and stomach distress
• Aiding sleep
• Shortening overall migraine duration

A number cite needing to sip the mixture slowly for best results. Others report positive effects from nasal saline washes at migraine onset.

Negative Reactions

Conversely, many migraine patients relay that drinking or rinsing with salt water offered no help at all. Symptoms either persisted or worsened in some cases.

Beyond ineffectiveness, additional downsides experienced include:

• Heightening headache intensity
• Increasing nausea and vomiting
• Exacerbating dehydration
• Prolonging migraine duration

Those sensitive to the taste of salt often find the mixture unpalatable as well, making it difficult to consume as volumes large enough to work.

Is Salt Water Scientifically Proven as Effective?

Lack of Studies on Salt Water and Migraines

No controlled clinical studies specifically analyze the efficacy and safety of salt water for treating migraine headaches.

At best, tangential research on similar topics like electrolytes, hydration, nasal saline, and headache remedies in general offer hints at possibilities.

Electrolyte Imbalance Theories Lack Evidence

A common attempt at a scientific explanation involves electrolyte disturbance triggering migraines.

In reality, studies conclusively link neither electrolyte levels nor dehydration as causative factors for the majority of migraine attacks.

Likewise, research fails to confirm electrolyte-replenishing sports drinks as more effective than placebo for headache relief in most patients.

Nasal Saline Rinses May Help Some

Saline nasal irrigation stands as the one salt-related remedy with credible scientific backing for certain migraine sufferers.

For those experiencing sinus-influenced migraines, research finds nasal rinsing potentially able to:

• Improve sinus drainage
• Clean irritants from nasal passages
• Reduce infection risk

Together, these benefits may diminish one trigger for some migraine events, especially around allergy season.

Trying Salt Water for Migraines Safely

Incorporate Other Treatments Too

Lacking solid proof of effectiveness, salt water should not replace doctor-approved migraine medications and treatments.

However, when utilized alongside prescribed regimens, it may provide additional relief for some patients during attacks.

Watch Sodium Intake

Be mindful of dietary sodium levels on days ingesting salt water. For those sodium-sensitive, drastically upping intake could theoretically impact blood pressure.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after trying salt water. Dehydration remains a migraine risk factor, so water intake matters.

Monitor Side Effects

Pay attention to bodily reactions after ingesting salt water. Nausea, vomiting, and heightened headache pain signal stopping immediately.

Report any concerning effects to your physician right away as well.

The Takeaway on Salt Water for Migraines

No solid scientific evidence yet backs using salt water as an effective, standalone migraine remedy. But some patients do subjectively experience relief from drinking small salt water volumes.

Nasal saline irrigation may additionally help those with sinus-influenced migraine triggers. When utilized carefully alongside doctor-approved treatments, salt water remains an option to possibly provide extra relief during attacks for some sufferers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.