Is Dehydration A Migraine Trigger?

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lauren Natbony

Has anyone ever said to you about your migraine attacks, “Just drink a glass of water”? When it comes to preventing, reducing, or stopping migraine symptoms, staying hydrated is always a top recommendation, but is it really as simple as just drinking water to stop your attacks? In this blog, we’ll explore:

• How hydration can impact migraine symptoms
• The role of electrolytes
• How much should we drink to stay healthy and help manage migraine attacks, and
• What is correlation rather than causation! 

Dehydration Headache vs Migraine Attack

It’s not uncommon for dehydration to trigger a headache. However, the term “Dehydration Headache” is not recognized as a headache disorder in the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHD-3). For a regular headache triggered by dehydration, simply rehydrating with water or an electrolyte drink can help reduce or alleviate the symptoms. Similarly, dehydration during a migraine can make attack symptoms more severe and harder to treat, so hydrating is key. According to a 2020 study, a correlation exists between daily water intake and the severity of migraine symptoms, although the study concludes that evidence of causation is lacking, and further research is needed. So when it comes to migraine, just hydrating is not likely to stop an attack by itself.  

It’s important to realize that migraine triggers can stack on top of each other. What that means is that dehydration by itself may not trigger an attack, but when stacked with other potential triggers such as scents, heat, or bright light, an attack can become more likely, or even more severe. In addition, if you have nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting during a migraine attack, it’s hard to drink anything. This can put you at risk for dehydration, making your migraine symptoms harder to treat. Being dehydrated can also affect how some medications are absorbed into your system. 

What Causes Dehydration?

Dehydration happens when the body actively loses water and can be severe. Dehydration occurs when the body lacks the water necessary for proper functioning. There are several reasons we dehydrate, including taking medications like diuretics, experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, sweating, exposure to high altitudes, physical exercise, and not drinking enough water. Dehydration can also cause an electrolyte imbalance. 

– Who’s At Risk For Dehydration? 

Infants and children are at the most risk for dehydration because they can’t communicate that they are thirsty. Adults 65 years of age and older are also at high risk, especially if they have memory issues and don’t remember to drink fluids. Regardless of your age, being sick or participating in intense exercise can cause dehydration.

– Signs Of Dehydration

We are all relatively familiar with the signs of dehydration. Feeling thirsty, having a dry mouth and lips, a dry cough, and a headache. Symptoms of severe dehydration include decreased urination, dark-colored urine, headache, dizziness, confusion, muscle cramps, fatigue, heat intolerance, or chills. If you have these symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention. (Note: Blood and urine tests can also detect dehydration.)

“While dehydration alone may not always trigger a migraine, it can make your brain more vulnerable to other triggers. Staying well-hydrated won’t cure migraine, but it’s one of the simplest ways to support your overall migraine management plan.” – Lauren R. Natbony, MD, FAHS, Medical Director, Integrative Headache Medicine of New York

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals found in our bodies, including potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, including regulating fluid balance and maintaining pH levels. They also regulate nerve and muscle function. 

– Is Electrolyte Water Better Than Plain Water For Hydration?

For the average person, regular water is fine. Both tap and bottled water (unless it’s distilled) have a small amount of electrolytes. However, you may want to consider drinking electrolyte water when: 

• You need fast hydration
• It’s hard for you to get your daily recommended intake of water
• You’re sick, vomiting, or have diarrhea
• You have symptoms of dehydration/severe dehydration
• Exercising or sweating
• Directed by your doctor

Bear in mind that electrolyte water contains sodium (salt), and consuming too much salt can increase your risk for other conditions, such as high blood pressure. If you have kidney disease, it is critical to manage your electrolytes carefully. So remember to discuss your hydration needs with your doctor. 

– Is Alkaline Water Helpful for Migraine? 

Alkaline water often contains electrolytes and claims to regulate our pH balances. There is very little scientific evidence to show that alkaline water is better at hydrating our bodies than regular tap or filtered water. Our bodies can typically regulate pH balances on their own.

– Are Sports Drinks Helpful for Migraine? 

Sports drinks with electrolytes were developed for athletes to provide quick hydration and replenish the water and electrolytes lost during intense exercise and sweating. They are high in added sugar and are only recommended if you have a specific need for them. 

Do I Really Need 8 Glasses Of Water A Day?

Eight glasses of water a day may seem like a lot, and everyone’s water needs will vary. However, science indicates that men require approximately 15.5 cups and women approximately 11.5 cups of water daily. A cup is 8 ounces, and water intake also includes other beverages, such as tea and coffee, as well as foods like fruits and vegetables. When you account for food, adults should aim for 8 cups of water per day, bearing in mind that your intake may be different depending on additional health conditions, exercise levels, and medications. 

– Is It Possible To Drink Too Much Water? 

The short answer is yes. Water intoxication is a condition that happens when you overhydrate, causing the sodium level in your blood to be too low. This often occurs when athletes drink too much water after intense exercise. Kidney and liver disease, as well as medications that increase thirst, can also lead to overhydration. If you drink a gallon of water or more per day, consult with your doctor to prevent water intoxication.

– Consistency Over Quantity 

It’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking throughout the day can help avoid dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. It’s easier to stay hydrated than to try to rehydrate. And remember, drinking more plain or electrolyte water will not necessarily avoid migraine symptoms, and can lead to other health problems. 

Use your daily fluid intake to help prevent and manage headache and migraine symptoms, rather than only hydrating to try to stop an attack in progress. Additionally, staying hydrated can help increase your energy levels and reduce symptoms such as brain fog and constipation, both of which can be symptoms of migraine. When you next see your headache doctor, ask them to add your daily fluid intake to your Migraine Action Plan. 

 Let Us Know! 

What are your best hydration tips for managing migraine? Is drinking enough water challenging for you? Share in the comments below, and remember to always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice!