You know, there are a lot of weird running tips out there. Tips that work.
Like if you’re having trouble getting your KT Tape to stick (though this is less of an issue with the new, awesome KT Tape Pro), you can use a hair dryer to heat up the tape after applying. It definitely enhances the staying power.
But this tip isn’t about tape. It’s about headaches.
A few years ago, I was getting crushing headaches after running. Not immediately, but later in the afternoon on the days of a long run. I thought it might be dehydration, but no matter how much water I consumed, nothing helped. My blood pressure was fine, so no concerns there. Advil didn’t really kick it either.
Then one day, after my run, I chowed down on some salty pretzels. I don’t typically keep pretzels in the house because they are one of those things where in my brain, every bag is a single serving, even the giant party-size bags. I can’t keep my hands off of them. But for whatever reason, this day I had pretzels and they seemed like an awesome post run snack.
And guess what? No headache!
So I started doing some research. Could it be sodium, or in broader terms, electrolytes? I do sweat a ton, and I’m a salty sweater, so it wouldn’t be a surprise.
(Interesting fact – discounting the pretzels, I eat a relatively low sodium diet, so salty sweating doesn’t only happen to people who pound down the salt.)
Ultimately, I picked up some SaltStick Caps in the running store. Contrary to their name, they have potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium in them. Two caps after a run? No more headache! (No sponsorship here, just a product I use.) And no additional calories, unlike those tasty pretzels.
I’ve discovered that I can also thwart the headache by adding salt to my post-run meal, something I never do. Only while eating a delicious post-run breakfast will you find me reaching for the salt shaker. But it helps.
Now, I’m not a scientist, I’m not a dietitian, and I’m certainly not a doctor. But if, like me, you find yourself with post-run headaches, maybe reach for the salt shaker just this once and see if it helps.
Thanks For the tip! I’m going to try it.
wait! this happens to me! excellent. I will try this.
Oh my! Yay! I will need to do this. I’ve had crippling migraines after sometimes.
I’m going to try it. Thanks. 15k in Schenectedy NY next week.
Thanks for the tip! You described what I am currently going through.
I’ve had the same problem and made the same discovery. Found this while looking for confirmation that it was indeed the salt that made the differences. I discovered it by eating fries after a run, which I always pour a lot of salt on 🙂
[…] race information, reviews of something I’ve written about, etc. Lots of searches for post-workout headache advice. But then there are the outliers. And they are always enjoyable. Some recent […]
[…] One of my most popular posts is from back in 2012 where I discuss a weird headache cure I discovered. Spoiler alert: it’s sodium. Dietary salt, salt tablets, it has all helped me. […]
The tip of placing your feet in a bucket of cold water after a run to alleviate headache symptoms is an intriguing one, as cold therapy has been shown to help reduce inflammation and promote circulation. It’s always a good idea to listen to your body and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you when it comes to headache management.
Wait! I experience this too! That’s great! I will give it a try.
Thank you for this fascinating post on curing post-run headaches! I’ve struggled with this issue for a while, and your weird running tip is something I hadn’t considered before. Your insights are always so practical and helpful. I can’t wait to try this out on my next run. Keep sharing these amazing tips! Cooking After Cataract Surgery
This is a fantastic post! You’ve included so much helpful information and the way you’ve explained everything is really clear. Thanks for sharing such a detailed and insightful resource with your readers. I’ll definitely be checking back for more.
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Meal planning is a great way to ensure you’re eating nutritious, balanced meals throughout the week. Planning ahead helps you avoid unhealthy choices and saves time. Include lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables in your meals for a well-rounded diet. It’s key to staying on track!
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Focusing on eating well for digestive health is such an important topic! A balanced diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and hydration can make a world of difference. It’s amazing how mindful eating habits can improve gut health and overall well-being. Thanks for highlighting these valuable tips for a healthier lifestyle!
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Maintaining strong bones is essential for overall health, especially as we age. Consuming calcium-rich foods like dairy, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based alternatives can support bone density. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, and strength training also help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Getting enough vitamin D through sunlight or supplements further enhances calcium absorption. Prioritizing bone health now can lead to better mobility and strength in the future.
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Really interesting insight on post-run headaches and electrolyte balance. Many runners overlook sodium loss, especially if they follow a low-sodium diet. Replenishing with products like SaltStick Caps or even simple salty snacks post-run can make a big difference in recovery and comfort.
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This post really struck a chord with me! I’ve also dealt with terrible headaches after long runs and assumed dehydration was the culprit. It’s fascinating how you discovered salty pretzels helped—electrolyte imbalance can be sneaky like that. Your experience is a great reminder that sometimes it’s not just about water but replenishing sodium too. I’ll definitely be more mindful of my post-run snacks moving forward. Thanks for sharing such a relatable story! at home lumbar traction
This post really resonated with me because I used to get post-run headaches too and could never figure out why. I always assumed it was dehydration and would overcompensate with water, but the headaches would still come. It’s interesting that salt made such a difference for you—seems like sodium depletion might be the real culprit in many runners’ headaches. I’ll definitely try adding salty snacks like pretzels after my long runs! Total Medic