While most of us may have suffered from a throbbing sensation or a dull pain in the head at some point or the other, persistent headaches may result from poor lifestyle choices we make. These could even be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Sleep deprivation, eye strain, stress and prolonged use of certain drugs are some of the common triggers. At times, one may get a headache after eating certain food items. One may develop an allergic reaction to certain food items. If you have been getting recurring headaches after the consumption of salty foods or sweets, it may be a sign of a medical condition. Causes Why do some people experience headaches after meals? Well, there could be several reasons. If one consumes a food item that doesn't agree with his/her system, one may experience a sharp, dull or throbbing pain in the head. Here are some medical conditions that may be contributory factors for pain or a throbbing sensation in head after meals. An allergic reaction is basically an immune system response that occurs when one consumes a substance that the immune system considers to be a threat. As a result, immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are released by the immune system. These antibodies activate mast cells. These cells release histamines to defend the body. The release of histamines gives rise to certain symptoms. Symptoms of a food allergy include hives, facial swelling, itching, wheezing, runny nose, abdominal pain, cramps or lightheadedness. At times, an allergic reaction to a food item could also trigger migraine headaches. A migraine headache is characterized by intense throbbing sensation in the head. Consumption of certain food items can trigger a migraine attack. Yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream and blue cheese are some of the food items that may trigger an attack. This may be due to the presence of tyramine in these food items. Other foods that might trigger migraine are chocolate, banana, beef and chicken liver, cured meats, pickled herring, soy sauce or citrus fruits. Consumption of food items that contain food additives could also be a contributory factor. Symptoms that may be experienced during a migraine attack include nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity or lightheadedness. If your head hurts every time you consume a particular food item, it would be best to refrain from consuming such a food item in future. Pain or discomfort in the head can also be caused due to extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Those who are suffering from low blood sugar or hypoglycemia might experience discomfort after consuming sugar or food items that are high in sugar. When one consumes such food items, the sugar reaches the blood within seconds and raises the blood sugar levels. In order to bring back the blood sugar levels to normal, the body produces insulin. The increase in blood glucose due to eating sweets is set off by the release of large amounts of insulin. This leads to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels or what we call a 'sugar crash'. When the brain doesn't receive sufficient quantity of glucose, the body increases the amount of blood flow to the brain, which leads to increase in the blood pressure. The blood vessels in the brain might also contract and expand as a result of these fluctuations and this triggers pain or discomfort in the head. Do you experience pain in your head after consuming salty foods? If yes, you must get your blood pressure checked. Generally people who suffer from high blood pressure are advised to take a low-salt diet. If your salt intake is very high, your kidneys might not be able to control the level of salt and it might enter your bloodstream. When there is an excess of salt in the bloodstream, more water is drawn into the blood. This increases the volume of blood which in turn increases your blood pressure. If you have been experiencing headaches after meals, get yourself medically examined. If you have normal blood glucose and blood pressure, then the most probable cause of pain might be a food allergy. If you suffer from a throbbing sensation or pain in head after consuming a particular food, undergo a food allergy test. Refrain from consuming any food item that you may be allergic to. Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.