If you’ve been experiencing headaches after consuming MCT oil, you’re not alone. Many people have reported headaches after consuming MCT oil due to its potential to cause an electrolyte imbalance. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes MCT oil-induced headaches and how you can find relief. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to prevent your body from developing future MCT oil-induced headaches. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of how to manage and avoid MCT oil-induced headaches.
What symptoms accompany an MCT oil headache?
Symptoms of an MCT oil headache can include pressure or aching in the head, as well as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Other symptoms can include dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
What is the difference between an MCT oil headache and a regular headache?
MCT oil headaches are caused by an increase in body ketones, which are produced when the body metabolizes MCT oil. This type of headache is usually sharp and localized to the front of the head and is often accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity. A regular headache, on the other hand, is usually more generalized and can be caused by numerous factors, including stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, and eyestrain.
How long do MCT oil headaches usually last?
MCT oil headaches usually last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. The length of a headache depends on how much MCT oil was consumed and how quickly it was consumed. Additionally, individual reactions to the oil may also vary. Therefore, it is important to start with small amounts and slowly increase the dosage to avoid any unwanted side effects.
Are there any remedies that can help reduce the intensity of an MCT oil headache?
Yes, there are several remedies that may help reduce the intensity of an MCT oil headache. Drinking plenty of water, eating a light, healthy snack, and taking a break to relax can all help alleviate the discomfort. Additionally, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help reduce the intensity of the headache.
Can CBD oil help to prevent or alleviate an MCT oil headache?
Yes, CBD oil has been shown to potentially help prevent and alleviate MCT oil headaches. Studies suggest that CBD can reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural pain regulation, both of which can help prevent and alleviate headaches caused by MCT oil. Additionally, CBD has been shown to help reduce stress, which can also be a cause of MCT oil headaches.
Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more. It is possible MCT oil could cause increased headaches for some users. This is a less common side effect and the cause is unknown, however, anecdotal reports suggest it typically occurs at the beginning of use and it is thought the purity of the supplement and how it is used may contribute to you experiencing headaches. While information relating to the specific connection of MCT oil and headaches is limited, there have been reports on internet forums discussing headaches as a side effect of MCT oil use. To understand more about the connection between MCT oil and headaches, I consulted Reddit for more of an understanding around what users were specifically experiencing. Some common commentary popping up included. The main reasons you may be experiencing headaches associated with your MCT oil use are probably because. When you introduce MCT oil to your supplement regime it will take time for your body to adjust. It is best to follow dosage recommendations and incrementally build up your dose which will help minimize potential side effects like headaches occuring. The guidelines around developing a tolerance to MCT oil are to start small by introducing MCT oil in a teaspoon serving size and building it up over days or weeks depending on how your body responds. Continue this gradual process until your daily quantity is at your desired amount, without exceeding maximum amounts of 4 to 7 tablespoons a day. Studies have suggested you can consume a maximum of tablespoons of MCT oil a day. However, it seems consuming more than 1 tablespoon of MCT at a time could lead to you experiencing side effects like headaches, especially if you are doing this multiple times across the day. This is of even more importance if your body is yet to build up a tolerance to the supplement. Work up to a tablespoon of MCT oil in one serve. It is possible that the headaches you are experiencing are connected to how you are mixing your MCT oil. For example, drinks high in caffeine will cause you to pee more and expel fluid faster than usual. It is possible that a poor quality MCT oil could increase the likelihood of you experiencing side effects like headaches. It is not always the brand that matters, but rather the quality of the product. These impurities could be connected to why some people get headaches when using MCT oils. Importantly though, some brands will be better than others at producing a better quality product. These brands will often talk about how their MCT oil is made and have certain certifications visible on their website. MCTs are not naturally occurring and to create a supplement requires a complicated process where MCTs are extracted from other oils like palm and coconut. So the more information a brand has about its process the more informed you can be on its quality. In addition to the production process, be mindful of the ingredients in your MCT oil. So an MCT oil containing C8 and C10 on the ingredients panel is more indicative of a higher quality product which is possibly less likely to cause headaches. The quality of your MCT oil plays can be critical to whether you experience side effects like headaches or not, so when you are deciding on the best one for you. I have already done some ground work here and tried and tested the MCT oil by Bulletproof , who have been long standing in the market, providing quality products backed by countless five stars reviews. Try lowering the amount of MCT oil you are taking. Consuming high quantities, which could be upward of even a teaspoon at a time for some people, could cause headaches. To help keep your hydration levels adequate, drink plenty of water. This is a simple way to self regulate your hydration and minimize headaches associated with dehydration. Persisting side effects of any kind are an indication something is not quite right. Headaches are a possible side effect of your MCT use, albeit a less common one. Most of the time you should be able to resolve this issue through building up your tolerance and tempering the amount you consume at one time. If you have any persisting issues though, it is best to consult a professional who is best placed to assist with your specific circumstances. Steph Catalucci Nutrition Coach macronutritionau macro-nutrition. Steph Catalucci is an online nutrition coach from Australia, working with clients all over the world. Her passion for nutrition was born through wanting to treat her body better, for health and performance. She is a strong advocate for understanding nutrition to develop informed nutritional habits that go beyond just food. Steph leverages a decade of her own nutritional experience to help people make sense of the noise and carve a path forward with their nutrition, supporting clients with whatever body composition goal they have. Let a FeastGood coach help you decide. Learn More. Next Do Bodybuilders Eat Soy?
