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Are Carbonated Beverages Bad for Migraines?

While drinking a carbonated beverage will almost certainly not instantly trigger a migraine, evidence suggests that it is more often the caffeine associated with carbonated drinks that helps bring on migraine headaches.

  1. Carbonation vs. Caffeine

    • Both alcohol and caffeinated, carbonated drinks have been found to be triggers for migraine headaches, according to Nutrition MD online. However, carbonated drinks have been lumped into the category of migraine triggers simply because they often contain caffeine.

    Caffeine as Friend and Foe

    • According to Nutrition MD, caffeinated beverages have actually been shown to help relieve migraine headaches as much as they cause them. However, if you want to reduce headaches with caffeine, try strong, black coffee instead of caffeinated soft drinks.

    Aspartame

    • Many diet sodas contain aspartame. According to Yuri Elkaim, owner and founder of Total Wellness Consulting, aspartame can cause dizziness, nausea and headaches. Still, the link between diet soda and migraines is the aspartame, not the carbonation.

    Carbonation Benefits

    • If your migraines are so severe that they cause vomiting and an upset stomach, drinking clear sodas such as ginger ale or club soda can help settle the stomach, according to information from the National Library of Medicine.

    Varied Treatments

    • Migraine symptoms can be unique to the person suffering from them. If you suspect carbonated beverages are causing your migraines, phased them out of your diet and then slowly reintroduce them once your symptoms improve to see if they have any effect.

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