Can Sprite Cure Headaches?

Claim: A video posted on the social media site Facebook claims that headaches can be cured by drinking Sprite. The video further claims that sprite is more effective than headache pain relief medications. The video has over 10 thousand likes and can be accessed here.

What is a headache?

According to the WHO, a headache is a painful and disabling feature of primary headache disorders, namely migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache. Headaches can also be caused by or occur secondarily to a long list of other conditions, the most common of which is medication-overuse headache. (1)

Types of Headaches

Headaches are a common health issue with various types, each having distinct characteristics and causes. Here are the primary types:

Tension headaches are characterized by mild to moderate pain, often described as a tight band around the head, affecting the forehead, scalp, and neck. These headaches can be triggered by stress, poor posture, eye strain, and fatigue, and they can occur episodically (less than 15 days a month) or chronically (more than 15 days a month for at least three months).

Migraines involve intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some individuals experience an aura, which includes visual disturbances before the headache starts. Migraines can be triggered by genetic factors, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, stress, and sensory stimuli. Episodes can last from a few hours to several days and may occur several times a month.

Cluster headaches present severe, piercing pain around one eye or on one side of the head, often with red, watery eyes, nasal congestion, or a runny nose. These headaches occur in groups or clusters at the same time each day. The exact cause is unknown, but hypothalamus dysfunction and triggers like alcohol and smoking may play a role. Cluster headache episodes can last for weeks to months, followed by remission periods.

Sinus headaches are characterized by deep, constant pain in the forehead, cheekbones, or bridge of the nose. The pain often intensifies with sudden head movement or straining. Sinus headaches are associated with sinus infections or allergies and are accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and facial swelling.

Rebound headaches are persistent, daily headaches that can vary in type and severity. They are often caused by the overuse of pain relief medications, including over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, or prescription medications. Regular, long-term use of these medications can lead to rebound headaches.

Hormonal headaches resemble migraines and often occur before or during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. They can also be triggered by hormonal contraceptives. These headaches are caused by hormonal fluctuations in estrogen levels and can vary in frequency.

Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck and radiate to the head and face. They are often associated with reduced neck mobility and pain with certain neck movements. These headaches are caused by disorders of the cervical spine, such as degenerative disc disease, whiplash, or poor posture.

What is the most effective way to manage headaches?

Dr Pratik Tibdewal, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, explains, “The most effective way to manage the headache depends on the type and severity of the headache. There could be various factors that could trigger your headache such as taking too much stress, not getting enough rest or adequate amount of sleep, poor eating habits, prolonged exposure to electronic devices, and bright lights. Gently massaging your head or neck muscles for a few minutes with warm oil can provide relief and also reduce the intensity of the headache. If your headache is due to bright lights, or flickering lights then dimming the light can help and work effectively. Consult your doctor to understand the root cause of your headache for better treatment and expert guidance.”

Can drinking Sprite cure headaches?

A study published in the September 2013 issue of Food and Function found that chemicals in non-caffeinated beverages like Sprite may help alleviate hangover headaches. The research evaluated the effects of 57 herbal infusions, teas, and carbonated beverages on alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). These enzymes are crucial for alcohol metabolism: ADH converts ethanol to acetaldehyde, and ALDH further metabolizes acetaldehyde to acetate. An imbalance in these enzymes can lead to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that contributes to hangover symptoms, including headaches. (2)

While the study suggests that some non-caffeinated beverages might be useful for preventing and treating hangover symptoms, it does not specifically confirm which beverages are beneficial.

Conversely, evidence from various studies indicates that rapid blood sugar fluctuations, including reactive hypoglycemia following high sugar intake, can lead to headaches. Sprite, for instance, is high in sugar, with a standard 12-ounce can containing approximately 38 grams (9.5 teaspoons) of sugar, primarily from high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

A study published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain found that reactive hypoglycemia could trigger migraines in susceptible individuals, highlighting the importance of stable blood glucose levels for preventing headaches. (3)

Mechanism:

1. Initial Spike: Consuming a high-sugar beverage rapidly increases blood glucose levels.
2. Insulin Response: The pancreas releases a large amount of insulin to lower blood glucose.
3. Reactive Hypoglycemia: The swift insulin response can overshoot, causing blood glucose levels to drop rapidly, leading to hypoglycemia.
4. Headache Trigger: The brain is highly sensitive to glucose levels, and rapid drops can lead to headaches due to stress on brain cells and potential neuroglycopenic symptoms.

Therefore, while the chemicals in Sprite might have a potential role in alleviating hangover headaches by enhancing alcohol metabolism, its high sugar content poses a risk of triggering headaches due to reactive hypoglycemia. Thus, using Sprite as a cure for headaches is not scientifically supported, and maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial.

What do the experts say?

The Health Dialogues Team spoke with Dr Rajeshwari Panda, HOD, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, she said, “No, drinking Sprite is unlikely to cure your headache. Here's why: Sprite is a sugary soda: The high sugar content in Sprite can actually worsen headaches for some people. Sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and dips, which can contribute to headaches.

• Dehydration: Sodas are diuretics, which means they can cause you to lose fluids. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, so drinking Sprite could actually make your headache worse.
• Here are some things that might help with a headache instead:
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is the best way to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration headaches.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective for headaches.
• Rest: Sometimes a break from screens and relaxation in a quiet, dark room can help ease a headache. If your headaches are frequent or severe, it's best to consult a doctor to identify the cause and get proper treatment.”

Dr Pratik Tibdewal, added “Digestive problems can significantly trigger severe headaches which are also known as gastric headaches. There is a strong connection between the gut and the brain mechanism, which allows them to communicate and function properly. When your gut is inflamed, it releases various chemicals which then further get dissolved into the bloodstream and affect the brain causing severe headaches. Carbonated beverages like Sprite contain carbon dioxide which often leads to burping. This can potentially reduce bloating and discomfort in the stomach. During acidity drinking something fizzy like Sprite can provide relief to digestive problems, curing the headache. If you are using Sprite to reduce your headache, then it should be consumed in moderation to avoid further health complications.”

Health Dialogues Final Take:

No scientific evidence or medical consensus supports the claim that drinking Sprite can cure headaches. While non-caffeinated beverages like Sprite might help alleviate hangover symptoms by aiding alcohol metabolism, its high sugar content can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, potentially triggering headaches. Additionally, Sprite's diuretic effect can lead to dehydration, a common headache cause. Hence, this claim is false.

1. World Health Organization. (2023). Headache disorders. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders

2. Li, S., Gan, L. Q., Li, S. K., Zheng, J. C., Xu, D. P., & Li, H. B. (2014). Effects of herbal infusions, tea and carbonated beverages on alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Food & function, 5(1), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.1039/c3fo60282f
3. P. A. GRAY, H. I. BURTNESS, HYPOGLYCEMIC HEADACHE, Endocrinology, Volume 19, Issue 5, 1 September 1935, Pages 549–560, https://doi.org/10.1210/endo-19-5-549