Caffeine Can Inflict or Cure Headaches

Norwegian researchers have recently just finished their long-term, cross-sectional study focused on the effects of caffeine on migraines, and results are mixed. Though the investigation was conducted on more than 50,000 people, a clear conclusion could not be drawn. The experts reveal that caffeine has the interesting effect of both causing and stopping painful headaches, depending on the individual consuming it. Drinking more coffee was, however, associated with a higher risk of chronic headache.

This was defined for the purpose of the new study as a headache going on for more than 14 days in a single month. The research also showed that people who consumed more caffeine than others were more likely to experience occasional headaches than those who drank less coffee. The study was led by experts at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), in Trondheim, Norway, and details of it are published in a new paper, appearing in the latest issue of the Journal of Headache Pain.

The most peculiar aspect of the investigation is that the experts could not find a solid reason as to why this discrepancy occurred. The fact that caffeine affects headaches so differently could only mean that there is a genetic substrate to its actions, which has yet to be discovered by modern science. The only solution is to run more long-term, large tests that would analyze collected DNA samples from those who drink caffeine and those who don't, as well as from those who experience chronic headaches and those who only suffer from occasional pains.

At the end of the study, the experts offer, however, a few pieces of advice to people. They say that, if you suffer from occasional headaches, you should try reducing the amount of coffee you take in every day, as this could be a triggering factor. If you have chronic headaches for more than 15 days in a single month, then you should maybe consume more caffeine, as it could prove to have a positive impact on your health, LiveScience reports.