What is Celtic Sea Salt?
Celtic sea salt is a type of salt derived from seawater's evaporation. It is typically handmade and minimally processed, which allows it to retain trace minerals often lost in table salt processing. These minerals include magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium [1, 2]. However, the composition can vary depending on the geographic origin and the specific salt production processes [3]. Another example of a natural sea salt is Himalayan sea salt, often sold as pink Himalayan sea salt. This is a specific salt originating from the Himalayas.
It's important to note that while sea salt contains various beneficial minerals, environmental interactions during salt production can also cause it to contain trace amounts of potentially harmful substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) [4].
What are Migraines?
Migraines are an extremely debilitating neurological condition affecting 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 6 men. They are more than just a headache - over 90% of migraine sufferers are unable to work during their attack [5].
Acute symptoms of migraines are characterized by intense, pounding headaches, typically on one side of the head. They are accompanied by additional disruptive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound [6].
Migraines are not just a one-time event but evolve through four separate stages:
- Prodrome (premonitory) stage
- Aura (visual symptoms or tingling) stage
- Headache (main attack) stage
- Postdrome (recovery) stage.
Not everyone who experiences migraines goes through all these stages [6]. For example, auras are only experienced by 25% of people with headaches.
Celtic salt and migraines
Migraines have been linked to the intake of certain minerals, such as potassium and sodium. These minerals play a crucial role in the body's physiological functions, and their levels can influence the occurrence and severity of migraines.
Potassium and Migraines
Potassium, for instance, has been associated with a reduced prevalence of migraines. A study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that a higher dietary potassium intake was associated with fewer migraines. However, there was a limit to the amount of sodium one could ingest to taper off the benefits. The study found that the maximum amount to see additional benefits was 1439.3mg per day [7]. This corresponds to about two potatoes or 3 cups of tomato juice [8].
Sodium and Migraines
Sodium, on the other hand, has a more complex relationship with migraines. Sodium is the primary ion entering the neuron for neural activation. Therefore, it is essential to facilitate the excitatory-inhibitory balance in neurological conditions.
It has been observed that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sodium levels increase during a migraine attack. This increase is independent of other clinical or pharmacological fluctuations and suggests a deviation of sodium balance during a migraine [9]. This aligns with the role of sodium in neural excitation and migraines arising from changes to neural excitation.
Furthermore, a study found that higher 24-hour urine sodium levels were associated with a longer duration of migraine headaches and a higher Migraine Headache Index Score (MHIS) [10]. These two studies would suggest that higher sodium levels would exacerbate and/or increase the risk of a migraine.
Salt Intake and Migraines
Potassium and sodium are trace elements found in mineral salt. How does general table salt intake affect migraines? Recent studies have indicated that it is possible to become dependent on salt. The research team found that people who tried to reduce their salt intake were likely to experience headaches and migraines due to cutting down. This may indicate that salt intake is critical to migraine prevention.
Summary: Celtic Sea Salt for Migraine
To summarise, Celtic sea salt is not a science-backed method of alleviating migraines. However, general salt intake can, to a certain amount, help prevent migraines. This is because salt helps maintain the excitatory-inhibitory balance disrupted in migraines.
While these minerals may influence migraine occurrence and severity, they are not the only culprits. Migraines are etiologically complex and can be influenced by various factors, including other dietary components, lifestyle factors, and genetic predisposition. Therefore, Celtic sea salt intake alone is unlikely to prevent/cause migraines, although there is a slight chance it may.