5 Foods and Activities to Avoid if You Have Intracranial Hypertension

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, also called pseudotumor cerebri, is pressure inside your skull caused by a fluid buildup that increases swelling on the brain, according to Mayo Clinic. It is most common among women, especially those experiencing obesity.

You may be able to engage in normal activities with this condition. But your doctor may advise you to cut certain things from your diet and certain activities to avoid complications.

1. Salt and Fats

Obesity is a potential risk factor for intracranial hypertension, according to research. It’s wise to avoid food that has too much salt, which causes your body to retain water, and excess fats that add calories. All can contribute to weight gain.

It’s a good idea to eat a wide variety of healthy foods that are low in sodium and saturated fats to support your body if you have intracranial hypertension. This might mean giving up salty snacks, such as potato chips, and cutting back on red meat in favor of a salad with cooked chicken breast.

Ask your doctor about the dietary choices that might be best for you and your situation. You want to ensure that you are receiving enough proper nutrients and proteins to stay healthy.

2. Beef Liver

Foods such as beef liver that are high in vitamin A have been proven to increase the risk of intracranial hypertension or cause complications. Not only can high doses add to that risk, especially when taken as vitamin A supplements, researchers have found that low doses can contribute as well. One case even tied it to the use of facial cream high in vitamin A, according to research in Chest Journal.

Not all foods with vitamin A are bad for you, however. These are some healthy vegetables that are high in vitamin A, according to the National Institutes of Health.

• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin pie
• Spinach
• Carrots

Ask your doctor if you need to limit foods that are rich in vitamin A and which foods might be best to avoid in your situation.

3. Pickles

Tyramine is a compound produced in the natural breakdown of tyrosine, an amino acid. Small amounts are found in many foods, but the amount increases in fermented or aged foods, such as pickles.

Because tyramine can cause blood vessels to dilate, people with intracranial hypertension should limit foods that contain it.

According to the National Headache Foundation, other foods high in tyramine may include:

• All nuts
• Pepperoni and salami
• Liverwurst
• Aged cheese
• Beer and wine
• Fermented soy products

Before removing foods with high amounts of tyramine from your diet, talk to your doctor.

4. Gymnastics

Most people with intracranial hypertension can carry on with their normal activities, including sports activities like running, jumping, and swimming.

If you have a lumbar peritoneal shunt surgically inserted to divert cerebrospinal fluid, however, Shine (formerly the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) recommends against activities that involve twisting at the waist. Although shunts themselves are often durable, they can become dislodged during activities.

In addition to gymnastics, these may include:

• Judo and some other martial arts
• Horseback riding
• Golf
• Roller coasters

Not all shunts or conditions pose the same risks, however. Be sure to check with your doctor about activities that might be okay for your situation.

5. Lithium

The medication lithium has been prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and other health issues that may require a mood stabilizer.

It does have numerous side effects, however. Research has shown that it may increase the risk of complications related to chronic kidney disease, according to Mayo Clinic.

Lithium use also has been linked to intracranial hypertension, though there may not be enough evidence to show that the two are correlated, according to research.

If you are showing signs of severe depression or similar mental-health issues, reach out to your doctor immediately to determine if treatment is right for you.