It's possible that headaches, including tension headaches, can be related to gut health. Recent research suggests a connection between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the "gut-brain axis." An imbalance in gut bacteria or a history of conditions like H. pylori infection could potentially influence neurological symptoms, including headaches.

After undergoing treatment with antibiotics and other medications for H. pylori, your gut flora may have been affected, which could impact this gut-brain connection. Additionally, some medications used in treating H. pylori, such as metronidazole, can have neurological side effects like headaches¹.

Probiotics and prebiotics are supplements that might help restore and maintain healthy gut flora, potentially alleviating some symptoms believed to be associated with an imbalance in your gut microbiome². Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish oil supplements, have been suggested to reduce inflammation and may help with tension headaches³.

If your headaches persist or worsen, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to explore other potential causes and appropriate treatments.

Footnotes

1. No author listed, "Metronidazole Side Effects," Drugs.com, 2020. ↩

2. Martin H Floch, "Probiotics and Prebiotics," NCBI, 2014. ↩

3. Jelle Eissing, "On the Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Headache," NCBI, 2019. ↩