Healing Headaches and Reducing Intracranial Pressure: Bharathi’s Journey by Deepika Chalasani, Top Nutritionist in Hyderabad

CASE STUDY & SUCCESS STORIES

Name: Bharathi

Age:35 years

Location:USA

Case History:

A 35-year-old chemist was presented with severe headaches, knee pain, and neck pain. Following consultations with a neurologist, she underwent an MRI and venogram, leading to a diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri (intracranial hypertension). Additionally, an ophthalmologist identified optic nerve swelling, explaining her frequent, debilitating headaches. The primary recommendation from her medical team was weight reduction as the key intervention.

On assessment, she weighed 118 kg with a BMI of 46.0 kg/m², classifying her as Grade 3 obese (morbid obesity). Her blood tests revealed she was prediabetic (HbA1c: 5.7%) and vitamin D deficient. Given the strong association between obesity and raised intracranial pressure, joint pain, and metabolic dysfunction, she sought a structured plan aimed at significant weight loss to alleviate her headaches, reduce pressure on her joints, and improve her overall metabolic health.

Approach by the best online nutritionist, and dietician in Hyderabad, Telangana, India Deepika Chalasani

After thoroughly evaluating Bharathi’s clinical profile—marked by morbid obesity (BMI 46.0 kg/m²), pseudotumor cerebri, optic nerve swelling, knee and neck pain, prediabetes, and vitamin D deficiency, We first analysed her current food intake and lifestyle habits. She seemed to miss breakfast on many days and her meals were typical south Indian meals which largely comprised of refined carbs causing insulin spikes. High portions of refined carbs in meals can also cause oedema, inflammation and hypertension. Therefore we crafted a personalized therapeutic nutrition strategy aimed at reducing water retention, significant weight reduction, reducing intracranial pressure, alleviating joint pain, giving stable energy and improving metabolic health.

We began with foundational lifestyle correction of planned meals which comprise of a mix of complex carbs and refined carbs as a sudden reduction of refined carbs would cause carbohydrate withdrawals which, further would alleviate headaches, sufficient good fats and proteins. Bharathi was advised to start her mornings with 1–2 glasses of warm water to stimulate digestion, support gentle detoxification, and prime her body for optimal nutrient assimilation throughout the day.

Her breakfast was carefully designed to be anti-inflammatory and metabolically supportive. Each morning began with low-glycaemic fruits like pomegranate, papaya, or berries delivering antioxidants without excessive sugar. This was followed by steel-cut oats upma or a combination of dosas/idlis with vegetable chutney, providing a steady glucose release essential for sustained energy while supporting satiety. To ensure an adequate protein load in the morning and help preserve lean mass during weight loss, a high-quality plant-based protein shake was incorporated, delivering approximately 20–25 grams of protein per serving. This nutrient-dense breakfast balanced complex carbs, clean protein, fibre, and healthy fats, fostering satiety and reducing inflammation.

Bharathi normally would experience sluggishness 90 – 120 minutes after breakfast. Therefore a mid-morning, a simple cup of black coffee with a teaspoon of coconut oil was recommended to gently stimulate metabolism while keeping energy levels stable between meals. Coconut oil crosses the brain barrier and therefore is quite soothing to the brain and hence the recommendation.

Lunch was intentionally nutrient-rich yet light to improve digestion and reduce post-meal sluggishness. A steamed vegetable salad featuring bottle gourd, ridge gourd, zucchini, and pumpkin was paired with hand-pounded or single-polished rice and vegetable curry —avoiding deep-frying and favouring minimal ghee (5 ml) for preparation. To meet protein requirements and support muscle preservation, grilled/sautéed chicken and probiotic-rich hung curd or unflavoured Greek yogurt were included. The lunch plan ensured a moderate carbohydrate intake for energy while emphasizing lean proteins, antioxidants, and gut-friendly foods to reduce inflammation and enhance digestion.

In the late afternoon, the focus shifted to bridging energy gaps without encouraging insulin spikes. Her tea-time included a mix of nuts (almonds, walnuts, or Brazil nuts) with 2–3 prunes or dried figs for fibre and micronutrients, accompanied by green tea, or plain tea. On some days, light snacks like makhana were integrated to add variety and provide a satiating, nutrient-dense option without overloading calories.

Dinner was deliberately kept light and anti-inflammatory, targeting improved sleep quality, reduced digestive load, and overnight repair. The primary options included steamed vegetable salads (avoiding starchy root vegetables), cooked quinoa and protein sources like tofu, eggs (1 whole egg + 1 egg white), or a vegetable-based soup with tofu. This low-glycaemic, fibre-rich dinner minimized late-night insulin surges while supporting muscle recovery.

To conclude her day and enhance gut microbiota diversity, a glass of weak buttermilk with chia seeds (5 grams) or 100 ml of kefir was recommended at bedtime, providing probiotics, hydration, and a light source of calcium and protein to promote restful sleep and gut health.

Throughout the plan, macronutrient distribution was carefully balanced (approximately 50–53% carbohydrates, 16–17% protein, 31–33% fat)aligned with her energy expenditure and metabolic needs, while strategically reducing total caloric intake (~1400–1700 kcal/day) to drive a sustainable calorie deficit essential for weight loss.

Special attention was given to eliminating high glycaemic index foods, sugary fruits, excess dairy, and pro-inflammatory foods to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce bloating, and alleviate inflammation contributing to headaches and joint pain.

This structured dietary framework reflected not only a clinical understanding of Bharathi’s health status but also a deeply individualized approach aimed at addressing root causes—enabling her to work towards lasting weight loss, reduced intracranial pressure, alleviated joint strain, and restored metabolic balance with improved energy, digestion, and mood.

Results

After starting her personalized therapeutic nutrition plan in early June, Bharathi demonstrated significant progress within just one month. Her body weight reduced from 118 kg to 114 kg - a clinically meaningful initial weight loss of 4 kg  achieved through a carefully controlled caloric deficit, nutrient-dense meals, and a focus on anti-inflammatory, gut-friendly foods. This early reduction in weight directly contributed to easing intracranial pressure, a key driver of her chronic headaches.

One of the most remarkable improvements was in the frequency and intensity of her headaches. Previously persistent throughout the day, her headaches reduced significantly within the first few weeks initially confining themselves to the evening hours, and by the end of the first month, resolving entirely. This improvement can be attributed to reduced obesity-related intracranial pressure, decreased systemic inflammation, and better glycaemic control as a result of her structured diet.

In parallel, Bharathi’s sleep quality — which had been severely compromised due to her frequent headaches improved considerably. As the headaches resolved, she reported being able to fall asleep more easily, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed. Improved glycaemic stability from a low-glycaemic, well-balanced diet, along with reduced late-night digestive burden due to light dinners, played a crucial role in restoring her natural sleep cycle.

These early outcomes not only reflect the success of the dietary interventions but also highlight how targeted lifestyle and nutritional strategies can address the root causes of symptoms such as headaches, poor sleep, and weight retention.

Bharathi’s progress is ongoing, with continued adherence to this plan expected to yield further improvements in weight reduction, joint health, metabolic parameters, and overall well-being in the coming months

Deepika Chalasani is a Clinical Nutritionist, Mind and Body Transformation Coach, and co-founder of Fit4Life India, an integrated nutrition and wellness organization for Indians that provides complete solutions, addressing health and wellness challenges of individuals by working on their overall well-being. Deepika, the best nutritionist in Hyderabad for weight loss and online dietician can be contacted via email at deepika.chalasani@gmail.com or Mobile at +91 9381525943

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