Avoid Headache Triggers

by Wellness Matters: Choices for Healthy Living

When your headache strikes, did you know that resting in a dark, quiet room is a good immediate therapy? But, before that's necessary, avoid the common triggers of minor headaches, which include:

  1. Caffeine. It constricts blood vessels. Taper off your consumption. Going cold turkey has too many drastic withdrawal symptoms.
  2. Eyestrain. Take frequent breaks after long periods of focussing on close work or in poor lighting. Wear your glasses or get your eyes checked if you don't wear glasses. Use proper lighting.
  3. Neck tension from long hours of desk or computer work. Take frequent breaks to stretch tensed muscles.
  4. Hangover. Alcohol dehydrates you and lowers blood sugar, dilating blood vessels. Drink lots of water to help re-hydrate your system.
  5. Food preservatives such as nitrates dilate blood vessels. There is no proven link between MSG and headaches, but some people don't seem to metabolize MSG well.
  6. Allergies or food sensitivities may be linked to minor headaches. Avoid eating or drinking anything that you may be sensitive or allergic to, particularly before physical activity.
  7. Hunger. Blood vessels dilate as blood sugar levels drop. Eat small frequent meals and don't skip a meal.
  8. Cold foods are suspected to stimulate nerve endings in the mouth. Pain may be intense, but it lasts no longer than a few minutes. Take small bites of cold items or sips of drinks.
  9. The exertion of making love can cause muscle contractions in the head or neck. Check with your doctor if the problem is frequent.
  10. Sinus problems. Infected swollen sinuses push against nerve endings. Decongestants may relieve the pain.
  11. Changes in sleeping routine. Neurotransmitter levels can be thrown out of balance with a change in your schedule, like sleeping late. A headache may start during the morning dream period. Maintain regular waking hours.
  12. Vigorous activity can sometimes provoke exertion headaches. Exercise at an intensity suitable to your level of fitness. Other headache triggers during exercise include improper warm-up, dehydration, poor diet (not enough calories or nutrients to fuel your activity), or overtraining (don't overdo it and get plenty of rest after exertion).

If you suffer from chronic headaches, see your doctor to rule out any serious disorders.

~ Wellness Matters Choices For Healthy Living Fall 1999

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