Migraines are a common problem that afflicts around 40 million Americans. If you have frequent migraine attacks, it’s critical to identify the triggers that set them off. They could be specific noises, foods, weather changes, stress, or sleep habits. These 8 tips can help you avoid triggers that lead to headaches and migraines.
1. Avoid Stress
You could develop migraines from anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders. Doctors recommend the following techniques to manage stress:
- Meditation and deep breathing to boost oxygen supply to the brain
- Counseling to prevent the condition from worsening
- Fitness activities that prompt serotonin and endorphin releases
It’s essential to minimize your exposure to stress in the work environment and your personal life to avoid migraines.
2. Stay Away from Bright Lights and Loud Noises
Computer headaches are a leading cause of migraines in America. Prolonged exposure to lights and noises causes stress to your eyes and your ears. Such exposure could trigger nerve and neural responses that cause migraines. Take a 10-minute break after every 1 hour of screen time.
You could adjust the brightness level of your screen to limit eye strain. You also may wish to consider working from a well-lit area in your office or home or using a desk lamp.
More than 81% of migraine-prone people are sensitive to noise levels higher than 50dB. Consider using noise-canceling headphones if you work in an environment where loud noises are unavoidable. People with phonophobia or noise-sensitivity issues should avoid using headphones to listen to loud music.
3. Take Supplements
You may be vulnerable to migraines if you have vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Low magnesium, vitamin B2 and melatonin levels may be a cause of chronic migraines. Your doctor could help you detect nutritional deficiencies and prescribe supplements to fight the issue. Supplements may also manage migraines caused by hormonal imbalances.
4. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Scientific evidence shows that processed foods and high-sugar foods cause headaches and other health issues. Therefore it’s vital to follow a nutritious diet if you are prone to frequent migraine attacks.
Consider keeping your diet fresh and simple and stick primarily to home-cooked meals. Whole foods like eggs, berries, fruits, fiber-rich whole grains, and vegetables can help prevent migraines. They contain vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that aids digestion, release “happy hormones” and meet your nutritional requirements.
5. Drink Enough Water
Dehydration could be a cause and a side effect of migraines. Hence, it’s essential to drink enough water if you suffer from headaches. Additionally, it’s also necessary to limit consumption of migraine-inducing fluids lie sugary drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Sugar and alcohol can cause severe dehydration.
You could consider using methods like the pitcher test or investing in a water bottle with markings to keep track of your water consumption. Consuming water before and after meals can help prevent migraines that are indigestion-related.
6. Watch the Weather
Weather changes may cause chemical and hormonal imbalances in your body. Your doctor can prescribe preventive steps to avoid migraines prompted by weather changes. Direct exposure to harsh sunlight or freezing weather can trigger physical reactions that cause headaches, indigestion, fever, and other conditions. Therefore, it’s critical to watch the weather and take precautions that will help prevent migraines.
7. Keep a Consistent Schedule
Sleep disruptions, long working hours, and lack of physical care cause chronic conditions like migraines and obesity. Keeping a consistent schedule that accommodates your fitness and relaxation requirements can minimize headaches.
8. Consult a Doctor Today!
Contact us today if you deal with migraines frequently. Our medical specialists at Diamond Physicians can assess your condition and prescribe practical steps to prevent migraines.