Henry’s Health And Medical Advice

Posted on: 14 January 2020

Have you been suffering from migraines and aren't finding relief from over-the-counter drugs? Migraines vary from regular headaches in that they are intense and can fail to go away even after taking painkillers. They come with a variety of symptoms such as mood swings, nausea, fatigue and sensitivity to light and smells.

Also, migraines have triggers, which means that certain things in your lifestyle could be causing them. Making a few lifestyle changes can decrease the intensity of your migraines or prevent them altogether. Here are a few of those changes that you can incorporate into your daily routine.

Eliminate Trigger Foods from Your Diet

Migraines may be triggered by certain foods such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, aged cheeses, red meats, citrus fruits and many others. Monitor your diet to see what foods may be causing your headaches. For example, if you suffer migraines after consuming alcohol or coffee, this may be the trigger.

Different foods cause migraines in various ways. For example, alcohol and salty foods cause dehydration which triggers headaches. Too much consumption of caffeine creates dependence which can cause headaches if you don't take your daily dose. Highly acidic foods irritate the gut and cause migraines. Eliminate trigger foods and notice whether you're getting fewer migraines.

Exercise Regularly

Migraines are often preceded by symptoms such as mood swings and lethargy. What's more, the change in brain activity can affect the blood supply to the vessels in the brain, leading to inflammation. Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain and reduces instances of migraines. 

Additionally, exercise also causes the body to release endorphins which are the body's natural painkillers. Besides reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines, endorphins also improve your mood and help you sleep better.

Improve Sleeping Habits

Poor sleeping patterns and lack of adequate sleep are common migraine triggers. Sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea can also reduce the quality of nighttime sleep and increase the frequency of migraines. Adopting a healthy sleeping routine allows your body to rest, reduces stress and helps manage migraines. 

Note that oversleeping is unhealthy for your body as well. Go to bed at around the same time every night and get at least 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep. Avoid sleeping in during the weekends. When coupled with proper diet and regular exercise, this can significantly reduce your headaches.

Follow these simple yet effective lifestyle changes to reduce the intensity and frequency of your migraines. If these don't work, visit your doctor for a checkup and medical intervention, which may include the administration of prescription medication such as antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs. For more information find a health care clinic for men and women and ask the staff there any questions.