Headaches are a very common disease among a lot of people. While much research is still being done as to what causes headaches, one has to admit that they are a part and parcel of day-to-day life. It is the most bothersome, annoying, and aggravating ailments to go through. They can be caused by different factors, including food, physical activities, environment and many other reasons. Finding out the correct cause and then treating it accordingly is the only way forward.
- Stress: 80 percent of headaches are caused because of stress. As stress rises, it causes fluctuations in cortisol and adrenaline leading to headaches and nausea. The best way to avoid this trigger is to de-stress regularly using some effective relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, yoga, progressive muscular relaxation, meditation, music therapy and head massage.
- Lack of Sleep: Very few of us get adequate sleep that we need. Insomnia decreases the levels of the hormone serotonin, causing blood vessels in the brain to dilate and activate the trigeminal nerve, the main nerve which is involved in migraines. The only way to deal with such types of headaches is Sleep, Sleep and more Sleep. Take adequate night sleep of 7 to 8 hours a day. You can also cut down on stimulants such as coffee and tea to help you get adequate sleep.
- Wrong Food: Foods that contain the amino acid tyramine such as red wine, chocolates, cheese, processed meats etc cause blood vessels to constrict and then expand leading to headache in some people. You are also vulnerable to a headache if you are dehydrated or have not received the proper nutrition. Low blood sugar, high blood sugar and other food related issues can cause the blood vessels to dilate which further can trigger headaches. Eat at regular intervals and steer clear of trigger foods. Try to not have any sugar high or crash. It is also crucial to drink adequate amount of water throughout the day.
- Pregnancy Headaches: All women will have some type of headaches during their pregnancy, but most will experience them in the first and last trimesters. The common reasons for pregnancy related headaches are blood volume, the initial stresses, and hormonal changes. Hormonal changes (fluctuation in the estrogen, the female sex hormone) just before and during a woman's menstrual period can also trigger headache. The best way to deal with them is over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like naproxen or ibuprofen, taken two days before you expect your period. Ask your doctor for advice if you experience headaches during pregnancy.
- Change of Weather: Atmospheric conditions also have a severe impact on your health. Shifts in atmospheric pressure may lead to sinus and migraine headaches. The best way to treat these types of headaches is an oxygen mask that raises levels of oxygen in the blood and as a result relaxes constricted blood vessels. Increase in surrounding temperature is also linked with headache so make sure you don't over expose in sun, especially in summer. You can also keep a pill handy for such hot days.
- Foul Smell: The trigeminal nerve is also connected to your nose. So when you smell a foul smell or a very strong perfume, it gets titillated, thus triggering a headache. If you're susceptible to headaches brought by these smells, avoid them altogether. Use a table fan to drive these fumes away.
- Bright Light: Bright light from fluorescent bulbs, computer glare, or the sun can also titillate the trigeminal nerve thus triggering a headache. Steer clear of any such gaze by using sunglasses. If you sit in front of the computer for extended hours, use an anti-glare screen. Also, switch from fluorescent lights to softer incandescent bulbs, if possible, and if the room in which you spend your most time has white walls and fluorescent bulbs, hang some pictures on the walls to absorb excess light.
A healthy, balanced diet, eaten in several small meals a day along with plenty of fluids and lots of rest is your first line of defense against headaches. Once you are aware of your trigger, try to tackle it as soon as possible.
