A migraine is no ordinary headache. It’s one that doesn’t seem to want to go away as it keeps coming back time and again. It’s characterized by some throbbing and pulsing, and it surely disrupts your daily functioning.
Are you dealing with migraines on a regular basis? Are you at a total loss how to manage them? Many factors can contribute to migraine, such as diet, stress, and extreme temperatures. Heat headache can be bothersome and potentially dangerous, which can also trigger migraine attacks.
In today’s article, we compiled tips on how to avoid a migraine before it triggers. Without further ado, here are the tips:
- Take Supplements
A migraine is a health issue that can be cured with or without a medication. But, it’s crucial to obtain the right nutrients. One great way to ward off a migraine is to take certain minerals and herbs.
Magnesium deficiency is believed to contribute to the inception of migraines. Thus, taking daily supplements may help in reducing upsurges. Take extra care in choosing supplements, of course, as you have to be sure that they’re the right ones for you.
So, we highly recommend consulting your doctor about herbal remedies as well as other non-prescription supplements that can ease the symptoms of migraines.
- Watch What You Eat
Some beverages and drinks may trigger headaches and migraines like red wine, chocolate, cheese, processed meat, and sweeteners.
Know which additives and food can trigger your headache. Then learn to avoid them. Remember that food and beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, particularly champagne and red wine, are common triggers. Therefore, restrict your consumption or, if possible, avoid them.
- Pay Attention to Hormonal Changes
When it comes to migraines, hormones play an essential role. Most women experience migraine before and/or during their menstrual period. That said, women must be aware of their exercise habits and diet during this period. In fact, this will lessen the symptoms before they start.
Hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives may boost the severity and frequency of a migraine. Thus, some ladies find relief by using another variety of contraceptive; whereas, others find they’re less likely to experience migraines while on contraceptives. It’s, therefore, important to note how the body reacts to medications, given that these facilitate other bodily functions like the management of hormones.
- Sleep and Eat On Time
Skipping your meals or fasting may trigger migraine. To avoid this problem, you’ll need to eat within one hour of waking up as well as every three to four hours. Both dehydration and hunger can cause migraines. So, you should never skip a meal, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
On the other hand, lack of sleep may also intensify the symptoms of migraines. Thus, getting seven to eight hours of sleep is highly recommended. It’s also worth mentioning that getting too much sleep may cause headaches. Therefore, don’t try to make up for lost sleep by sleeping too long. If possible, set a sleeping schedule and stick to it.
- Lessen Your Stress
As migraines are usually caused by stress, knowing how to deal with stress and prevent it is very important. This, in turn, will lessen the migraines’ severity and frequency. But, there are times that it’s not enough to take a bath or read a book, you’ll need to reduce your level of stress consciously. For instance, consider doing meditation exercises and deep breathing as they can manage stress effectively.
- Stay Away From Bright Lights And Loud Sounds
Sensory stimulation, loud sounds, and flashing lights are some of the common things that trigger migraine headaches. However, such stimuli aren’t easy to avoid. But, knowing that they exist in certain environments and situations could help to avoid them. Usually, these include experiencing glares from the sun, driving at night. attending crowded venues, and being in a theater.
You should also rest your eyes by taking a break from your computer screen or television. Adjust the brightness level on your digital screens too.
If you want to avoid migraines from arising, keep an eye on all sound and visual disturbances.
- Exercise Regularly
Exercising may also help in reducing the symptoms of migraines. You can incorporate flexibility, strengthening, and aerobic exercises into your daily routine. But, when exercising, you’ll need to maintain a healthy posture. This is because poor posture may place extra stress on your shoulder muscles, head, and neck that may result in a migraine. Also, don’t forget to warm up and cool down.
However, when doing certain activities, you’ll need to keep an eye on the response of your body. If possible, choose activities that can reduce stress without putting too much strain on the body. Some of the best exercises that you can perform are tai chi, yoga, and light aerobics. You can also ease the symptoms by taking an anti-inflammatory drug before you exercise.
- Observe Good Posture
Poor or bad posture like stooping in front of your computer all day may strain your shoulder muscles, neck, and head and result in migraines. Check your posture. Is your spine straight? By making a few adjustments or changes to your posture, it may help in lessening the frequency of migraines.
- Pay Attention To The Weather
Weather changes may also affect one’s migraine patterns. Both hot temperatures and high humidity can trigger headaches and even rainy days. If you notice that the weather makes you uneasy, you need to go inside and take a break from the outdoors. Although you cannot always avoid going outdoors, you can reduce the time you spend under certain weather conditions that induce a migraine.
Conclusion
One of the most effective ways that you can do to keep a migraine at bay is to live a healthy lifestyle. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can prevent migraines from hitting you.
But, aside from tips, we highly recommend that you consult medical experts so that you’ll have an idea of your overall health. Also, they can offer you advice on how to ease the symptoms of this health problem.
Author Bio
Wynona Mills is a healthcare professional. She has years of experience working in clinical and community settings. She shares her medical knowledge through her health-related articles online and print media. Wynona enjoys yoga, painting, and playing badminton during her free time.
