Alcohol - Any type of alcohol can cause a migraine, but some types of alcohol are worse than others. It is advisable to drink in moderation and avoid drinks that have caused headaches in the past. Alcoholic beverages containing sulfates and other impurities are the worst for migraines. A guideline is to avoid dark drinks like red wine, dark beer, bourbon and whiskey.
Drinks and meals - All drinks with caffeine can cause a migraine. A small amount of caffeine may be beneficial for a migraine, but if you consume too much caffeine and you stop suddenly, you may experience withdrawal pain that will develop into a migraine. Many foods have been identified as causes of migraines, including deli meats processed with nitrates, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in many Asian foods, aged cheeses containing tyramine and some artificial sweeteners. It's a good idea to keep a food diary to identify what causes you a headache.
Medications - Some common medicines can trigger migraines, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement drugs for women and blood for blood. If you suspect a medication is causing migraines, see your doctor.
Changes in climate weather extremes, too hot or too cold, as well as changes in air pressure can trigger migraines. The extreme humidity is another factor. Studies suggest that a drastic change in temperature can trigger migraines. Some doctors recommend taking painkillers if you hear a sudden change in time. Bright lights light sensitivity is a classic symptom of migraines.
Bright lights, fluorescent or flickering can cause pain or worse. It is a recommendation to ensure that your workplace and at home do not count on these lights. Studies have shown that bright light is a cause of migraine for about 30 to 60% of people. Another way to avoid bright light is wearing sunglasses.
Exposure to noise - Noise can cause a migraine and if you already have one, may get worse. Try to have earplugs for when you can not escape the noise. When you have a migraine, try to find a dark, quiet place to sit back and wait for your medication to take effect.
Scents - Perfume, cologne and strong odors are common triggers of migraines. A study of migraine in men causing strong odors named as the second factor after stress. The same study confirmed that 73% of people indicated that a strong scent headache worsens existing one. Among the most common odors are perfumes, cigarette smoke and cleaning products.
Lifestyle - Among the most common causes of migraines are sleeping too much or too little or skipping meals. One strategy to avoid them is to maintain a routine of daily activities, try to go to bed and waking at the same time. This may be especially important for weekends. The strong exercise outdoors while it's hot, has also been linked to migraines.
Smoking - Smoking is a common cause of headaches and can be a cause of migraine for smokers and those exposed to smoke. Nicotine causes changes in blood vessels in the brain and cigarette smoke can irritate the nerves in the nose and throat, both factors can trigger migraines.
Stress - Stress is the major cause of headaches and comes in different forms, anxiety, life changes, mental fatigue, sadness or even emotion. A good strategy is to identify situations that cause stress and avoid them, like practicing stress reduction techniques. Did you know ...? 22% of women suffer from migraines, but not all headaches are alike. Identify your headache so you can treat it best.
