A Few Tips on How To Avoid Migraines

Anyone who suffers from migraine headaches will attest to the fact that it’s hard to trace exactly what causes their attacks. Thus preventing migraines can be difficult because there isn’t just one cause. There are many triggers and so in order to try to avoid them all, you’d have to live like a hermit in a cave somewhere. Obviously, this isn’t a viable option. Spending the rest of your life living in a cave just to avoid headaches, even though they’re massive headaches, isn’t much of a solution. However, there are several ways you can try to avoid migraines, so here are a few suggestions.

1) Caffeine is one of the major culprits that can cause migraines. Consuming too much, no matter what form it takes, can lead to a headache of monstrous proportions. So one of the smartest things you can do is to cut down on your caffeine intake. However, be aware that it’s not just too much caffeine that leads to headaches, but it’s also caffeine withdrawal if you’re a heavy caffeine user. So the best approach is to cut back slowly.

2) Related to caffeine is products such as NutraSweet, which contains aspartame, another culprit for many people who experience regular migraines. If you search for information regarding why aspartame causes migraines, you may find what may be the biggest cover-up since Watergate. There doesn’t seem to be any scientific proof as yet against this chemical, however, the makers of NutraSweet haven’t proven otherwise as well. So, to be on the safe side, it’s best just to avoid these products which, in the long run, may well save you a few horrendous headaches.

3) Smoking, of course, is a source of nicotine, one of the many reason to avoid the habit as this can also cause migraines. Of course, that’s always easier said than done if you’re a smoker. However, remember that for some people, secondhand smoke could just as likely be the cause of a migraine headache, even if they’re not a smoker. So it’s best to try to avoid environments where people are smoking.

4) It’s also important to establish a regular pattern of sleeping and waking. A regular pattern of going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time, even on weekends, can make a major difference. Many people who’ve made this rigid routine a part of their daily lives have reported that their migraines disappear completely and forever. The only time their headaches return is when they break this pattern.

5) Birth control pills effect hormones and can be a major hazard that causes migraines. For some, it’s best to give up the pill and try another form of contraception. Others find they don’t necessarily have to go off the pill entirely, but merely change the brand, which may bring an end to migraine misery. However, if that doesn’t do the trick, other forms of female contraception may have to be tried or, if both partners agree, switching to condoms.

6) Try adjusting your lighting. Quite often very bright lights can trigger severe migraines. Consider using the softer, filmy kind of light bulbs, or use lamps instead of overhead lights. If possible, stop using fluorescent lighting. If you spend many hours staring at a computer monitor, try taking frequent breaks that will get you as far away from the pulsating waves of the monitor as possible.

7) Some of the culprits that cause migraines may very well be some of your favorite foods. Cheese, chocolate and wine are ideal for a romantic picnic, but if you’re prone to migraines, they could be the cause of that romantic weekend disaster. Aged cheeses is especially bad because of chemicals they contain and chocolate is no better. These chemicals contribute to migraines and alcohol is a trigger as well. Avoiding all three, or reducing consumption drastically is the best way to make sure your romantic mood isn’t disrupted by a migraine.

Another source of migraines may very well be the perfume or cologne you’re using. Odors and aromas are major causes of migraines and those that make you smell good are among the very worst. In fact, just like secondhand smoke, your perfume could be causing people around you to have migraine episodes, so be careful what you use or avoid them altogether and use a body wash instead.

9) Try an aerobic exercise program. Exercising regularly not only helps to increase your cardiovascular capacity and improper blood flow, which is linked to recurrent migraines, you’ll be much healthier overall. Being healthier is certainly an excellent plan, as it enables your body to fend off potential diseases and helps you recover quicker when they do happen.

10) Finally, for a migraine sufferer, it’s better to drive or take a train rather than flying. The lowering of cabin pressure on airplanes is a one of the sure-fire migraine triggers, one easily avoided if your trip can be made by an alternative means of transportation.

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Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.

Visit his websites at: Conquer Anxiety and Depression.com and HowToClassics.com

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