Ten Ways to Avoid Migraines

Because migraine headaches have many possible causes, you may have to experiment to see which of the following tips can help you avoid migraines.

1. Give up caffeine.

2. Avoid NutraSweet and other products that contain aspartame.

3. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

4. Establish a regular pattern of sleeping and waking.

5. Give up the pill and try another form of contraception. Birth control pills and their effects on hormones can cause migraine pain. You don’t necessarily have to go off the pill entirely. Some women have found that changing brands ends their migraines.

6. Change your lighting. Very bright lights can often trigger severe migraines. Consider using softer light bulbs. Or use lamps instead of overhead lights. Or stop using fluorescent lighting, if possible. If you spend a lot of time at the computer monitor, take frequent breaks and get as far away from the monitor as possible.

7. Avoid cheese, chocolate, and wine for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference in your headaches. Aged cheeses are especially dangerous because they contain the amino acid tyramine. Chocolate contains phenylethamine. Both chemicals can contribute to migraines, as can alcohol.

8. Avoid perfumes and colognes. Scents are major causes of migraines.

9. Begin an aerobic exercise program. Exercising regularly helps to increase your cardiovascular capacity and improve blood flow. Improper blood flow is linked to recurrent migraines.

10. Do you get a migraine from flying? The lowering of cabin pressure on airplanes can trigger migraines. If possible, use other means of transportation.