Migraine headaches are unpredictable, so there is no guarantee that you won’t suffer from them. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.
Identify and Avoid Triggers
Use a journal or diary to write down the things that happen before the onset of your migraines. This will help you identify the things that trigger these headaches. Do the headaches happen after a glass of wine, or after you forget to eat breakfast? Once you identify the primary triggers, you can avoid them in the future.
Get Plenty of Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, you become more prone to migraine headaches. So aim to get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night (children require more rest). But don’t snooze too long as too much sleep can also trigger migraine headaches.
Eat Right and Exercise
Exercising and eating right improves your body’s ability to manage day-to-day stress. Your diet should include plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Also, drink plenty of water to keep the body properly hydrated.
Aim to get at least one-hour of moderate physical activity each day. Your workout routine can include a combination of walking, jogging, biking, yoga, Pilates, swimming, and aerobics.
Avoid Certain Foods
Foods that contain aspartame, nitrates, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and tyramine can contribute to migraine headaches. Some examples of these types of foods include:
aged cheeses
hot dogs
lunch meats
spices
soy products
low calorie sweeteners
fava beans
hard sausages
Over the counter pain relievers can be used to manage mild migraines, but more severe pain may require the use of prescription abortive medications and pain relievers. Your doctor will determine if these types of medications are appropriate for your situation.
Tags: Migraine