{"id":43972,"date":"2024-06-29T08:00:58","date_gmt":"2024-06-29T12:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cleanplates.com\/?p=43972"},"modified":"2024-06-29T13:33:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-29T17:33:35","slug":"how-to-avoid-headaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleanplates.com\/wellness\/how-to-avoid-headaches\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Headaches, According to an MD"},"content":{"rendered":"
Of all the nuisances we deal with, headaches are among the worst. A bad one can sideline you for hours, robbing you of productive work time or fun with family and friends. If you suffer from frequent headaches, you\u2019re not alone: About 25% of women reported having suffered a bad headache or migraine within the past 3 months in a 2018 <\/span>survey<\/span><\/a>. Women were twice as likely as men to have had a bad headache. But you don\u2019t have to suffer; we asked a doctor to share his insights on how to avoid headaches.<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/b>Sign up to receive delicious recipes, expert advice, and shopping tips in your inbox!<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n There are many <\/span>factors<\/span><\/a> that contribute to <\/span>headaches<\/span><\/a>, including:<\/span><\/p>\n It may not be possible to fend off all headaches, but there are steps you can take that may make a real difference.\u00a0 \u201cWhile medication is a crucial component for many in managing migraine pain, incorporating certain lifestyle habits can also significantly mitigate or even prevent the onset of [migraine and other] headaches,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Kien Vuu<\/span><\/a>, author of <\/span>Thrive State<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are Dr. Vuu\u2019s recommendations for avoiding headaches. He notes that incorporating these lifestyle habits won’t replace medication for people who need it, but they can be a valuable part of an integrative approach to reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even mild dehydration can be a common trigger for headaches. And while drinking enough water is essential, Dr. Vuualso also recommends using <\/span>electrolytes<\/span><\/a>. These vital minerals are crucial for many bodily functions, including regulating fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. You can use electrolyte powder, and also eat foods containing electrolytes, such as <\/span>watermelon<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>avocado<\/span><\/a>, and bananas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/b>8 Easy Hacks to Hydrate More<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Our bodies operate most efficiently when they\u2019re able to rely on healthy patterns, especially when it comes to sleep. \u201cFluctuations in sleep patterns can provoke migraines,\u201d explains Dr. Vuu. He recommends aiming for <\/span>consistent sleep and wake times<\/span><\/a>, even on weekends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/b>The 3 Best Drinks to Help You Sleep Better at Night<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n At the top of any list of how to avoid headaches is reducing stress. Dr. Vuu says techniques such as <\/span>yoga<\/span><\/a>, meditation, or simple <\/span>deep-breathing exercises<\/span><\/a>, such as <\/span>4-7-8 breathing<\/span><\/a>, can help reduce stress levels and potentially decrease the frequency of migraines.<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/b>8 Ways to Destress So You Can Live a Longer Life<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n You are what you eat\u2026and drink. Be especially mindful of <\/span>caffeine<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>alcohol<\/span><\/a> intake, as these diet choices can affect migraine and other headache occurrence. While eating healthier foods is an obvious way to support your health, Dr. Vuu says it\u2019s also important to think about when you\u2019re eating. As with sleep, maintaining a steady routine is part of mindful eating, so try to eat meals on a regular daily schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/b>End Overeating with the Hunger and Fullness Scale<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Add avoiding headaches to the many reasons why <\/span>exercise is beneficial<\/span><\/a>. \u201cRegular, moderate exercise can reduce not only the frequency, but also the intensity of migraines for some people,\u201d says Dr. Vuu. However, the key is in the \u201cmoderate\u201d part; intense exercise can occasionally trigger migraines, so make sure you don\u2019t overdo it if you\u2019re prone to headaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Related: <\/b>5 Super Fun Ways You Can Get Some Exercise Without Even Realizing It<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Some vitamins and other supplements have been shown to reduce migraine frequency in some people, including <\/span>magnesium<\/span><\/a>, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and <\/span>coenzyme Q10<\/span><\/a>. For seasonal headache sufferers, these supplements may be an option to help reduce headache frequency. Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional before starting any supplement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat triggers headaches?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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How can headaches be prevented?<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n
2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule<\/span><\/h3>\n
3. Manage stress\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
4. Eat mindfully\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Get regular physical activity<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Take supplements<\/span><\/h3>\n