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When it comes to migraine triggers,
sometimes it's not so much what you do as what you don't do.
Below is a list of the top migraine triggers and further information
on them. As always, make sure you consult your physician before
changing diet or implementing new methods to relieve
migraine headaches.
1. FOOD
Be selective in what and when you
eat. Food is a primary migraine trigger. Studies show that a
majority of migraines are triggered by food and food additives.
Foods to monitor include aged cheeses, chocolate, lunchmeats
and hot dogs that contain the food additive nitrate, as well
as foods high in monosodium glutamate (MSG). Build up of nitric
oxide in the blood stream is a major cause of migraine headaches.
2. EXCESSIVE CAFFEINE
Caffeine in high does can be a major
migraine trigger. More than 6-8 oz of a beverage containing caffeine
may be considered excessive for migraine sufferers. Do not drink
caffeine if you know it causes migraine attacks in your case.
3. SMOKE
Cigarette smoke or other, whether
directly inhaled or secondhand, is a top migraine trigger and
should be avoided whenever possible.
4. VISUAL STIMULATION
Sudden contrasts between light and
dark or exposure to bright lights, can trigger migraine headaches.
TV and computer monitors will frequently cause migraines if the
surrounding light and the light from the monitor(s) is too bright.
5. HIGH STRESS LEVELS
Stress levels contribute greatly
to migraines. While it's almost impossible to avoid stress it
is possible to decrease it.
6. DOUBLING UP ON PAINKILLERS
If the recommended dose isn't effective
in relieving your migraine headaches, don't increase the dose
otherwise using more than the recommended dose of prescription
and/or OTC(over the counter) medications can result in a rebound
headache amongst other complications. Consult your Doctor frequently
and let him or her know if the prescription or OTC medication
isn't working.
7. IRREGULAR SCHEDULES
Try to go to bed at the same time
and get up at the same time. Regular sleep patterns have been
found to be very effective in combating migraines.
8. LACK OF EXERCISE
Exercise can help with migraines.
It is an established fact that physical fitness in general helps
prevent migraines. However, warming up before exercise is strongly
recommended otherwise it may lead to build up of nitric oxide
in the bloodstream and precipitate an attack.
9. LACK OF COMMUNICATION WITH
YOUR DOCTOR
Keep your physician informed of
your migraine headaches and communicate with him or her often,
especially if they get worse. Keeping a diary or journal is also
a good idea so you can enter details such as when attacks usually
occur, what causes the attacks, which prescription or OTC medications
are effective, what non drug remedies help.
By keeping a diary or journal you
may get a clearer picture on what works and what doesn't and
communicating this information to your Doctor may enable him
or her to use a different approach in treating your migraine
headaches.
Mayur Vibhakar is a health professional
and editor of http://innervibrance.com
a site dedicated to achieving optimal health through natural
means.
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