The problem with migraine prevention is that there isn't just one cause for headaches. In fact, there are a great many migraine triggers, and trying to avoid them all would be an exercise in hermitage. Who wants to spend the rest of their lives in a cave just to avoid a headache? That being said, there are several things you can do to avoid migraines, and here are the top ten.
1) Cut back on caffeine. Among the many products linked to migraines is caffeine. Taking too much can lead to headaches of monstrous proportions. Unfortunately, it's not just too much caffeine that leads to headaches, but if you're used to consuming a lot of it, it's also caffeine withdrawal. It's best to take it slow.
2) Speaking of caffeine, let's also talk about NutraSweet. Aspartame has been the culprit for many people complaining of migraines. Go research why aspartame causes migraines, and you'll come across what looks like the biggest cover-up since Roswell. Most of what you read has not been proven, but neither have the makers of NutraSweet proven that their product does not contribute to migraines. Avoid this and you can avoid horrible headaches.
3) There are more reasons to quit smoking than you can count, but avoiding migraines is another reason to put it on the list. Of course, this is easier said than done if you're a smoker, but remember that second-hand smoke will cause migraine headaches just as much as actual smoking. So if you can, remove yourself from environments where people smoke. Better yet: Make them remove themselves. You have a right not to be around their smoke, especially if their smoke is giving you headaches.
4) Establish a regular sleep and wake schedule. In fact, be as anal about it as you can. A regular pattern of going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time, on weekends and weekdays, can do wonders. Many people who have established a strict sleep-wake schedule have found that their migraines disappear completely and forever. Or at least as long as they continue the pattern.
5) Skip the pill and try another form of birth control. Birth control pills and their effects on hormones can be a big danger when it comes to migraines. You don't necessarily have to stop the pill completely. Some people find that simply switching brands ends their migraine woes. However, if that doesn't help, you can look into other forms of female contraception or, if you and your partner don't mind, switch to condoms.
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6) Change the lighting. Very bright lights can often trigger very severe migraines. You may want to consider using softer, thinner bulbs. Or use lamps instead of ceiling lights. Or stop using fluorescent lighting if possible. If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer monitor, take frequent breaks and stay as far away from the pulsating waves of the monitor as possible.
7) Cheese, chocolate and wine may sound like the perfect ingredients for a romantic picnic, but if you're prone to migraines, the last thing you might feel after this afternoon getaway is romance. Aged cheeses are particularly dangerous because they contain the amino acid tyrosine. Chocolate contains PH EN YL thiamine. Both chemicals contribute to migraines, and alcohol is also a trigger. Stay away from all three and find other ways to get into a romantic mood.
8) Use body wash instead of perfume or cologne to smell good. Odors and smells are the main triggers of migraines, and those that cause a pleasant smell are among the worst. Keep yourself clean instead of smearing with smelly goods.
9) Be an aerobic exercise program. Regular exercise helps increase your cardiovascular capacity, and improper blood flow is linked to recurring migraines.
10) Driver or take the train when you can instead of flying. Depressurization in the cabin on airplanes is a reliable migraine trigger and can be easily avoided if the journey can be made by alternative means of transport.
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