Have you been suffering from migraines recently? Reducing your stress could be the cure. People with migraines experience a throbbing sensation in their head. The pain ranges from moderate to severe. Migraines impact millions of Americans every day. Twelve percent of the U.S. population gets migraines—that’s 38 million Americans. Migraines are caused by a range of factors, including alcohol, bright light, certain odors, certain foods, dehydration, and loud noises. Stress is also a major trigger for migraines.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, stress is a trigger for 70 percent of people with migraines. Under stressful situations, the body produces the “flight or fight” chemical known as cortisol. This chemical gets released throughout the body, which can cause “vascular changes that can bring about migraines.”
Living with constant migraines can have a devastating effect in your life. People with migraines may experience nausea and vomiting as well as a tingling sensation on their head or limbs. Sometimes the pain from the migraines can be so severe that it can actually be disabling, keeping people from working and carrying on with their day.
With a little self-care can help reduce your migraines. Get started with the helpful tips listed below.
Reduce your stress
To reduce your stress, make time for personal reflection and relaxation every day. Consider practicing breathing exercises and guided imagery sessions. Also be sure to get lots of sleep and regular exercise—it can help you reduce your stress as well.
Investigate your triggers
In order to prevent your migraines, it’s important that you figure out what’s triggering them. Everyone’s trigger is different. The next time you get a migraine, write down the foods you have eaten, the amount of hours you’ve slept, the time of day, your mood, and any other important information. You can use this data to prevent future migraines.
Avoid trigger foods
Unfortunately, many delicious foods can trigger migraines. While alcohol is one of the most common triggers, caffeinated foods, such as chocolate, coffee, and soda, can cause migraines as well. People who are sensitive to synephrine, which is commonly found in citrus fruits, may experience migraines. Food that has been fermented or aged often contains tyramine, which triggers migraines—some examples include pickles, bacon, hot dogs, aged cheese, and even beer.
Eat Mindful food
Avoiding certain foods is just the start to migraine relief. You can also relieve migraines by eating certain foods. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and walnuts can reduce migraines. Adding ginger to a dish can help prevent a throbbing head. Lastly, don’t forget to drink water as dehydration can cause migraines as well.
Talk to your doctor
If your migraines persist consider talking to your doctor. They will be able to provide you with personalized advice based on your medical history.