Four Health Habits For Migraines

Migraines are a painful form of headache that often leaves the sufferer unable to complete their normal activities.  Many migraines are accompanied by symptoms that may include nausea, vomiting, and environmental sensitivities such as light, sound and smell.  Here are four simple steps to helping ease migraine discomfort and possibly reduce frequency and intensity of attacks.

Structure

Migraines do not like the element of surprise or being overwhelmed, so it is really important to try and maintain and fairly consistent schedule.  Obviously, plans change and things come up from time to time, but working to maintain a regular sleep schedule and even try eating your meal at the same time each day will help keep our body in sync.  Sudden or unexpected changes can create stress in your body and possibly result in a migraine flare up.  If you know that you have an event or you will be traveling for work soon, be prepared and plan accordingly to ward off any migraine issues that may appear due to the late night or hectic work routine.

Nutrition/Diet

Nutrition is a critical component of taking care of you body and general health.  When it comes to dealing with your migraines, your nutrition may also be a trigger for your pain.  It is important to stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and never skip meals.  Eating a well-balanced diet ensures that your body is getting all of its essential nutrients to stay healthy and fight off any impending problems.  Skipping meals causes a sudden drop in blood sugar levels which can result in headaches, nausea, and dizziness.  To keep your body in peak performance and avoid triggering a new migraine attack, eat regularly scheduled meals and always keep a bottle of water and a snack handy, preferably one that is high in protein.  This will help to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep the mind and body on track.

Additionally, there are some foods and beverages that may trigger migraines.  Some of the most common food triggers are aged cheeses, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol.  When planning meals, grocery shopping or ordering off a restaurant menu, watch closely for these items and avoid them or at least limit your consumption of them.

Exercise

Getting involved in a regularly scheduled workout program is extremely beneficial for migraine sufferers.  Doctors recommend workout out for at least 30 minutes, three times a week.  It is important to find an activity you enjoy and is low-impact/low-stress to avoid actually triggering a migraine.    One common suggestion is participating in yoga or tai chi, as they are not only helpful in strengthening and stretching of muscles, but in reducing stress, as well.  While exercising, be sure to stay adequately hydrated.  If you are not already involved with some type of physical activity, speak with your doctor before starting a new program.

Stress

Stress is one of the most commonly reported migraine trigger.  Sadly, you cannot eliminate or necessarily avoid all types of stress, but there are things you can do.  Participating in stress management programs or stress reducing activities, such as meditation or yoga, may help to alleviate symptoms and reduce opportunities for future attacks.  If you find there are certain activities, places or even people that cause you a great deal of stress, work to eliminate or at least avoid as much as possible during your daily life.  Obviously, if your in-laws cause you great stress, you cannot completely avoid them, but you may need to address stressful issues with your spouse such as them staying with you for one full week and how things could be altered to ease stress for you in the future.

These four habits all things that you could simply take charge of and change from the comforts of your own home.   Always speak with your physician regarding desires for change within your current treatment plan, especially if you are not involved in a workout program or may need additional assistance, such as counseling, to handle stress in your life.  Working together you can easily find a plan of action that will best meet your needs.  Just remember to keep a consistent schedule, monitor your diet and nutrition, get some exercise, and avoid stress when at all possible!

Tags: chronic condition, difficulty sleeping, head pain, living with migraines, migraine attack, Migraines, severe pain, tender spots