Migraine Informer

What Causes Migraines and How to Prevent Them

What Causes Migraines and How to Prevent Them

Migraines can be a common problem for people of all ages. They can be brought on by various factors including certain foods, stress, and hormonal changes. Learn more about the causes of migraines and how to prevent them. It’s very important to get enough rest, so that your body can function properly.

Foods that trigger migraines

Migraines can be painful and unpleasant, and it can affect a person’s quality of life. They can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or smells, and sometimes even nausea or vomiting. Migraines can also cause people to miss work and forfeit PTO. People who are prone to migraines may want to make dietary changes to try to avoid the foods that can trigger migraine attacks.

Stress

Stress is a common trigger of migraine headaches, and it can also contribute to other health problems. In a study in 2017, 227 people with chronic migraines and a control group were asked to rate their perceived stress levels after experiencing stressful events. The chronic migraine patients scored higher than the control group. The study also determined that perceived stress affected the quality of life for migraine participants.

Hormonal changes

Women who are experiencing menopause may be at risk for migraines, which are triggered by a change in estrogen and progesterone levels. These changes can increase the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Migraines often begin two to three days before the start of your monthly period and will last for as long as three days afterward. If you think you’re suffering from this condition, it’s important to visit a doctor. They can help identify the cause of the problem and prescribe a treatment.

Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep may play a role in migraines. Researchers have found that migraine sufferers tend to get less REM sleep, which is crucial for memory and thinking. This stage of sleep is characterized by higher heart rate, breathing, and dreaming. According to a meta-analysis of 32 studies, people with migraines tend to have less REM sleep than do those who do not have migraines.

Bruxism

If you suffer from frequent migraines, bruxism may be the root cause. Bruxism is a common sleep disorder that affects 8 to 10 percent of the population. It can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and poor sleep quality. Unfortunately, it can go undiagnosed for many years. Fortunately, there are treatments available.

Heat

Heat is a known trigger for migraines. According to researchers, glare, humidity and triple-digit temperatures can trigger an attack. Keeping cool in hot weather will help reduce the pain and discomfort of a migraine.

Allergies

There are many factors that trigger migraines, and one of the most common is allergic reactions to food. Food allergies can range from mild to severe and may even lead to life-threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis. Fortunately, a lot of food allergies are treatable with a change in diet.

Weather changes

Recent research has shown that weather changes can increase your chance of having a migraine attack. However, the exact reason behind this may not be clear. Several factors may play a role. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and inadequate sleep can also trigger an attack. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent migraine attacks. One way is to keep an eye on the weather. Using a weather app like WeatherX can help you monitor the current weather conditions. In addition, taking anti-inflammatory medications can help you prevent a migraine attack.

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