Frequent Headaches

If you have frequent headaches, including migraine headaches, then there is a good chance that there is something that is setting them off. These are called headaches triggers. Once you find out what these are, you will be able to reduce the number of headaches you have and enjoy a better quality of life.

The following is a list of the most common headaches triggers. While one or more of these triggers may apply to you, there is also a good chance that you will have your own that you need to discover by yourself.

Weather Changes

Sometimes the barometric pressure can act as a headache trigger. Low pressure that often comes before rain has been linked to an increase of headaches in some people. Also, you are more likely to get a migraine as the temperature rises. Researchers have also found that the risk of getting a headache increases 7.5% for every temperature rise of 9°F.

Changing of Hairstyle

A lot of people get a headache after they visit their hairdresser. Changing your hairstyle can often prompt a headache. If you usually part your hair on the left and then change it to the right for a new hairstyle - followed with a headache coming on, then try putting your hair back into place. You just might find that you have stopped your headache in its tracks.

Tyramine

Tyramine is a substance that is commonly found in old cheese, red wine, and cold cuts. While tyramine is found in many other foods, the amount is higher in the ones listed. This is one of the easiest headaches triggers to figure out. You can test yourself by eliminating these foods from your diet completely for a month and then trying one to see if it triggers a headache. If it does, you have found at least one of your headaches triggers.

Monosodium Glutamate

This chemical is commonly found in Chinese food but it can also be added to a lot of junk food. For instance, the next time when you buy a bag of potato chips, try taking a look at the ingredients. Some companies sneak in monosodium glutamate to make you want to eat more of the chips, thus increasing their profits. Even if you find out that MSG is not acting as one of the causes for your headaches, you should still avoid it. It really isn’t good for you.

Smoking

If you’re a non-smoker do you ever notice that being around others that smoke triggers one of your headaches? Even a smoker can get a headache from his own smoke. Any type of smoke in fact can be a headache trigger.

Sensitivity to Odors, Lights and Sound

Many people get a headache from the glare of the sun and have to wear sunglasses regularly. Others find that loud noises or strong smells can start up the pain. Try to isolate any of these attacks to your senses as a headache trigger.

Stress

It has been known for quite a while that stress can be a leading cause of headaches. Not only does it upset your nervous system, but it can also tighten up the muscles in your neck. A lot of people use stress-relieving therapies to help them reduce the amount and the severity of their headaches.

Nutritional Imbalances

Many people are walking around with a nutritional imbalance and aren’t even aware of it. Chances are that if you’re not taking a multivitamin every day, then you’re not getting the proper nutrition you should be. Even if you are eating healthy foods, it’s still hard to get the right amount of vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. Also, a lot of the foods produced today are lacking the vitamins and minerals that they used to have back when farming was more natural and less commercialized.

Caffeine

A lot of research has been done about caffeine lately. It is quite an interesting substance in that too much caffeine can trigger a headache in some people while giving it up can also act as a cause of headaches. On the other hand, caffeine pills are often prescribed for people that suffer from migraines to help relieve the pain. It’s quite interesting to note that caffeine can act as a cause as well as a treatment for headaches.

While the above are the most common headaches triggers, you’re really going to have to search for your own while keeping your eyes open for the ones listed. The best way to keep track of what may be triggering your headaches is to start keeping a daily diary of your activities. Be sure to note everything you do so that when a headache does occur, you can take a look at your notes to find out what may have triggered it. Finding the right headache triggers is your best line of defense against this pain that affects your quality of life and is something that you can do on your own at home.