Headaches are one of the most common health issues that people experience. Although there are many causes for headaches, most people assume that it is due to stress or eye strain.
Unfortunately, many headaches occur because of various triggers that are surprising. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the headache triggers you haven’t considered.
Dehydration
Dehydration is the most common cause of headaches. The brain is made up of 75% water, and when your body is dehydrated, the brain’s respiratory center becomes less active. This forces the blood vessels in the brain to dilate, leading to a headache.
Dehydration can also cause your body to lose essential electrolytes, which can further aggravate headaches.
Skipping Meals
Skipping meals or fasting can also cause headaches. When you don’t have enough food in your system, your blood sugar levels drop, leading to a headache.
Additionally, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, skipping your morning coffee can also trigger a headache. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your blood sugar levels steady and avoid skipping meals.
Strong Scents
Strong scents from perfumes, cleaning products, and smoke can be headache triggers. These scents can stimulate the nerves in the brain and cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to a headache.
People who are sensitive to scents should avoid strong-smelling products and essential oils and opt for unscented or mild-scented products.
Weather Changes
Weather changes are another common headache trigger. When the barometric pressure drops, it can cause the blood vessels in the brain to swell, leading to a headache. Changes in temperature and humidity can also trigger headaches.
People who are prone to weather-related headaches should keep an eye on the weather forecast and take necessary precautions such as wearing sunglasses, using an umbrella, or staying indoors.
Food Triggers
Many people are unaware that some common foods can trigger headaches. Foods that contain histamine, such as aged cheese, fermented foods, and red wine, can trigger headaches in some people.
Additionally, food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates, and nitrites, found in processed foods, can also cause headaches. Those who are prone to headaches should avoid specific foods that trigger their headaches.
Sleep Habits
Irregular sleep habits and lack of sleep can also contribute to headaches. When you don’t get enough sleep, the body produces fewer endorphins, which can lead to headaches.
Additionally, changes in sleeping patterns, such as jet lag or working a night shift, can also cause headaches. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain regular sleep patterns and get an adequate amount of sleep.
Eye Strain
Eye strain is a prevalent cause of headaches. Long hours spent staring at a computer or phone screen can cause eye strain, leading to a headache. Additionally, if you’re wearing the wrong prescription glasses, it can also cause headaches.
Therefore, it’s essential to take regular breaks when working on the computer and get your eyes checked regularly to ensure proper vision.
Stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of headaches. When under stress, the body produces more cortisol, which can cause blood vessels to dilate and lead to a headache.
Additionally, stress can cause muscle tension and tightness, which can also contribute to headaches. Therefore, it’s crucial to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
Exercise
Although exercise is beneficial to health, it can also trigger headaches. Vigorous physical activity can cause blood vessels in the head to dilate, leading to a headache.
Additionally, dehydration and low blood sugar levels during exercise can also trigger headaches. Therefore, it’s essential to stay hydrated, maintain a regular exercise routine and avoid over-exertion.
Hormonal Changes
Finally, hormonal changes can also be a cause of headaches. Women may experience headaches during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause due to hormonal fluctuations.
These hormonal changes can cause blood vessels in the head to constrict or dilate, leading to a headache. Women who experience headaches during their menstrual cycle should consider talking to their doctor about hormonal contraceptives.