Frequent Migraine Triggers

Migraines are headaches that are caused by a decreased blood flow to the brain and increased pressure on the blood vessels. They are often preceded by an "aura," or a sense that the headache is coming on. Some people also experience visual changes prior to the headache. These headaches often are accompanied by a sense of nausea and occasionally vomiting. Most sufferers feel better lying still in a dark, quiet room. Although the exact mechanism of migraine headaches is not yet known, migraines are often triggered by particular lifestyle factors, including diet, environment (indoor and outdoor), medications, sleep habits, and hormonal changes. Try to keep a diary of your headaches compared to your lifestyle, and look for a pattern to discern your own particular triggers. Knowing what to avoid can change your pattern of attacks. The triggers listed here are the most frequent ones that migraine sufferers should pay attention to.

Food Triggers
o Chocolate
o Citrus fruits
o Tomatoes
o Preserved meats
o Dairy products
o Nuts
o Coffee
o Red wine
o Alcohol
o Sulfites
o Preservatives/flavor enhancers/MSG
o Salt
o Olive Oil
o Coconut and coconut oil (includes suntan lotions)
o Aspartame


Environmental Triggers
o Glare
o Loud or repetitive noise
o Strong odors (perfume)
o Certain weather conditions, such as dry winds or heat
o Changes in the weather
o Altitude changes
o Chemicals such as insecticides
o Air pollution
o Second hand smoke
o Fluorescent lighting
o Flickering lights (computer monitors)


Physiological Triggers
o Stress
o Exercise
o Hormonal changes
o Birth control pills
o Too much or too little sleep
o Medicines such as antihistamines, aspirin, or diuretics
o Hypoglycemia and missing meals

Dr. Heller is a chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), practicing in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She has extensive experience teaching fitness classes, including aquatics, to all age groups and abilities. http://www.healthritellc.com

What Causes Migraines
Have you ever experienced severe headache that lasted for a few hours or up to three days? The pain can really be throbbing and you observe that only a part or half of your head is actually aching. If you can relate to this situation, you are likely to be suffering from migraine. You probably have heard about this neurological condition. You are l...

Migraine Relief - Home Treatment for Migraine
Millions of Americans suffer from migraine. It is a neurological condition where you will experience an intense headache on one or both sides of the head and often radiates from the eye. Migraine is a very disabling disease, you will experience pounding pain, vomiting and nausea. Some when having migraine attacks cannot get out of bed and cannot w...

Migraine And Diet, How To Combat Migraine
Several studies into migraine have found that there are various food types that may serve as triggers for the painful condition. The numerous potential food triggers are why there is no definitive recommended migraine diet that can help alleviate the pain or abruptly stop the severe headaches. If you are one of those people who are suffering from o...

Natural Migraine Treatment: Butterbur
In this article: Natural Migraine Treatment: Butterbur you will discover:What is butterbur?Why is butterbur a natural migraine treatment?How much butterbur do you need to take as a natural migraine treatment? What Is Butterbur?Butterbur grows in northern parts of Europe and Russia.Apart from reducing migraine headaches attacks, butterbur can als...

Some Possible Causes Of Migraine Headaches
Having a migraine headache can be the worst feeling in the world. Sensitivity to light; noise, even movement can cause a migraine headache to increase in pain. If you have ever had a migraine, you know it can leave you irritated and, at times, debilitated for as long as it lasts. Well, there is some good news for migraine sufferers. There are natur...

10 Tips for Frequent Headache Relief
Headaches can interrupt your life and can be exhausting. After a day with a headache, all you may want to do is go in a room, curl up in a ball, and go to sleep. However, life and family responsibilities do not always allow this to happen. How can you effectively deal with a headache? Here are ten tips designed to help you get headache relief.1...

Natural Migraine Relief - Vitamin B2
In this article you will discover:What is vitamin B2?Why is vitamin B2 a natural migraine relief?How much vitamin B2 do you need to take as a natural migraine relief?What Is Vitamin B2?Vitamin B2 is also known as Vitamin G (riboflavin).Vitamin B2 is an easily absorbed water soluble vitamin. It plays a vital part in the metabolizing of fats, protein...