7 Ways To Prevent Migraines

Migraines, whether they happen once a week or every day, can keep you from doing normal tasks, such as washing the dishes or doing the laundry. The pain can get so bad at times that you do not even want to get out of bed. Although headache medication is good at temporarily relieving these migraines, it is not a good idea to use it too often. Here are seven effective ways to prevent migraines:

Take Care of Your Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, you are more likely to get migraines. During an allergic reaction, your body releases histamine, which can trigger a headache. It is very important to avoid anything that may triggers your allergies. For example, if dust mites bother your allergies, you should change your sheets more frequently than usual and use bedding covers. When you feel congested, take a hot shower or use a saltwater rinse to clear up your sinuses.

Do Not Skip Meals

When you skip meals, you will not just hear a grumble in your stomach; you may also get a headache. Not eating enough can cause your glucose levels to drop and an increase muscle tension, according to Headache MD. If you add more protein to your diet and eat at least every few hours, you can reduce the amount of headaches you get. Besides meat, good sources of protein include green peas, tofu, quiona, nuts and beans.

Keep Your Stress Levels Under Control

If you allow stress to build up, it can lead to migraines. That is why it is important to manage your anxiety as best as you can. When you start feeling stressed, find a healthy way to deal with it, such as doing yoga, listening to soft music or meditating.

Get a Professional Massage

If you are prone to migraines, you should think about getting a professional massage. A massage can improve oxygen and blood flow to the muscles in the head, relieving your migraine. A trained massage therapist will know just how to relax these muscles and help you feel a lot better.

Get Adequate Rest

Even if you fall asleep easily every night, you still might not get proper rest. If you don't enter the deepest stages of sleep, your body won't produce enough serotonin and dopamine. According to WebMD, if you don't produce an adequate amount of these chemicals, you will sleep more poorly and may wake up with a migraine. To get better rest, turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime and do something relaxing, such as meditating, before you go to sleep.

Pay Attention to the Weather

Certain types of weather can trigger migraines, according to the Mayo Clinic. For example, in some people, windy weather or hot temperatures can cause headaches. If you feel like you are starting to develop a headache from the weather, you should go indoors until you feel better. If you can't get inside right away, try drinking some water.

Avoid Bright Lights

Bright lights can also increase the risk of migraines, so you should try to avoid them as best as possible. For instance, if you have to be in front of a computer screen for work all day, you should adjust the brightness to a comfortable level and look away from the screen at least every 20 minutes. When you are watching television at home, take occasional breaks to avoid getting a headache.

If you follow these helpful tips, you will be a lot less likely to experience migraines. However, if you still get migraines frequently, you should visit an urgent care center like West Ocean City Injury & Illness Center. A doctor can evaluate you and determine if an underlying health condition is the reason for your migraines or not.