A little can help headaches, but too much can trigger them, New York City neurologist Audrey Halpern, MD, says. If caffeine is causing your pain, gradually cut back until you have caffeine no more than two days a week.
9. Inactivity
A recent Swedish study showed that those who were inactive were more likely to get headaches than those who worked out. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of cardio a day, five days a week, to relieve stress, send blood to the brain, and get feel-good endorphins flowing. Exercise may be a trigger for some people, so consult your doc first.
10. Sleep deprivation
One large study says those who slept an average of six hours a night tended to have significantly more severe and more frequent headaches than those who got more zzz’s.
Don’t feed your headache
Everyone reacts differently, but some foods are known to trigger headaches for many people—and others (especially those rich in magnesium) seem to help prevent them.
Take the Migraine Quiz: Find out what really triggers that debilitating pain in your head.
| THIS | NOT THIS |
|---|---|
| Spinach | Red Wine |
| Tofu | Beer |
| Oat Bran | MSG |
| Barley | Chocolate |
| Fish Oil | Aged Cheese |
| Olive Oil | Saurkraut |
| White Beans, Sunflower and Pumpkins Seeds | Processed Meats (Pepperoni, Ham, Salami, etc.) |
This article was first published in Health magazine, May 2009.
