Common Triggers to Avoid for Migraines

Common Triggers to Avoid for Migraines

Migraine is a common health problem among several adults. The occasional headache has been reported in more than 30% of the population. The physical effects can often by more than those of a simple headache and migraines also last for a substantially longer duration. Let us understand the triggers, including foods that cause migraines.

  • Caffeine
    Caffeine is a primary trigger of migraine. Although one should make an attempt to cut down on the quantity of caffeine consumed, cutting down completely and suddenly can also become a cause of worry. Ease out caffeine consumption slowly as it is definitely one of the foods to avoid for migraines.
  • Other food products
    Multiple other foods may trigger an attack. While the foods vary for different people, most of them are common among different people prone to migraines. These include eggs, tomatoes, dairy products, onions, citrus fruits, wheat products including pasta and bread, alcohol, chocolate, and nuts. To understand well which foods trigger migraines in a particular individual, one should keep a diary and always note down what one consumed before a migraine attack started. There’s another way to understand what is best for an individual to avoid migraine attacks. One can maintain a pain-safe diet for a certain period. These include foods that one considers should be safe. During this period, one can check and analyze the frequency and severity of the migraine attack.
  • Stress
    Among triggers of migraine pain not related to food, stress is the most common. It is, in fact, the reason for migraine attacks among 70% of the people. People are always worried about one or the other thing, and this will take a toll on the health in more ways than one. Sometimes, in such conditions, the migraine attacks can be intermittent over a short period, while in other cases, the attacks can last longer, even a complete lifetime. Some of the things that one can take care of to avoid migraine attacks due to stress includes maintaining a positive sleep cycle and surrounding oneself with people who one is close with. One can also consider relaxation therapy.
  • Light
    Bright light can be a significant trigger for migraine attacks. It can be sunlight or light of a screen, be it a phone screen or a laptop or TV screen. If the light is a trigger, one can do little about it beforehand since one will go out for work if necessary. However, once the migraine pain starts, it is suggested to settle in a somewhat dark room and keep screens away. Apart from this, some general habits like no screen time right before going to sleep and after waking up are also helpful.