MeIf you’ve ever experienced excruciating throbbing pain on one side of your head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, smell, and noise, you’re probably in the migraine club. However, migraines are not just headaches, they are considered neurological conditions with symptoms that last for hours, and they shock the world in such a way that they cannot carry on with their daily lives. ? There are actually things you can do to prevent migraine attacks in the first place.
But first, let’s review what causes migraine attacks. Certain nerves in blood vessels can send pain signals to the brain, releasing inflammatory substances into nerves and blood vessels in the head, according to the Mayo Clinic. That’s what triggers the headache that accompanies migraine.
“These lifestyle changes can help reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
While it may not be possible to completely avoid migraine attacks, there are both preventive medications that can help stop attacks in the middle and, as mentioned above, things you can do in your daily life to avoid migraine headaches as much as possible.
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“The best way to prevent migraines is to make lifestyle changes,” says a neurologist specializing in headaches at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic in Concord, New Hampshire, and an assistant clinical professor of neurology at Geisel School of Medicine. says Rohit Reddy, MD. “These lifestyle changes help reduce both the frequency and severity of migraine attacks by reducing stress, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving sleep efficiency, all of which contribute to overall brain health. It makes a positive impact.”
Although migraine is a lifelong condition that must be managed, a few lifestyle changes can help you learn how to prevent migraine attacks and get back on track. .
6 tips from experts to help prevent migraine attacks
1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Good sleep is important for your brain to rest and recover from the hustle and bustle of the day. So it’s best to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time throughout the week, he says, Dr. Reddy.
“Sleep serves an important function of clearing metabolites from neurons that are highly active during the day when we are awake. A restful sleep improves alertness and alertness and reduces stress.” Otherwise, it lowers the threshold for migraine attacks,” he says.
2. Eat nutritious foods often
What you put in your body is important, but it’s important not to skip meals. A good approach is to eat frequent meals and snacks as they help keep blood sugar levels in the right range. Certain foods can also trigger migraines.
“The foods to avoid vary from person to person,” says Dr. Reddy. “There are certain foods that cause or exacerbate migraines in certain people, such as certain wines, cheeses, and food additives (such as MSG). You should avoid foods and drinks high in sugar, and drinks high in caffeine, such as energy drinks.”
3. Drink lots of water
Aim to drink 40-60 ounces of water daily while avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks.
“Drinking lots of water is common. When you’re dehydrated, your brain and other tissues in your body can contract and pull away from the inside of your skull, putting pressure on certain nerves and causing pain. Low caffeine drinks such as green tea and sparkling seltzer water are also great.”
4. Make exercise a habit
A 2019 study published in headache and pain journal Studies have found that aerobic exercise can help reduce the number of migraine attacks people experience on average each month.
According to Dr. Reddy, consistent, intentional light aerobic exercise is important for overall brain health, and 30 minutes a day is ideal. “In addition to its multiple health-related benefits, exercise also releases endorphins, which are natural pain relievers in the body and naturally promote feelings of well-being and positive emotions.”
5. Identify and Avoid Migraine Triggers
Food isn’t the only migraine trigger you want to identify and avoid. If you notice certain situations or things that tend to trigger migraine attacks, avoid them, such as flashing lights, loud music, smelly foods, excessive caffeine intake, and sudden weather changes. I can do my best for you.
If you don’t know what caused your seizures, try journaling your symptoms and potential triggers. You can then take it to your doctor to discuss the best way forward. Prophylaxis may be prescribed.
6. Manage stress as best you can
Easier said than done, managing stress and anxiety in a productive way is key to keeping the pain and pressure away. You may need to find what works for you, but options include meditation, acupuncture, yoga, nature walks, mindfulness exercises, and conversations with a therapist or counselor.
