In my last blog, I talked about tension headaches versus migraines.
If you haven’t already read it, you can read it >>here.
Are you ready to dive into some more information about the difference between tension headaches and Migraine?
In this blog, we are focusing on triggers. A lot of people still are not aware of what their migraine triggers are. It took me a while to figure out all the different triggers I had since they vary from food to environmental and weather issues. Then, of course, there is a combination of triggers that compounded, can trigger one as well.
So let’s do it! Let’s talk about different triggers.
Common Tension Headache Triggers
There is some overlap in the common triggers of tension headache and Migraine. Things like stress, tiredness or fatigue, can be a contributing factor in both types of migraines.
In the medical field, it is commonly thought that tension headaches can be triggered by:
- Physical or emotional stress
- Depression and anxiety*
- Lack of sleep*
- Physical exhaustion*
- Poor posture*
*However, there is not a lot of clinical evidence to confirm that these are, in fact, triggers (except stress) (1).
As you are aware, triggers vary from person to person, and figuring out what those triggers are isn’t an exact science. This is where keeping a diary helps.
Common Migraine Triggers
Again, these triggers vary from person to person, and the list is much more extensive when it comes to Migraine. So, let me categorize some of the most common ones:
Food Triggers: (2).
- alcohol
- caffeine
- MSG
- nitrates or nitrites
Lifestyle Triggers:
Over-exertion or change in routines such as:
- lack of sleep or irregular schedules
- skipping meals or fasting
- dehydration
- alcohol consumption
- stress
Environmental Triggers:
- bright, flickering lights
- strong smells
- smoke/pollution
- altitude
- air pressure
Hormonal Triggers:
- menstruation
- menopause
- oral contraceptives
- pregnancy
Weather-Related Triggers:
- humidity level (low or high)
- a sudden change in temperature or barometric pressure
- bright sunlight
Medication Triggers: Overuse of pain medications and/or triptans
As you can see, there are loads of triggers when it comes to Migraine. This is where keeping a diary showing the duration, triggers, and impact of your headaches be so helpful when it comes to avoiding and preventing Migraine. If you don’t have a migraine diary/journal, grab one >>HERE<< and start tracking what is going on when you start with a headache/migraine. Reviewing your food diary and what has been going on, can really start you on the roadway to prevention — and that is a great thing!
Next week we will finish up with some natural remedies that can also help with prevention and also with the symptoms of migraine. So stay tuned!
BASIL BROWN RICE WITH LENTILS
Ingredients:
2 cups dried brown lentils
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup cooked brown rice
¼ cup raisins
1 cup basil leaves, chopped
½ large lemon, juiced
sea salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Add the lentils to a medium pot over low heat. Cover with water and cook over medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes. When lentils are cooked, drain and let them cool and pour olive oil on top. Add cooked brown rice, raisins, chopped basil leaves, and sea salt to taste. Stir all the ingredients in a large bowl and serve.
References:
Migraine Trust. Tension-Type Headache.
American Migraine Foundation. Top 10 Triggers.