How to Avoid Migraine Triggers

Migraines can strike you fast and send you sprawling for a cool quiet place to hide for a while. Caused by the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the brain, they are brought on by a variety of stimuli. By understanding what triggers migraines, you can then avoid those things to lessen your chance of getting a migraine.

Lifestyle

Some migraines are brought on by lifestyle choices. These are easy to identify and avoid because the “causer” of the migraine is also the “sufferer”. If you experience frequent migraines, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Lack of restful sleep puts unneeded stress on the brain and body. Also changes in sleeping patterns, like jet lag, can trigger a migraine.

Stress is a major player in causing migraines. As well, many of the symptoms of stress are just as painful as the migraine itself. Make sure to take time to relax and unwind. Careful in relaxing though: some physical exertion, although normally de-stressing like sexual activity, may trigger migraines another way.

Foods

If a food is your trigger, it may be hard to identify at first, but once it is it’s easy to avoid. Foods that have been known to cause migraines are aged cheeses, monosodium glutamate (MSG common in Chinese foods), alcohol (especially in beer and red wine), aspartame, salty and processed foods, preservatives (nitrates & nitrites).

Too much caffeine can also be a trigger and chocolate, though a calming substance, has been known to trigger migraines. If you think a food or substance (such as smoking) is causing your migraine, avoid it and try to take it in a controlled environment. Determining which food it is can be the trick. Also skipping meals or fasting can trigger a migraine.

Environment

The easiest trigger to identify, environmental factors can be difficult to avoid. A common trigger is sensory stimuli, such as bright or flashing lights, loud noises or odors. Unfortunately, this could mean your migraine can be caused by a work environment, an emergency vehicle, or second-hand smoke. Weather can also trigger a migraine with a drop in barometric pressure. You should consult a doctor if you learn that something outside your control is causing your migraines.

Body

Almost impossible to avoid, and still difficult to identify, your own bodily functions may be triggering your migraines. Geneticists believe that migraines are inherited, and it is statistically shown that women are three times more likely to get migraines than men. Changes in hormones are a common trigger, and many women report that their migraines are associated with menstruation. Contraceptives, pregnancy and menopause are also triggers of migraines, though some women report their migraines not happening at these times.

Allergies and medications can also trigger migraines, and any of these triggers should be discussed with a doctor.

What if it’s too Late?

But what if the pain has already started? Simple relief can be found in a bag of ice for the forehead or a hot bag of rice for the neck. A massage or herbal supplements can also provide relief, but may be more costly. If nothing else works, follow your instincts and find that calm, dark and quiet place. Take the day of and take a nap.