Frequent Migraine Triggers

Migraines are headaches that are caused by a decreased blood flow to the brain and increased pressure on the blood vessels. They are often preceded by an "aura," or a sense that the headache is coming on. Some people also experience visual changes prior to the headache. These headaches often are accompanied by a sense of nausea and occasionally vomiting. Most sufferers feel better lying still in a dark, quiet room. Although the exact mechanism of migraine headaches is not yet known, migraines are often triggered by particular lifestyle factors, including diet, environment (indoor and outdoor), medications, sleep habits, and hormonal changes. Try to keep a diary of your headaches compared to your lifestyle, and look for a pattern to discern your own particular triggers. Knowing what to avoid can change your pattern of attacks. The triggers listed here are the most frequent ones that migraine sufferers should pay attention to.

Food Triggers
o Chocolate
o Citrus fruits
o Tomatoes
o Preserved meats
o Dairy products
o Nuts
o Coffee
o Red wine
o Alcohol
o Sulfites
o Preservatives/flavor enhancers/MSG
o Salt
o Olive Oil
o Coconut and coconut oil (includes suntan lotions)
o Aspartame


Environmental Triggers
o Glare
o Loud or repetitive noise
o Strong odors (perfume)
o Certain weather conditions, such as dry winds or heat
o Changes in the weather
o Altitude changes
o Chemicals such as insecticides
o Air pollution
o Second hand smoke
o Fluorescent lighting
o Flickering lights (computer monitors)


Physiological Triggers
o Stress
o Exercise
o Hormonal changes
o Birth control pills
o Too much or too little sleep
o Medicines such as antihistamines, aspirin, or diuretics
o Hypoglycemia and missing meals

Dr. Heller is a chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), practicing in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She has extensive experience teaching fitness classes, including aquatics, to all age groups and abilities. http://www.healthritellc.com

Finding A Migraine Cure
A migraine headache can incapacitate its victims, rendering them unable to perform the most simple of activities for hours or even days. Severe migraines affect millions of people every year; their side effects reading like a whos who of illness nau...

A Blinding Flash With Extreme Pain
Migraine sufferers often turn to pain killers as the only way to give a little relief until the episode wears off; sometimes taking many hours. The feeling like your head is going to implode is scary to say the least but when going through such an in...

What Causes Migraines
Have you ever experienced severe headache that lasted for a few hours or up to three days? The pain can really be throbbing and you observe that only a part or half of your head is actually aching. If you can relate to this situation, you are likely ...

Migraine Relief - Home Treatment for Migraine
Millions of Americans suffer from migraine. It is a neurological condition where you will experience an intense headache on one or both sides of the head and often radiates from the eye. Migraine is a very disabling disease, you will experience poun...

Migraine And Diet, How To Combat Migraine
Several studies into migraine have found that there are various food types that may serve as triggers for the painful condition. The numerous potential food triggers are why there is no definitive recommended migraine diet that can help alleviate the...

Migraine and Cluster Headache
Headache is a general problem of people around the world. The attack can occur in every age, every opportunity and both sex. To diagnose and treatment of headache, the physicians have to know the cause and characteristic of each type headache.Migrain...

How To Get Rid Of A Migraine
If you are a migraine headache sufferer you know how important it is to get pain relief fast. A migraine can be so severe that it can put a stop to your whole day. Many people who have migraines may have two or more each month. This article will exam...

Stopping the Scourge of Constant Headaches
A constant headache can be a sign of a more serious ailment. There can be a sign that there is something negatively affecting your body. Constant headaches can be brought about by a lot of things. Stress, for one can become a cause for an individual ...

Nausea and Your Headache
Headaches can be such a nagging problem. As a symptom, it can be a cause of some serious ailments. Headaches that come with vomiting and nausea can be signs of migraine. The headache nausea that usually accompanies migraine can be effectively treated...

Natural Migraine Treatment: Butterbur
In this article: Natural Migraine Treatment: Butterbur you will discover:What is butterbur?Why is butterbur a natural migraine treatment?How much butterbur do you need to take as a natural migraine treatment? What Is Butterbur?Butterbur grows in n...