Home | health | Everything To Know About Migraine Triggers

Everything to Know About Migraine Triggers

Everything to Know About Migraine Triggers

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines.

Migraine triggers
Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are:

Food and food additives
Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame.

Hunger and dehydration
Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this health condition. This results in lower glucose levels that can cause migraines. Dehydration is another factor that may contribute to this type of headache. Low hydration levels are the cause in forty percent of people. It also affects the overall body and leads to confusion and dizziness. Therefore, there is a need to stay properly hydrated.

Strong and unusual smells
Certain people have reported that migraine gets triggered by certain strong, unusual, and odd smells. Various smells, like the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, chemicals, and food odors, can cause the condition to set in. These triggers may lead to a migraine attack or worsen an existing one. The intolerance to smells is recognized as Osmophobia, a unique phenomenon in people with this type of headache.

Weather changes
It has been found that several climate changes have been linked with migraine attacks. Some reports suggest that weather patterns may lead to its onset, including hot, cold, clear, and sunny atmospheres. It has also been identified that thunderstorms followed by lightning cause this headache to develop. However, lightning has been considered the precipitator factor, although the researchers are unclear on how it is associated with this condition.

Emotional stress
Stress is a major causative agent of migraine attacks and is considered the most common triggering factor. It has also been reported that fifty to seventy percent of migraine cases are associated with stress. Other emotions like worry and anxiety may promote muscle tension and dilate the blood vessels. As a consequence, it makes the migraines more severe. Some people suffer from this kind of headache during a stressful event or after a strained situation.

Home remedies
Now, since the common triggers are known to all the readers, let us acquaint you with the home remedies to treat migraines.

Avoiding the triggers
Migraine triggers can lead to the onset or worsening of migraine. Certain foods and food additives, unusual smells, bright lights, and noisy sounds excite a group of brain cells that trigger the production of the hormone serotonin. Serotonin causes the blood vessels throughout the body to narrow, leading to the forceful pumping of blood, which, in turn, sets off migraine pain. Skipping meals and water and stress prompt the release of the cortisol stress hormone, which causes constriction of blood vessels resulting in throbbing pain. Therefore, after discovering the exact cause of your migraine, avoiding that particular trigger factor is essential to prevent the condition.

Take good sleep
Maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential to save one from migraine attacks because. Sleep deprivation triggers the production of arousal proteins, and their high concentration leads to the initiation of migraine pain. Therefore, getting undisturbed sleep for seven to eight hours is required.

Yoga
Vigorous exercise or physical activities may be headache triggers for certain people. Muscle tension during these actions leads to the release of a substance called histamine. This causes the muscles to tense up and trigger migraine pain. But Yoga is proven a safe alternative because of its slow movements. It has been found that Yoga enhances the activity of the vagus nerve, and this stimulation blocks the pain signals and relieves migraine pain.

Five cities that are migraine hotspots
The country’s five cities that are migraine hotspots:

Cincinnati
The local meal of this area is rich in some common migraine-triggering substances. The lifestyle of the residents, including overtime work, vigorous exercise, insomnia, and excess sun exposure, is also a reason for the prevalence of this condition in this city.

Nashville
Environmental factors like hot and humid summer, frequent storms, and high atmospheric pressure are the reasons for the high number of migraine cases observed in Nashville.

Madison
Lifestyle, as explained earlier, is the main migraine-triggering factor among the residents of this city.

Knoxville
In Knoxville, certain local foods are the trigger factors for migraine.

Chattanooga
The case of Chattanooga is the same as that of Knoxville. The local food choices that contain trigger factors are the reason for the prevalence of migraine in this city.

Conclusion
Migraine is a kind of headache with distinctive signs and symptoms. Certain items lead to this type of headache in the majority of individuals. Therefore, it is always best to learn about migraine-triggering factors to avoid them. This article aims to make all the readers learn about common migraine triggers and home remedies to treat them. Following all the home remedies after proper consultation with a healthcare professional is also suggested to follow them correctly. Besides, following a proper meal plan with sufficient sleep is also required to keep migraine episodes at bay.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

12 surprising facts about COPD to know

12 surprising facts about COPD to know

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, is a well-recognized respiratory ailment that affects millions of lives worldwide. COPD, characterized by symptoms like chronic cough, shortness of breath, and reduced lung function, is a complex condition with multiple layers. While its core features are understood by many, an array of surprising and often overlooked facets surrounds this condition. This article delves into these lesser-known aspects of COPD to comprehensively understand the disease. Underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases One of the most surprising facts about COPD is the prevalence of underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 90% of COPD cases are estimated to remain undiagnosed. This is partly because early symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, are often attributed to the natural aging process or other respiratory conditions. Additionally, many individuals with COPD do not seek attention until the disease has progressed significantly. Impact on mental health COPD not only affects physical health but also takes a toll on mental well-being. Surprisingly, individuals with COPD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. The disease’s chronic nature and its impact on daily activities and social interactions may lead to isolation and sadness.
Read More
7 lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma

7 lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that primarily affects the plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells typically produce antibodies to help the body fight infections. However, in multiple myeloma, certain plasma cells become cancerous and start to multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. These cancerous plasma cells can produce abnormal proteins, which can accumulate in the blood and urine, leading to various health problems. Here are the lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma: Recurrent infections Multiple myeloma weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. However, this sign is often overlooked or attributed to other causes. Recurring or persistent infections, such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, or skin infections, can be an early indication of an underlying immune system dysfunction caused by multiple myeloma. The connection between multiple myeloma and infections lies in the disease’s impact on plasma cells’ production of antibodies. As the cancerous plasma cells multiply in the bone marrow, they crowd out healthy cells responsible for producing antibodies, impairing the body’s ability to fight infections effectively. Recognizing the link between recurring infections and multiple myeloma can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which may improve the patient’s overall prognosis.
Read More
9 tips for changing the oil and filter on Dodge vehicles

9 tips for changing the oil and filter on Dodge vehicles

Dodge is a famous automobile manufacturer with an excellent lineup of trucks and SUVs. While its vehicles are known for performance and durability, they must be maintained well. A fundamental aspect of car upkeep is changing the oil and filters regularly. Whether one owns a robust Dodge truck or a versatile SUV, understanding the nuances of oil and filter changes can help the automobile run smoothly and extend its lifespan. The function of oil and filters in a vehicle Engine oil is a lubricating fluid that circulates throughout the engine to reduce friction between moving parts, dissipate heat, and protect against wear and tear. The oil filter is responsible for removing impurities and contaminants from the engine oil. The filter is replaced during routine oil changes to maintain its filtration capabilities. Tips for changing oil and filters in vehicles Oil and filters play crucial roles in the vehicle’s engine, ensuring it operates efficiently and remains in good condition. If one follows these tips, it will not only ensure engine longevity but also contribute to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions: Use the right tools and materials Before starting, it’s important to gather all the right tools. One will need an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter, a container to catch the old oil (like an oil drain pan), a set of sockets or wrenches, a funnel to pour in new oil, a new oil filter, and the right type and sufficient amount of oil.
Read More
25 signs and symptoms of pneumonia to know of

25 signs and symptoms of pneumonia to know of

Pneumonia is a common respiratory infection that can affect people of all ages, causing various symptoms that vary in severity. At the same time, many are familiar with the hallmark signs such as fever and cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and numerous other indicators that can point to pneumonia. This comprehensive article thoroughly explores pneumonia’s signs and symptoms, helping individuals recognize the condition early and seek appropriate medical care. Fever Fever is one of the most prevalent symptoms of pneumonia. It typically presents with a high body temperature, often exceeding 100.4°F (38°C). Fever is the body’s natural response to infection and signifies that the immune system is actively fighting the pneumonia-causing pathogens. Cough A persistent cough is another hallmark symptom. It can produce different types of mucus, including yellow, green, or bloody. The cough may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort ranging from mild to severe. Shortness of breath Many individuals with pneumonia experience shortness of breath, particularly when engaging in physical activities. This symptom occurs due to the inflammation and infection within the lungs, making it challenging for the respiratory system to function optimally. Chest pain Chest pain is often described as a sharp or stabbing sensation typically felt on the side of the affected lung.
Read More