High levels of stress, dehydration and the exposure to environmental toxins are common triggers of migraines and chronic headaches. Constant exposure to certain elements in our environment can lead to chronic headaches that recur frequently.
Today, many people are beginning to realize that their diets are full of additives and preservatives that can cause toxic reactions in the brain. By altering our diets, we can reduce the toxins levels in our bodies and also counteract many health conditions that can lead to headaches or cause them to worsen.
Dehydration
Working long hours outside, not drinking enough water, or a combination of the two can cause dehydration and severe headache pain. The brain needs a certain amount of fluid to function efficiently. When fluid levels in the body become dangerously low, dehydration occurs.
Medical professionals recommend drinking approximately eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. Some people require more, and others less, but the fact is daily fluid intake is the only way to prevent dehydration. Foods that contain large quantities of water, like watermelon, lettuce, and juicy fruits can help supplement fluid content in the diet.
Stress
Stress headaches are often caused by tension that tightens muscles and constricts blood vessels. Coffee and beverages that contain caffeine can help to relieve these headaches. Caffeine dilates blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the area. Teas that contain ginger or spearmint also have different effects on the body that help to lower stress levels and reduce the pain and discomfort of headaches.
Stress also depletes the body’s store of B vitamins. The brain needs an abundance of B vitamins and amino acids to maintain proper function. Eating foods that help maintain constant levels of B vitamins and amino acids in the brain can help reduce the recurrence of certain types of headache pain.
Too Many Toxins
Fresh foods contain fewer additives and preservatives than processed foods. Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners that many people thought would be a lifesaver for diabetics have turned out to be problematic for individuals who suffer from headaches. Sugar can also pose health problems when consumed in excess, but the artificial sweeteners can accumulate in the brain and can lead to migraines if allowed to reach certain levels.
Houston Headache Institute
At the Houston Headache Institute, our medical team can help you evaluate your diet, identify headache food triggers, and find healthier foods that can help you control the frequency, duration and severity of your headaches.
Eating healthier is just one aspect of an effective treatment plan that our doctors use to improve a patient’s overall health. Once the cause of your headaches has been determined, we can provide nutritional counseling that will support proper brain function and help prevent headaches from recurring.
