drag: Ideas on How to Beat Headaches

I recently read that more than 40% of people in the UK are affected by tension headaches at any one time. If this statistic carries any truth, then it is worth considering how we can combat this issue. I personally get headaches a couple of times per month a typically re-hydrating with a pint of water will do the trick. It can be far worse for many out there and I hope that the following ideas may offer some relief.

A quick massage of the temples may help relieve the pain! 14421l9wt3mnjno Ideas on How to Beat Headaches Image: m_bartosch / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Diagnose your headache:

Headaches come in various forms and lasting for varying periods of time. We are typically most familiar with the following primary headaches:

Migraines: These are recurrent headaches that can last between and hour to a few days. It is important to be aware if you are suffering from a migraine and to seek medical assistance as they can cause great disruption to everyday life.
Tension headache: It is said that upto 90% of us suffer from this type of headache. Pain typically originates in the temple area and are believed to be brought on by stress and fatigue though an exact cause is not identified.
Cluster headache: As the name suggests they usually occur in clusters of two and possibly around the eyes.

Cause & Effect:

Painkillers Vs. Natural Remedies

Western medicine has its place in life but should a painkiller (e.g. aspiring, ibuprofen and paracetamol) really be the first thing that you reach for when your head starts to pound? I try not to rely on this immediate relief as nature has provided us with its own remedies. In cultures where painkillers are not in everyone?s cupboards, a lemon takes its place. And so it goes, rub half a lemon across your forehead and the lemon rind into your temples, sit back and feel that headache fade away. The same has been said of a cinnamon and water paste! The biggest concern with painkillers is that over-reliance on over-the-counter drugs can in fact worsen your headaches. I suppose it is similar to drinking caffeine?you depend on the drug for pain relief and then the pain returns when you don?t take the drug in the form of a rebound headache.

Supplements

I do not supplement specifically for headaches because I am not a sever sufferer. Also a varied, natural diet should supply you with the below, which have been linked to help headaches: co-enzyme Q10, riboflavin, butterbur root extract, magnesium and calcium. It is thought that these items may relax your muscles and increase blood flow, thereby relieving tension in your head.

Diet ? Lack of food is a common cause of primary headaches

Failure to graze regularly can leave our blood sugar levels low which may trigger a headache, as will dehydration. Many have blamed consumption of high caffeine, processed, sugary foods as a common cause for headaches. Perhaps it is our bodies way of telling us that we need to stop pumping it with chemicals causing a roller coaster of sugar levels. Caffeine, sweets, alcohol, smoke ? these things have become far too involved in many of our daily lives in recent years and they can upset our natural balance. It seems unsurprising that migraine rates have been on the increase too?maybe there is a link? Also you may have your own unique triggers. I know people who avoid foods including dairy, meat and chocolate which they have identified as causing their migraines.

Final Thoughts?

The most sensible conclusion would be that prevention is the best cure for headaches. As I do not regularly incur headaches then I figure that I must be getting my balance right. I drink plenty of water (especially before, during and after exercise), eat a varied and mostly natural diet and try to relax ? though this is always an area for improvement! And also try to keep a regular sleep pattern all week.

Share This Rule Free Fitness Article