Frequent Migraine Triggers
Written by Jessica Heller, DC, CSCS
Migraines are headaches that are caused by a decreased blood flow to the brain and increased pressure on the blood vessels. Although the exact mechanism of migraine headaches is not yet known, migraines are often triggered by particular lifestyle factors. Try to keep a diary of 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 Triggersno Chocolateno Citrus fruitsno Tomatoes no Preserved meatsno Dairy productsno Nutsno Coffeeno Red wineno Alcoholno Sulfitesno Preservatives/flavor enhancers/MSGno Saltno Olive Oilno Coconut and coconut oil (includes suntan lotions)no Aspartame
Environmental Triggersno Glareno Loud or repetitive noiseno Strong odors (perfume)no Certain weather conditions, such as dry winds or heatno Changes in the weathe
o Altitude changesno Chemicals such as insecticidesno Air pollutionno Second hand smokeno Fluorescent lightingno Flickering lights (computer monitors)
Physiological Triggersno Stressno Exerciseno Hormonal changesno Birth control pillsno Too much or too little sleepno Medicines such as antihistamines, aspirin, or diureticsno Hypoglycemia and missing meals
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