7 interesting ways to PREVENT headaches
Most people wait until they already have a headache before doing anything about it. By then, they are in reaction mode and need to wait until the medicine kicks in before they get any relief. Here are 7 simple things you can do to drastically reduce the frequency of your headaches.
1. Take 2 low dose slow release aspirins every day. (81 mg each)
That’s right. It’s a good idea to take aspirin before you get a headache (unless you have some other health reason why you can’t take the aspirin). Prostaglandins are naturally produced hormones that increase the body’s sensitivity to pain. If someone kicks you in the leg for example, your body will naturally produce more prostaglandins, which will make you more aware of the pain. Aspirin, among doing other things, lowers the body’s production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandin production is increased before a person notices a headache. Taking aspirin is a preemptive strike against a headache.
2. Do relaxation techniques before feeling stressed.
Stress and tension in the body are major causes of headaches. The stress and tension need to build up for a while before you will get a headache. Don’t allow this to happen. Practice deep breathing, meditation, listen to relaxing music, do yoga, or something else to get you feeling relaxed. Do this a few times a day whether you think you are stressed or not. Don’t wait until you get a headache before you realize you are stressed and tense.
3. Drink a lot of water
Everyone knows that dehydration causes headaches. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you have a headache to realize that you need to drink water. Don’t go overboard with this but make sure you are drinking several glasses of water throughout the day. If you wait until you are dehydrated, it will take a long time to get back on track. First you have to wait until the water you drink gets to all your cells, and by the time it takes for the water to reach the cells, your body has already sent out a lot of pain signals that won’t go away for quite a while. If you find drinking water boring, put a slice of lemon in it. You can also mix a bit of fruit juice into the water for some more flavor. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well since they have a high water content.
4. Stabilize your blood sugar
Blood sugar fluxuations cause all kinds of hormonal changes in the body. Hormone fluxuations can easily cause headaches. Eat several small meals per day. Eat foods that are high in protein and low in simple sugars.
5. Get enough sleep and get regular sleep.
Getting proper and regular sleep keeps your hormones balanced. Being overtired, sleeping at different times, and sleeping too much will give rise to major hormone fluxuations which can often lead to headaches.
6. Have more fun.
Laughing, hanging out with your friends, and having a lot of fun is great for headache prevention. Enjoying your life increases the body’s natural production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Just because endorphins are natural, don’t underestimate how strong they are. They bond to the same receptor sites as morphine and heroin. High levels of endorphins are extremely pleasurable for their own sake, and also very helpful in preventing headaches. A lot of endorphins are released when laughing uncontrollably or during an orgasm.
7. Get plenty of exercise.
Endorphins are released during and after exercise. Exercise also helps regulate the body’s natural production of hormones, helps to rid the body of headache causing toxins, and helps to relieve stress.
