Hi there, fellow migraine sufferers,
Chances are you are clicking on this article because you too suffer from migraines, or maybe because you know someone that does. If you suffer from migraines then you understand how truly debilitating they can be. Life stops and all you can do is hide under your blankets in complete darkness and silence and pray that it goes away as soon as possible. I can't count how many days I had to miss work or school because I was in so much pain and could not leave my bed.
This is the WORST feeling, and no one should have to suffer through this. So, like many migraine sufferers do, I have spent hours upon hours searching online for solutions. While I learned there is not one cure or solution, there are a few preventative measures you can do, and I have compiled them below!
1. Manage your diet by eliminating (or decreasing) trigger foods
Chocolate: It contains caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine which are both triggers for migraines.
Cheese: Cheese and other fermented foods contain tyramine that is linked to migraines.
Alcholol: Alcohol is a huge contributor to dehydration which can be a cause of migraines.
Artificial sweeteners: Chemicals that are linked to migraines (and also just overall bad for the body!)
Caffeine: This one is tough because while caffeine can cause migraines it can also help stop them It really depends on the person for this, so if you notice when you have caffeine you develop headaches, avoid it.
2. Stick to a sleep schedule
Migraines are fiscal things, for too little or too much sleep can trigger migraines.To prevent this you should develop a sleep schedule and religiously stick with it. Now I know this is really tough, especially if your like me and will do a few all-nighters due to procrastination, but sticking to the schedule as often as possible is key to fewer migraines.
3. DRINK WATER
I know this seems super simple and obvious, but it can be so easy to not get enough water throughout the day, and for migraine sufferers, this can be a leading cause of a migraine. So do your best to get those 8 glasses of water throughout the day. I carry around a 40oz hydro flask with me everywhere and make it a goal to drink to bottles worth of water a day. Even if you don't suffer from migraines, drinking more water can help with so many things! Do it, your body will thank you.
4. Try to lower your stress levels
Stress isn't fun for anyone, but it can even be a trigger for migraines. Now, it is impossible to get rid of stress but there are ways to deal with it. Find your source of stress relief such as exercising, spending time with those you love or meditation. And again, getting the adequate amount of sleep is also a significant stress reliever.
So overall, I'm sorry that you too have to suffer from migraines, but I hope some of these preventative measures help you regain some of your life back! Migraines will NO longer control us, we're the captains now.
