5 Tips to Prevent and Manage Headaches

Do you suffer from headaches? You aren't alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over half of all adults experience at least one headache in any given year. Characterized by pain originating in the head, it's a troubling condition that can adversely affect your comfort and quality of life. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent and manage headaches.

#1) Avoid Triggers

Avoiding triggers can lead to fewer headaches. Most headaches are caused by a trigger. Stress, for example, can cause headaches. If you experience severe or prolonged stress, you may develop a headache. Other common triggers for headaches include caffeine, allergens, lack of sleep and nutrient deficiencies. By avoiding triggers, you'll experience fewer, as well as less severe, headaches.

#2) Don't Skip Meals

Even if you're on a diet, don't make the mistake of skipping meals. Skipping meals is bad for your health because it interferes with your body's blood sugar levels. If you skip a meal, your blood sugar levels may drop, which can then lead to a headache. If you regularly experience headaches, be sure to eat at least three meals while spreading them throughout the day.

#3) Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water can prove useful in combating headaches. Research shows that two-thirds of all adults are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration can manifest in many different ways. You may develop muscle cramps if you are dehydrated. Alternatively, you may develop a headache. You can prevent these adverse symptoms from manifesting by drinking plenty of water so that your body is properly hydrated.

#4) Exercise

You might be surprised to learn that exercising can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. When you exercise, circulation in your body will increase. Blood will flow through your body with greater ease, thus preventing buildups in your head that could otherwise cause a headache. Even if you only go for a walk around the neighborhood, performing some form of exercise can help you combat headaches.

#5) Spend More Time Outdoors

Don't stay cooped inside your home if you regularly experience headaches. Instead, try to spend more time outdoors where you'll soak up the sunlight. Sunlight is a catalyst for vitamin D. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, you'll be more susceptible to headaches. Spending more time outdoors will increase your body's vitamin D levels so that you are less likely to develop headaches.