Almost everyone suffers from headaches at some point; many people suffer from regular, even chronic headaches. There are a number of factors that can contribute to headaches - most people are familiar with an overload of artificial scents, for instance - but many of them can be a surprise.
Be Careful of Taking Too Many Pain Relievers
Believe it or not, one of the biggest unexpected causes of headaches is taking too many pain pills. As many as half of headaches according to some sources are caused or aggravated by excessive use of pain killers.
According to Dr. Merle Diamond, a Chicago headache clinic's associate director, "If you start taking a lot on a regular basis, that can cause a rebound headache, where the medication you are taking for a headache, perpetuates the headache. Your body starts to get used to the medication. It searches for it, and if it doesn't see it, it gives you a headache." It's not unlike a hangover, except drinking more to 'cure' it.
In addition, regular use of pain relievers can mask the underlying cause of the headaches.
Food Trigger Reactions
"About 30 percent of migraine patients will have a food trigger," says Diamond. "We believe some of these foods have a lot of tyramine, an amino acid that is sometimes a headache trigger." Sulfates, nitrates, and MSG (monosodium glutamate) are also common food triggers.
Some of the common foods that can cause headaches in those who are sensitive to them:
- Aged cheese
- Chocolate (yes, chocolate)
- Nuts and seeds (especially peanuts and lima beans)
- Red wine (sulfates)
- Lunch meats/Processed meats (nitrates)
- Artificial sweeteners
- Dairy and Wheat (much less common)
Caffeine Overdose
For some people, especially those whose headaches are caused by either high or low blood pressure, can find some relief with caffeine. However, overuse of caffeine - either through self-medication or in the diet - can actually cause headaches, creating something of a vicious circle, not unlike that caused by overuse of painkillers. According to Dr. Diamond, anything more than a cup and a half of coffee or a can of cola is too much.
Blood Sugar Imbalances
Imbalanced blood sugar, whether it is high blood sugar or low blood sugar, can cause headaches. According to Erin Stokes of the Pharmaca Integrated Pharmacy, "Hypoglycemia is a really common trigger of headaches and people don’t think about that." If no other cause can be easily find, checking blood sugar levels may provide an answer. Normal blood sugar levels should be between 70 and 150 mg.
Stress and Headaches
Stress is one of the other main headache causes. Most people are aware of that. However, less well known, coming down after a stressful period can also cause headaches, as blood pressure normalizes and muscles long-tightened begin to relax, as well as numerous other factors. It pays well to do everything possible to avoid excessive stress and to minimize its effects on your body.
Dehydration
The final major cause of headaches that is frequently overlooked is dehydration. Drinking enough, especially drinking enough plain water, is more important than almost anything that can be done to prevent headaches. The human body is over 60 percent water, and needs to be replenished multiple times a day to function properly.
As always, unexplained or extended headaches should be investigated and diagnosed by a trained medical professional. This article is for informational purposes only, and should in no way be considered medical advice.
For more information on headaches, see Constant Daily Headaches, Which Pain Reliever is Best for Headaches, and Quick Headache Relief.
Genevieve Kiger - Genevieve is passionate about all manner of natural subjects; herbs, herbalism, aromatherapy, and general natural health and body care.
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