Headaches are one of the most common health issues that can be caused by a wide range of factors. While rare and mild headaches are usually nothing to be worried about, migraines can severely affect a person’s life as they make it impossible to enjoy anything. The most common symptoms that accompany migraines include throbbing pain that is usually felt on one side of the head, nausea, vision changes, and sensitivity to the sound and light. According to the statistics, almost 40 million people only in the United States suffer from migraines, and women are more susceptible to this problem. Medical specialists note that hot weather makes people especially prone to developing intense headaches, which is why it’s essential to minimize the factors that increase your chances of experiencing this problem.
What are the summer migraine triggers?
One of the most important things when it comes to preventing potential summer migraines is figuring out which triggers cause this problem in your particular case. Every person is different, and some may react to certain irritants while others won’t.
At the same time, there are certain triggers that are quite universal and prolonged exposure to them may lead to migraines in people that are already prone to developing them:
- Weather. Weather conditions are among the major factors contributing to headaches. High levels of humidity, intense sunshine, and heat can make it impossible to spend time outside for those suffering from migraines.
- Allergies. This problem is especially relevant in the spring and summer months, so it’s important that you take antihistamines if you know that you suffer from allergies to pollen or any plants.
- Certain scents. Sometimes something as harmless as too much perfume can become a cause of a headache, especially in summer when all the scents become stronger. In such a way, it’s best to avoid using intense perfumes or being around people that wear them. Other odors can also be problematic, so you should be aware of which ones cause migraines in your case.
- Not drinking enough water. It has been proven that not drinking enough water during the day can lead to headaches, so it’s essential to keep yourself hydrated, especially when the weather is hot.
- Stressful situations. Stress is one of the major reasons for the development of migraines, regardless of the season. Careful scheduling and having plenty of rest can help you avoid this problem.
- Hormones. Certain imbalances in the levels of hormones, especially in women before and after their periods, can lead to migraines. Regular visits to the gynecologists and careful lifestyle and dietary choices can help you prevent the development of headaches.
- Food. Alcohol and cold drinks and foods are extremely relevant in summer, but they can also lead to migraines because of their temperature. It’s best to avoid foods and beverages that are too cold if you want to prevent potential migraines.
As you can see, the summer migraine triggers are quite diverse and depend on the person. You should pay careful attention to the triggers to determine which ones affect you the most so that you can prevent them from influencing your life in a negative way. While you can avoid these triggers, there is still no guarantee that you won’t develop a headache. In such a way, it’s always a good idea to have effective painkillers with you so that you can get some relief, especially when you need to do something important. Canadian Pharmacy offers a wide range of medication designed to treat migraines. You can purchase such drugs at the most affordable prices and be confident in their quality.
Summertime migraines prevention
It is always best to prevent the problem than deal with its consequences afterward.
By following these simple rules you will be able to minimize the risk of getting a throbbing headache in the hot weather:
- Ensure effective sun protection. Summer is the time when everyone spends a lot of time outside or on the beach, which is why it’s essential to take care of the proper sun protection if you are a migraine sufferer. You should invest in the high-quality sunglasses that effectively block the UV rays. Wearing a hat will prevent your face, neck, and chest from being exposed to the direct sunlight. It is best to avoid being in the sun in the afternoon if you have such an opportunity. Another great tip is to always have some spray water bottle with you to cool down whenever you feel that it’s getting too hot.
- Hydrate. The majority of people don’t realize that they are thirsty until it’s too late. To make sure that you don’t get dehydrated and suffer from a migraine during summer. As a result, you should always carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go. It is best to sip the water throughout the day so that you don’t experience any severe drops in the levels of hydration. What you should also do is try to stay away from the drinks containing caffeine, as they make your body even more dehydrated. A good way to check if you are drinking enough water is to look at the color of your urine. If it is almost clear or light yellow, it means that you are hydrated.
- Plan your activities. Spending time in the afternoon heat can be a bad idea even for healthy people let alone those who experience headaches on a regular basis. You should make sure that you spend your time outside when the sun is not too aggressive. The same applies if you enjoy working out outside, so you should either switch to staying at the gym or exercise early in the morning or evening. Also, it’s important that you stay in the rooms and venues that are well-ventilated.
- Take care of the meals. Regular meals are important when dealing with summer heat and migraines, so you should make sure that you have some snacks with you at all times. It’s best to opt for organic options and home-cooked meals avoiding too much processed foods. Before buying any products, make sure that you are not allergic to any ingredients.
- Careful traveling. Planning is the key when you want to travel without problems. To avoid stress, you should create a list of what you need to take with you and what you have to do before the trip so that you are not in a rush. Regardless of how you feel before the trip, you should take your painkillers with you just in case. If you have troubles sleeping while traveling, it’s always a good idea to take some melatonin pills or drops so that you get enough sleep and don’t suffer from jet lag, which may cause you to get a migraine.
There is no doubt that dealing with migraines can be difficult but, fortunately, there are some measures that you can take to reduce the risk of this health problem. The most important thing is to be aware and pay attention to your symptoms while you are exposed to different triggers.
