What's the Real Cause of Your Headache?
Headaches are no fun - we all know that. But understanding the cause of a headache could not only help us treat them, but also (potentially) prevent them. It may come as a surprise what the most common causes of headaches are, from dehydration to even reactions to medication. Remember that if you headaches persist, you should consult your physician - the problem could be more serious than an annoying ache.
Common causes of headaches
You're parched: Headaches are often indicators that a person is dehydrated and needs immediate fluids. It's one of the body's ways of alerting you to the fact that you need liquids. Should this happen, don't let it be an excuse for having another soda or cup of coffee - those will worsen your dehydration, not help. Grab a glass of water (or two) instead.
Speaking of caffeine... We all love the jolt that a cup of coffee or a soda gives us. Let's face it: Many of us credit them for getting through the workday. But the fact is that all that caffeine can have an affect on you physically. Caffeine can constrict blood flow - so it shouldn't be a surprise that your noggin might hurt after guzzling coffee or sodas all day. If you think this could be a problem, try to cut back on the caffeine, gradually.
What are you eating? Your headaches could be a reaction to the foods you eat. Often, a headache is a direct response to an influx in blood sugar. So if you've enjoyed a cupcake (or three) in the break room, or forgot to balance your diet with those necessary and pesky fruits and veggies, there could be a reason for your headaches. In fact, doctors estimate that as many as one-third of migraine sufferers have their attacks triggered by food. Think of them like an allergic reaction - do you react strongly to certain foods? Do your headaches come after meals? If so, it might be time to think about what you eat and the ways your body reacts.
Are you stressed? This should come as no surprise to anyone who has a stressful work or home life - stress can lead to headaches. It's sort of like a domino effect on the body: You feel stress. The muscles in your body tighten. That hurts. The muscles in your neck and around your skull will contract. And, quickly, that throbbing feeling in your head appears. While it seems everyone feels stress at work or home, there are some strategies you can employ to try to relieve the problem. One of the easiest is to, literally, get up and walk away. Experts strongly recommend taking daily walks. They not only help lower your blood pressure (and keep you healthy overall), but they give you and your body time away from your stress zone. You'll relax, recharge, and be prepared to finish your day. And hey, it wouldn't hurt if a short walk every afternoon helped lower your blood pressure and your waistline.