HEADACHES NUTRIENTS, WATER INTAKE AND BALANCE OF BODY

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REPORTS UP TO THREE-QUARTERS OF PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES 18 TO 65 GET HEADACHES, AND OF THOSE, UP TO 4% EXPERIENCE THEM 15 OR MORE DAYS A MONTH.

If you've had a headache in the last year, you're not alone. The World Health Organization reports up to three-quarters of people between the ages 18 to 65 get headaches, and of those, up to 4% experience them 15 or more days a month. This is a global issue that seems to affect everyone regardless of age, race, tax bracket, or location.

Headaches are classified differently, depending on the cause and symptoms.

A cervicogenic headache is when the pain originates in a different area than it presents. For example, neck or back issues that cause the headache.

Mild to moderate pain described as feeling like a tight band around the head is referred to as a tension headache and is one of the most common and frequent.

A deep and constant pain felt in the cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of the nose is often a sinus headache.

And a rebound headache, also referred to as Medication Overuse which occurs when you use a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever more than two or three times a week, or more than 10 days a month.

Some of the more extreme headaches are migraines and cluster headaches which can be debilitating and require medical attention. Other common causes of headaches are related to illness such as infections, colds, and fevers; emotional or physical stress, and environmental circumstances such as second-hand smoke, household chemicals, allergens, lighting, or weather changes.

There are numerous ways the average person can combat this ubiquitous foe, such as taking over-the-counter pain relief with ingredients such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. But what can you do from a preventative standpoint?

While different headaches can be prevented by addressing specific root causes, there are two areas that should be assessed first and foremost, as they are the most basic yet overlooked aspects. Monitoring and improving the nutrients and hydration you feed your body is the primary way to prevent headaches of all variations.

At first sign of a headache, start by immediately checking your water intake. If you're dehydrated, your brain can temporarily contract. When this happens, you can experience anything from a dull headache to a migraine. The pain can occur at the front, back, side, or all over, and moving your head can be painful.

You will not experience facial pressure or neck pain with dehydration, but you might feel extreme thirst, reduced urination, fatigue and even a dry, sticky mouth. If you have a headache and any of the other symptoms of dehydration, the answer might be as simple as a tall glass of water or a water-based beverage that includes electrolytes.

The next consideration when seeking to prevent headaches is to review your food intake. Since nutrition is almost always your first line of defense, you can quickly combat headaches with your diet.

According to Angela Fuchs of Nourish the Change, being proactive is easier when you are consuming the right foods rich in nutrients that your body needs.

"Consider keeping a food diary to help identify foods that may trigger your headaches. Common headache triggers include red wine, cured meat, alcohol, chocolate, coffee, and food additives, like monosodium glutamate (MSG).” Says Angela.

When asked what nutrients and foods to add, Angela says “A well-balanced, whole foods diet that includes complex carbohydrates, good quality proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of water is key. Adding more fresh vegetables, whole grains, lentils, nuts, and seeds to your plate will provide your body with magnesium and B vitamins. These two nutrients help ease muscle tension and headache symptoms." Says Angela.

When suffering from headaches, as we all do from time to time, re-evaluate your water and nutrient intake and take it as a sign to return more balance to your body and live a proactive and preventative lifestyle, headache free.

Sources: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/headache-disorders https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraines-headaches-basics https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/headache-location-types