Top 5 Lifestyle Modifications to combat migraine
1) Correcting and preventing low blood sugar level:
One of the most common triggers of migraine is a low blood sugar level. This in other words is called Hypoglycaemia, a health state in which the blood sugar level in your body drops below the normal range, which is not safe and comfortable for your body. This however does not indicate that you should end up eating something sugary, for a increase in sugar level will lead to production of more insulin, which in turn will cause the sugar level to fall again. The symptoms may vary from weakness, shaking, irritability, nausea, fatigue and pallor. The good news is that sensible snacking and adopting good eating habits both high in fibre and sweet can prove beneficial. This could be fruit, a slice of wholemeal bread with a topping of banana, honey, biscuit, etc. Always keep healthy snacks readily available at work and at home.
2) Try sticking to fresh foods:
Focus your eating plan on fresh vegetables, fruits and whole gram cereal foods, with lean proteins, small amounts of fat and plenty of water. Avoid processed meats such as salami and other sausages, mangetout and the flavor enhancer "Monosodium glutamate" (MSG). MSG is found in a lot of ready-made meals, bottled sauces, crisps and often in Chinese restaurant food. Stick to fresh foods and avoid MSG intake. Eat a variety of foods to keep your body well nourished and disease free.
3) Try maintaining a regular sleep pattern:
Irregular sleep pattern can often contribute to migraines. Oddly enough, oversleeping at weekends can induce migraines as much as under sleeping due to stress. Try to get regular amount of sleep each night.
4) Take out time to relax:
It is vital to reduce both physical and emotional stress and take out time, even if it's only 15 minutes a day, to relax. Make a serious date with yourself everyday to relax and Just do it! Even if you can't identify that it's stress that provokes your migraines, you should still take the stress/relaxation aspects of your life seriously. Focus on deep breathing number of times throughout the day to nourish every part of your body with an essential nutrient - Oxygen.
5) Avoid excess of caffeine, alcohol and desserts:
Most people regard that having caffeine, strong red wine and an irresistible chocolate dessert makes up for a good dinner-but they hardly come to realise that after over-feeding on these foods, they fall into the bed tired and wake up feeling awful, head heavy, eyes cloudy, neck stiff and stomach nauseous. You need to remember that caffeine, strong red wine, aged cheese, and chocolate are classic migraine triggers. Try working out on a personal 'damage limitation' plan? By maintaining a diary and writing down what you are eating that might have triggered off migraine. Triggers such as eating cheese can cause a migraine within 20 minutes. If you think estrogen might be a trigger, consult your doctor regarding oral contraceptives or ask for an alternative hormone therapy.
