8 Things That Cause Migraines

A migraine is a severe headache that usually focuses on one side of the head. Pain can also occur in the temples, forehead, and around the eyes. The pain ranges from severe drowsiness to disgusting, tingling sensations. Migraine is also often associated with hypersensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. A migraine sufferer also does not tolerate loud noises. In this article, we present eight things that cause migraines.

Migraines usually get worse over time and can be so severe that traditional painkillers don’t help overcome it and daily life becomes awkward. A migraine sufferer sometimes has to spend hours in bed before the worst ache begins to ease. A migraine attack can last up to 72 hours.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), migraines are at the forefront of health problems that affect normal life.

There is no consistent evidence for the causes of migraine, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes that cause blood vessels to constrict. 

In this article, we focus on the possible causes of migraines and how to avoid migraines. Next, we present eight factors that cause migraines.

8 things that cause migraines

1. Eating while working

Sometimes rushing and performing many different tasks at the same time will result in you having to enjoy your meal while doing something else. Maybe you’ll have to sip your lunch while you work.

Other eating activities can be a cause of headaches and migraines. When the brain focuses on many different things at the same time, it can lead to a decrease in the amount of serotonin.

2. Difficulty sleeping

Both excessive sleep and too little sleep can lead to headaches. If the body does not get enough sleep during the night, it will not be able to perform many of the processes that take place during rest.

When you lack sleep, you are more likely to suffer from difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and migraines. All of this lowers your performance and efficiency both at work and at home.

The same problems occur when you sleep too much, as sleeping too long alters your body’s natural rhythm.

3. Excessive alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of migraines by up to 30 percent.

Ethanol found in alcoholic beverages dries out the body and causes an imbalance in body fluid levels. In addition to this, circulatory disorders can occur, in which oxygen cannot circulate properly in the brain and a severe headache takes over.

4. Eating fast food and fried foods

Diet plays a major role in the development of migraines. A poor diet can lead to migraines and also increase the risk of other symptoms such as fatigue and hypersensitivity.

Fast food, fried foods and processed food can cause negative reactions on both a physical and mental level. Monosodium glutamate, a flavor found especially in table salt, soups and Chinese food, can cause an inflammatory reaction in the body – this can lead to severe migraines.

5. Strong odors

People who suffer from recurrent migraine episodes are usually sensitive to strong odors and odors. A migraine can start, for example, in a mall’s perfume department or on public transportation when a fellow passenger is using strong aftershave.

Perfumes, air fresheners and some dry cleaning products can also cause a reaction.

6. Changes in climate or weather

Rapid changes in temperature can cause many different reactions in the body. The body’s resistance may be reduced, and the flu and headaches may be more susceptible.

If you move from hot to cold or vice versa, migraines can come as a surprise.

7. Strong sounds and bright lights

Strong lights and loud noises cause migraines. Prolonged exposure to loud noises or bright lights can lead to vasoconstriction and eventually migraine. Staying in bright sunlight or listening to loud music can be too much for sensitive individuals.

Tension and stress can also lead to migraines.

8. Overweight

You may not be aware of this, but being overweight can cause migraines.

Both mild and morbid overweight can increase the risk of circulatory problems and other health problems. Weight problems are common in today’s world, and since being overweight often leads to circulatory problems, it’s no wonder that migraines are also a common ailment.

If you suffer from recurrent migraine episodes, it is important to try to find the cause. If you find yourself getting a bad headache in direct sunlight, always bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Change your eating habits in a healthier direction and make sure you sleep enough at night.

If you feel a migraine attack is on hand, you can try to prevent it from getting worse by taking painkillers and retiring to rest for a short time. Even closing your eyes for a few minutes can help prevent a seizure.