10 Unexpected Things That Might Be Causing Your Terrible Headache!
No one likes to get headaches. Some can be very painful and last a long time. As many as 47 percent of people worldwide will get one this year, reports the World Health Organization. While everyone will have headaches sooner or later, most people may not realize just how many things there are that will cause them.
Here are 10 things that you might not suspect.
1. Various foods.
Some foods that often trigger headaches include processed foods, cheeses, and salty foods. Chocolate may also be behind them, too, and MSG. Noah Rosen, MD, who is the director of the Headache Institute at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Long Island, N.Y., says that many other foods also could act as a trigger.
2. Beverages.
Migraine headaches can be caused by several types of drinks, particularly alcoholic ones. Drinks that contain a lot of caffeine can have the same effect.
3. Being too heavy.
Recent research indicates that when some women have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, there is a 35 percent greater likelihood of headaches. When BMI is greater than 40, the risk of headaches jumps to 80 percent.
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4. Pain medication.
Using too much over-the-counter pain medications has been found to be behind 50 percent of migraines, and as much as 25 percent of all other headaches. Taking pain medication three days a week for ongoing periods may make you subject to them.
5. Being hungry or dehydrated.
Although the reason is not understood, research has repeatedly revealed that going without a meal or water is connected to headaches in many people who suffer from them.
6. Environmental factors.
Several factors in your environment may be behind your headaches. This could include tobacco smoke, strong odors from chemicals such as cleaners and perfumes, pollution, and too much noise.
7. Physical exercise
. A little more than one-third of those who suffer from migraines find that high-intensity exercise can trigger an attack. For them, the pain often begins with pain in the neck. This often led to having to quit the activity.
8. Fasting.
Going without food for a period of time is a common headache trigger. In fact, it is the trigger most commonly reported when it comes to diet-related issues, one Brazilian study reported.
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9. Pollen and other types of allergens.
When allergens are present, this can lead to headaches in some people who are susceptible. It includes allergens such as molds, ragweed, and dust.
10. Potentially serious health problems.
Many health problems can cause headaches, and if they started suddenly without evident reasons, you should see a doctor. A few possible causes include high blood pressure, brain tumor, sleep apnea, bleeding in the brain, and more.
Although migraine headaches may not be altogether prevented, they may be able to be greatly reduced. Simply cut back on the triggers and you are apt to discover that you experience headaches much less often.
