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Got Headaches? Could Be the Weather

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0700

I've always wondered if weather-induced headaches are an old wives' tale, and I'm not the only one. A group of medical researchers in Boston recently conducted a study of 7,000 emergency-room patients to see if weather really could cause migraines. Turns out, it can, but differently than you might think.

According to NPR, a study published in the new issue of Neurology found that spikes in temperature often cause headaches. The researchers studied 7,000 patients suffering from both migraines and unspecified headaches, and for both groups, a big uptick in temperature correlated with a higher incidence of headaches. But what about that other common headache culprit, barometric pressure? To find out, read more.

Though the correlation between headaches and barometric pressure was weaker, the docs did notice that headaches were often preceded by low barometric pressure in the days before a hospital visit. Humidity and pollution variables, at least in this study, didn't seem to matter. Here's more:

According to the findings, on the days of the hospital visits the air temperature tended to be warmer. In fact, for every 9 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature, [Dr. Kenneth] Mukamal found a 7.5 percent increase in the risk of a headache severe enough to provoke a trip to emergency room. . . . It's not that the hotter it was, the more likely patients were to have a headache, Mukamal stresses. Rather, it is the temperature increase that matters.

I've definitely gotten headaches when the weather suddenly gets warmer, so I find this news pretty enlightening. How about you?
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Migraines Decrease Breast Cancer Risk

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

Migraine sufferers take note! In an odd twist of hormone level functions, it looks like your pain might be protecting you. A new study discovered that women who have a history of migraines also have a 30 percent lower risk for developing breast cancer. Cancer researchers know that high levels of estrogen in the blood can increase a woman's risk for breast cancer. The thing about women who suffer from migraines is that they generally have low levels of estrogen. Even though the low levels of this hormone may trigger these agonizing episodes, it may also act as protection from the disease. This new data doesn't do much to help stop migraines, but it may help point researchers in new directions when it comes to finding ways to preventing certain types of hormone-related breast cancer.

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Surprising Headache Triggers

FitSugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:30:00 -0800

Pain pounding at your temples can stop you in your tracks, make you grouchy and interfere with keeping up with your healthy lifestyle. To avoid headaches you need to avoid some common but unexpected triggers. WebMD has compiled a list a five surprising headache causes and here are highlights:

Perfume: Strong odors may activate the nose’s nerve cells, which stimulate the nerve system associated with head pain. Ironically, the offending scents are often pleasant. To remedy the situation look for scent-free products and when a perfume-induced headache strikes try aspirin or acetaminophen, but avoid pain relievers with caffeine.
Weather: Studies show that the headache prone are especially attuned to changes in barometric pressure, rising temperatures, high humidity, lightning, and cloudy skies. The meteorological shifts are thought to trigger chemical and electrical changes in the brain that irritate nerves - sometimes causing fairly dramatic pain. Try ice packs or take pain reliever before predicted weather changes.
Earrings, headbands, and ponytails: The muscle groups around your scalp don’t have pain fibers, but their connective tissues do. “Ponytail headaches” result when tightly pulled hair irritates the muscle system. And your swingy up-do isn’t the only thing contributing to your pain: Tight-fitting hats, headbands, and heavy earrings are also culprits.

There are two more reasons – one involves your belly and the other involves your sex life. Curious to see how these can cause headaches? Then read more.

Hunger: There’s a reason some nutrition gurus recommend that we eat several small meals a day: It keeps our blood sugar on an even keel. Dieting, fasting, skipping lunch - they all can cause you to bottom out, which may trigger a headache. Experts believe low blood sugar may stimulate nerve pathways that bring on these common headaches, but the exact mechanism is murky. Eating sugar on an empty stomach may cause a headache, too. So if you are hungry and have a headache, don't reach for Skittles, eat some healthy, filling foods.
Sex: “Coital headaches” can occur during foreplay or right before orgasm. Marked by a general head pain, these headaches typically last from a few minutes to an hour. It’s probably a type of “exertion headache.” During arousal, the culprit is likely pressure building up in the head and neck muscles. And orgasm sometimes requires a lot of “work.” Running, coughing, sneezing, even straining during a bowel movement, can lead to similar pain, although those activities are generally not as fun as getting it on!

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Being Overweight is More of a Headache Than You Think

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:30:00 -0800

Getting a headache could be more related to your weight than you may have thought.

Recent studies from the New England Center for Headache in Stamford, Connecticut have found that being overweight may be contributing to getting headaches. It also claimed that overweight adults are twice more likely to suffer from headaches than non-overweight adults.

Why? Headaches are triggered by constricted blood vessels caused by inflammation. The research connected the dots since being overweight contributes to both inflammation and vascular diseases.

Interestingly enough exercise helps ease headaches and exercise also helps one lose weight. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone.

You Asked: Long Runs and Headaches?

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:40 -0700

Dear Fit,
I have been running for two years, consistently 30-minute runs, three mornings a week. A friend of mine who's training for a half marathon convinced me to sign up too, and I'm really excited about my first race. It's in the Fall, but I've already started training, and have been increasing my runs to an hour. I feel great while running, but a few hours afterward, I get this pounding headache that lasts at least an hour. Any ideas as to what could be causing this or how to prevent it? I want to cure these headaches before making my runs even longer.

- Pounding Pavement and Pounding Headache

First of all, congrats on signing up for your first half marathon. It's an amazing goal to have, and since you're so excited about it, I can understand your frustration about having headaches. I have a few ideas as to why you're getting these headaches, so read more.

Dehydration can be one cause of headaches. You need to hydrate not only right before you work out, but also a few days before. You'll know your body is well-hydrated when you urinate pale yellow or clear urine at least six times a day. An hour before you head out for your run, drink 16 to 24 ounces of water. You also need food for fuel, so don't run on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. Eat something small that's low in fat, easily digestible, and contains 40 to 100 grams of carbs about 30 minutes before heading out. Yogurt and a banana is a great choice.

Since you're running longer than 30 minutes, you also need to hydrate during your run. A general rule is to take in six to eight ounces every 20 minutes. You also want to fill up on electrolytes. Drinking Smartwater or Gatorade or eating Luna Sport Moons will keep up your performance levels when you're sweating a lot or exercising for long periods.

After your run, drink 20 to 24 ounces of water or a sports drink for every pound of water you've lost. Continue sipping your beverage until your urine is light yellow or clear. Also be sure to eat something that contains 100 to 200 grams of carbs and some protein within 45 minutes of working out.

If you're drinking and eating enough, your headache might be caused by poor running posture. Make sure your shoulders and hands are relaxed and your torso is in line with your hips. Wearing lightweight sunglasses and a hat can keep sun out of your eyes, since squinting can also cause headaches. Or if you have allergies and sinus congestion is causing your headache, allergy medication could prevent your post-run headaches. If none of this helps, I'd see a doctor to make sure it's not a more serious problem.

Needle Your Tension Away

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0700

Once considered a form of quackery, acupuncture is slowly gaining respect in the world of Western medicine. This alternative therapy has been shown to reduce pain associated with menstrual cramps, and a review of 11 studies found acupuncture to be useful for relieving tension headaches. Caused by tense muscles in the neck, head, or scalp, tension headaches chronically affect about 45 million Americans. Tension headaches are commonly treated with over-the-counter pain medication, but researchers believe that acupuncture could be a "valuable option" for folks suffering from chronic tension headaches. Have you ever been needled to relieve pain? If so, do you think it worked?

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Tame Tension Headache With Acupressure

FitSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:00:00 -0700

When you're stressed and feel the tension mounting you can fight the inevitable headache with a little acupressure. The point at the base of your thumb, known as Union Valley, helps redirect blocked energy known as chi in Chinese medicine.

To find this tension taming spot, open your palm wide stretching all five fingers. The little mound of flesh where your thumb meets your palm is the Union Valley. Take the index finder and thumb from your opposite hand and give that spot a moderate squeeze. Hold for about 30 seconds wile breathing slowly and deeply. Repeat two to three more times, then switch hands. File this tip away for the next time you feel the beginnings of a tension headache.

5 Things: Migraine Headaches

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you've ever had a migraine - or even if you haven't - you know that they are to be avoided at all costs. These mindbendingly bad headaches can be debilitating, often causing nausea and sensitivity to light. Though more than 20 million people suffer from migraines, they are more common in females. As many as 17 percent of women get migraines, versus just 6 percent of men. Here are five things you need to know about migraine headaches.

Different people have different migraine triggers. Common catalysts include lack of sleep, not getting enough to eat, stress, and certain foods, such as red wine and anything containing tyramine (found in cheese, wine, beer, and sausage) or MSG.
Many women get migraines before or during their menstrual cycles, since the headaches are often caused by hormone fluctuations.

For three more things about migraines, read more.

If you frequently suffer from migraines, it's easy to know the difference between a regular headache and these more severe ones. Characteristics of migraines include throbbing pain concentrated on one side of the head or in the front or back of the head.
The onset of a migraine is often signaled by certain symptoms, including fatigue, sadness, grumpiness, euphoria, and visual auras, wherein the sufferer sees flashing lights or spots.
While waiting out migraines, many people prefer to lay down in a dark room. There are also several medications that treat the pain, including over-the-counter meds and prescription drugs called triptans or ergots.

Fit's Tip: Migraines vary widely from person to person in terms of symptoms, causes, and effective treatments. If you suffer from them or suspect you do, talk to your doctor about the best way to prevent and treat yours.

Do you suffer from migraines? If so, share your solutions in the comments section below.

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Yoga Sequence to Relieve Tension Headaches

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:30:00 -0800

When you're suffering from a dull tension headache, try these yoga poses before reaching for medication. They're a series of forward bends and reclining poses that will soothe your head and release tension from your neck. They'll also improve circulation, slow down your breath, and calm your mind.

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Beat the Brain Freeze and Stop the Ice Cream Headache

FitSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:50:22 -0700

If, while celebrating National Ice Cream Month with one of my guilt-free frozen treats, you've ended up with a brain freeze, take heed: I have tips to help prevent that awful sensation.

It is believed that the short but intense headache is caused by referred pain from the nerves on the roof of your mouth. You want to keep the nerves from getting too cold by doing one or both of the following. First, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, or better yet, curl your tongue and place the bottom of it, since it will be warmer, on the roof of your mouth. My second tip sounds like a bit of dieting advice, but it works well. Learn it when you read more.

Eat your frozen treat slowly. Savoring each bite allows your mouth to warm up in between bites. This technique will also help you avoid overindulging, since you will actually be tasting your treat.