Migraine headaches are among the worst chronic conditions plaguing 11 out of every 100 people, according to the National Library of Medicine. Abnormal brain activity, triggered by stress, foods and environmental factors are responsible for the painful, debilitating onset of migraines. Knowing which triggers might induce these headaches and avoiding those substances may help prevent them from occurring.
Foods
Certain foods can cause migraines in some individuals. They include processed foods such as baked goods, foods containing MSG (monosodium glutamate), dairy products, chocolate and processed meats containing nitrites (hot dogs, luncheon meats, bacon). Other foods include bananas, citrus fruits, avocado, nuts, onions and peanut butter, according to the National Library of Medicine. Keeping a journal of foods eaten and migraine patterns might help you track down trigger foods and eliminate them from your diet or eat them in moderation.
Lifestyle and Habits
Certain habits can be hazardous to your health and for those with sensitivity to migraines, trigger a migraine headache. Alcohol and smoking are two triggers that are dangerous to health and may produce migraines. Even if you don't drink or smoke regularly, exposure might be enough to bring about an attack. Other lifestyle factors that can induce a migraine are poor sleep habits and missed meals.
Hormones
Some birth control pills containing hormones like estrogen can start migraines. Other women experience natural fluctuations in hormones related to menstrual cycles, which can also trigger migraines. Talk to your doctor if you feel your birth control method may be prompting headaches.
Stress
Stress can wreak havoc on your health, leading to a host of ill effects. For migraine sufferers physical and emotional stress can trigger headaches. Exercise and meditation are often helpful for reducing stress.
