Headache: Can Diet Help?

Many people who suffer from recurrent headaches find that simple changes to their diet can offer fast and effective relief.

• Eating small, regular meals is a good preventive measure, as skipping meals is known to cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which can precipitate headaches. If you often wake up with a headache, low blood sugar could be the culprit: try to maintain levels by eating a snack last thing at night, and again on waking in the morning.

• Dehydration is another common cause of headaches, particularly in hot weather or following sport or excessive alcohol consumption; simply drinking plenty of water to replace lost fluids will often help to relieve these headaches.

• Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine may also bring on headaches by altering the blood flow to the brain. Cutting down on caffeine can help people who suffer from recurrent headaches, but beware of eliminating caffeine too quickly from your diet, as this may cause withdrawal headaches.

• Food allergies or additives used in certain processed foods can also be the cause of headaches. If you think that your headaches are related to specific foods, try keeping a food diary and cut out suspect foods one by one.

However, one needs to consult a doctor:

• If a headache starts suddenly, and is accomplished by fever, a stiff neck, a rash or vomiting.

• If the type or pattern of your regular headache changes.

• When ordinary painkillers do not help and the pain is severe.

• If the attacks become either more frequent or more severe.

• If your speech, memory or vision start to deteriorate.

• If your balance is affected, or you pass out.

• If you experience considerable weight loss or muscle weakness along wit headaches.

• If you wake up with headaches which are made worse when you cough or sneeze.

• If you headaches are persistent.