Q: Lately, I’ve been getting headaches that really knock me out. I can’t figure out what’s causing it. Can you suggest some possibilities so I can get rid of them? -- George F., Atlanta
A: Identifying what sets off your headache can be tricky, but if you can pinpoint one or more triggers, you may be able to avoid the disruption to your everyday life.
In general, possible headache triggers range from lack of sleep, stress that causes muscle tension, certain foods, alcohol, fluctuations in hormone levels and environmental factors like pollution or pollen and even changes in the weather. They can also be caused by high blood pressure, so get yours checked. If that’s the cause, you need medical intervention, pronto.
Also, start a headache diary to make note of what you were doing, eating, interacting with, or feeling before a headache happened.
Tension, cluster and migraine headaches are the most common types. Stress can cause cluster and tension headaches. Cluster headaches are marked by sudden onset and sharp stabbing pain, often on one side. The cause isn’t known. See a doctor for treatment if your headaches aren’t helped by acetaminophen or ibuprofen and the pain causes agitation and restlessness.
Tension headaches, triggered by lack of sleep or muscle tightness in response to stress, respond to stress-relief techniques such as mindful meditation and massage. They may be avoided with yoga and aerobic exercise.
Migraines are associated with a malfunction of nerves and blood vessels in the brain that stimulates the trigeminal nerve, causing pain. Women may get migraines from monthly hormone fluctuations. Alcohol, certain foods such as avocados, bananas, chocolate, dairy products, and nuts, as well as processed foods with nitrites, nitrates, yellow food dyes, or MSG, can trigger migraines. Medications are available to stop a migraine and prevent recurrence.
For more help in identifying your headaches, the triggers and solutions, check out iHerb.com’s blog, “3 Types of Headaches + Natural Relief.”
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Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world’s leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively.
(c)2024 Michael Roizen, M.D.
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