I get recurrent headaches. Is there anything I can do about it?
Recurrent headaches can be a sign of a serious underlying condition and should always be evaluated by a physician. In most cases, however, they are due to lifestyle factors, mainly stress and diet. A common nutrition related cause for headaches is dehydration. Make sure you drink at least 3 pints of water. More if it is warm, you exercise or work in an air-conditioned building. Plain still water is best, but diluted fruit juice, fruit and herbal teas also count towards the 3 pints. Caffeinated and alcoholic drinks are dehydrating and should be avoided. Another common diet related cause for headaches are blood sugar imbalances. Try to avoid refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice and sugary foods as well as caffeinated drinks, and base your diet on slow releasing carbohydrates such as porridge, rye bread, wholemeal pasta and oatcakes. Eating regularly and having some protein (e.g. meat, fish, eggs, pulses, nuts and seeds) with every meal can also help balance blood sugar.
In some people headaches can be caused by certain foods, such as dairy products and wheat. The best way to establish whether you have a food intolerance and which food(s) you are reacting to is an exclusion diet but there are also blood tests available. Your nutritional therapist can help you identify problem foods and ensure that your diet remains balanced when doing an exclusion diet.
The most common cause for headaches is probably tension around the upper back and neck. If you think that the tension is due to a postural problem it is best to work with a physiotherapist or osteopath to correct the causes of the tension. Exercises such as yoga and pilates can also be beneficial. Tension can also be due to stress. If you think that your headaches are stress related it is essential to identify the stressors and deal with them, if necessary with the help of a counsellor or life coach. Make sure you take some time out every day to relax, e.g. by going for a walk, listening to music or having a hot bath. Or treat yourself to a massage, itâ??s a great way to relieve stress and tension.
Written by Dr Karin Elgar
