Headaches are common ailments. Typical treatment involves taking over-the-counter pain relievers, but it turns out, this is not the best cure. If you can identify the cause of your headaches and address them from the inside out, you can choose the best treatment and then prevent them from occurring in the first place. Try these natural remedies the next time you have a headache.
Hormones are fluctuating
Whether you are male or female, your hormones may be causing your headaches. Women may get headaches just before their monthly menstruation when hormone levels quickly rise and fall. Men are unlikely to get hormone-related headaches as often, but downturns in testosterone levels can cause hormonal headaches in men.
Cure it naturally: If you get hormone-related headaches, you may be deficient in magnesium or other minerals. These minerals help balance hormones, which will reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. Make sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods, and for women, consider a supplement for a few days before you expect your period. For on-the-spot relief, try alternating hot and cold packs on your forehead and the back of the neck.
You are stressed
According to a 2003 study published in the journal Cephalalgia, stress causes about 80 percent of all migraine headaches (anxiety and depression are also contributing factors). Stress increases cortisol levels which inhibits many functions in the body. If you live a constantly stressful lifestyle, a headache may be your body’s indication that it is time to slow down and relax for a while. Â
Cure it naturally: Relaxing is the easiest way to prevent these headaches from coming back. Relax in a cool, dark room and alternate between hot and cold packs on your head. Essential oils with relaxing properties, such as lavender or peppermint may also be soothing for a stress-related headache and provide some relief. Discover ways to reduce your cortisol levels and find peace of mind.
Your schedule is off balance
When you don’t get enough sleep, your serotonin levels drop. This causes blood vessels in the brain to dilate, which activates the nerve indicated in migraine headaches and other headache types.
Cure it naturally: The best way to prevent these headaches from happening is to set a schedule and stick to it; get up and go to bed at the same time each day. If insomnia is an issue, explore natural methods to get a good night’s sleep. If you are currently hurting, try drinking coffee. Coffee restricts blood flow in the brain and may be able to fight off insomnia-related headaches. Plus, you won’t feel as tired. However, this solution is best used only in the morning, since drinking caffeinated coffee later in the day can perpetuate insomnia.Â
Your diet is poor or irregular
According to health experts, foods containing tyramine (cheese and red wine) and foods containing nitrates (usually processed meats) cause blood vessels to rapidly constrict and expand. This can cause headaches and even migraines in extreme cases.
Additionally, skipping meals can also lead to headaches. Drops in blood sugar can cause headache pain because the brain is sensitive to blood sugar changes.
Cure it naturally: Eat regular meals at regular intervals. If your brain knows you will eat at specific times, you are less likely to have food-related headaches. Avoid red wine, cheese and processed meats if you are susceptible to food-related headaches. If you’ve skipped a meal and a headache is coming on, eat a little protein for quick relief.
Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Try these natural cures and share your results with us.
 —The Alternative Daily
Source:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12807524
