8 Migraine Triggers to Avoid

Not everyone has the same experience when they have a migraine. Five distinct stages of migraine are possible, but not everyone goes through all of them. The symptoms you feel may even vary from headache to headache. 

At Florida Pain Management Institute, we see patients who are frustrated because migraines can be so difficult to predict, and their lives get disrupted. Our providers often suggest that patients need to identify their migraine triggers. 

Some triggers are more common than others. The eight we discuss in this post are common.
You may find it helpful to keep a journal, noting your activities, what you eat and drink, how much you sleep, and any migraine symptoms you have to learn if you’re affected by the following eight triggers. 

1. Caffeine

Coffee, tea, energy drinks, and soda are prevalent and part of a daily routine for some. However, if your beverage of choice has a high caffeine content, it could increase your risk of having migraines, as well as other health issues, such as anxiety. 

It can be hard to quit caffeine cold turkey, so you may want to slowly limit consumption over a few weeks to see how it affects you. As you drink less caffeine, try increasing the amount of water you enjoy daily. 

2. Alcohol

If you enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, you may skip it. Although any form of alcohol can be a migraine trigger, red wine is notorious.

Some people can enjoy a drink now and then and avoid migraine, but if you discover alcohol is a trigger, simply avoiding it could help you have less pain. 

3. Weather

Although you can easily avoid caffeine and alcohol, you can’t avoid the weather. But, if you know that particular weather patterns are likely to trigger a migraine, you can at least take some precautions. 

For some people, bright sunshine can be a trigger, while thunderstorms bring on pain for others. If the weather triggers your migraines, we may be able to suggest preventive treatments to help. 

4. Hormones

Migraines related to hormonal shifts are common, especially for women. Your hormones, the messengers of the body, are important but also connected to numerous health issues — even depression.

Women are more susceptible because monthly menstrual cycles involve changing hormone levels, and pregnancy and menopause involve hormonal fluctuations. Those cycles and stages make hormone-related migraines more likely. You can effectively treat hormonal imbalances and may want to discuss your diet with your doctor. Excellent nutrition that supports your endocrine system may help. 

5. Additives

Additives to foods can be challenging to identify as migraine triggers, but some artificial sweeteners and preservatives are commonly associated with migraines. Begin noting the ingredients in the foods you eat to look for patterns. 

Incorporating fresh, organic foods into your regular rotation is an even better approach. Doing so will help you avoid potentially problematic additives. 

6. Diet

Even if you’re aware of food additives but sometimes skip meals or don’t drink an appropriate amount of water, your diet could trigger a migraine. Look closely at what you eat and when, and make healthy changes.

A nutritious, well-balanced diet may help you avoid migraines and have other positive health impacts. Your blood sugar levels and stress levels may improve when you eat better. 

7. Sleep

You don’t just need to get enough sleep - you need to get enough high-quality sleep. Good sleep hygiene may help you avoid migraines.

Keep your bedroom dark and cool, and set up a relaxing bedtime routine that includes avoiding screens for about an hour before you go to sleep. You may want to learn a few relaxation techniques to practice before bed. 

8. Stress

Migraines are common after a stressful event, whether it’s physical stress or emotional stress. If you live with chronic stress, you may be triggering migraines. Learning to lower your overall stress level can have multiple positive impacts on your health.

If you’re frustrated with migraine pain, schedule an appointment at one of the Florida Pain Management Institute locations in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, or Palm Beach Gardens. We can give you more personalized advice for discovering your triggers and discuss treatments that may help.