A simple headache can slow you down, but a migraine can disrupt your whole day. Migraines cause intense throbbing pain in one area of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. In the United States, migraines affect more than 10 percent of the population, according to the American Academy of Neurology.
Recent studies indicate that the risk of migraines increases with weight gain, and obese people are almost twice as likely to suffer from them as healthy, active people.
Recent studies indicate that the risk of migraines increases with weight gain, and obese people are almost twice as likely to suffer from them as healthy, active people. Barbara Lee Peterlin, D.O., a researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, discovered that people with a high Body Mass Index, are 81 percent more likely to have migraines than those with lower BMIs. This was especially true for women and people under the age of 50.
Of course, even people at a healthy weight get migraines, too. They’re caused by a variety of neurological factors as well as hormonal ones. However, if you’re overweight, trimming down and adopting a healthier lifestyle makes a difference. To minimize your risk, remember these tips.
Eat well. Processed foods contain ingredients that may trigger migraines. Build your diet around fresh, whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Foods high in sugars or animal fats have been linked to migraines.
Drink smart. Staying hydrated also can help. Drink eight glasses of water a day and avoid caffeine, which is a diuretic that sucks moisture out of your body.
Rest regularly. If you’re consistently logging less than 7 hours of sleep a night, your migraines may worsen.
Keep moving. Your active lifestyle is one of the best ways to reduce migraines, keeping your weight down and promoting healthy blood flow.