health

5 Surprising Reasons You Have a Headache

Headaches can really be a pain in the, well, head. The persistent pounding can be mind-numbing, and the longer they last, the worse you feel. Sure, an aspirin may solve the problem, but too much medicating can't be a good thing… though pharma companies may beg to differ.

If you're prone to headaches, why not nip the issue in the bud and prevent them before they get they come to a head, so to speak. These 5 surprising reasons you may have a headache are all things you can do something about. Show your headache the door before it ever has a chance to come inside and mess with your mind!

Overweight

Being overweight may seem like a headache in the sense that you may be uncomfortable, or less able to do the things you want to do, but obesity can actually be the cause for real headaches.

According to Health, obese females with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 had a 35% greater risk of getting headaches than those with a BMI under 30. And those with a BMI of 40 had an 80% greater risk.

Not only will losing weight help relieve those pounding headaches, but dropping those excess pounds will help in other areas of overall health as well. Seems like a head-to-toe reason to get in shape!

Sex

We've all heard (or used) the semi-comedic excuse of "Not tonight honey, I have a headache," but who knew that having sex could cause one?

As per LifeXtyle, sex and/or climax can cause pressure and muscle contractions in the head or neck and can increase heart rate and blood pressure – all of which can create a headache. According to Health, a survey concluded that 46% of headache sufferers said sex gave them a headache. Not so sexy.

So if the sex is ho hum, you may want to pretend you're asleep the next time your honey's looking for some nookie. Is the headache really worth the 3 minutes?

Dehydration

Water is so important for the functioning of our vital organs, and when we haven't had enough hydration, our bodies send out signals that we need some water, pronto.

One sign of dehydration is a nasty headache. And by the time you've gotten one, you're well into a dehydrated state. As per LifeXtyle, not drinking enough will cause constriction in the blood vessels in the brain, reducing the flow of oxygen. This is what causes the pain.

Be sure to drink fluids regularly throughout the day to prevent the onset of a stabbing headache. The water will do your body good in more ways than one. Bottoms up for relief to the top!

Sleep Deprivation

Not getting the proper amount of sleep can have us feeling lethargic, moody, out of focus, and not on our game. It can also cause headaches – the last thing you need when you're tired.

As per Health, those who have slept approximately six hours per night tend to have more frequent and worse headaches than those who get more shuteye.

Aim for closer to eight hours for a refreshing day to come, headache-free. Keep the room cool and dark and let your sweet dreams replace the nightmare of a headache.

Your Diet

Certain foods can trigger headaches in some people. Aside from specific allergies to particular foods, two common culprits are wine and cheese. But they're so darn good!!!

The makeup of these items is the reason, but consumed in moderation, most folks can indulge without consequence.

For instance, as per Everyday Health, red wine is often made with sulfites which is a preservative that's known to trigger headaches. Plus, the alcohol is dehydrating, and we already know how that affects us. And aged cheeses contain tyramine which is a headache-inducing substance. Cocktail parties just got a little less enjoyable!

So there you have it. If you're headache-prone, consider these 5 reasons. Make some changes in your lifestyle and see if your headaches are less frequent or less severe. Just a heads up!

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