Do you suffer from chronic headaches? Is your morning headache becoming unbearable if you don’t drink coffee? If yes, you’re not alone. A lot of people experience the same symptoms. So why is this happening?
Most of us are heavily reliant on coffee to get us through the day and it may have become a habit that is difficult to break. Caffeine, one of the main ingredients in coffee, is a psychoactive drug and is highly addictive. Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to an increased tolerance which can ultimately lead to headaches when deprived from an active dose of coffee. In fact, it is estimated that around 18% of those who drink coffee can become physically dependant on caffeine.
Another possible explanation for why your head might hurt if you don’t drink coffee is dehydration. According to experts, coffee is a diuretic, meaning that it causes you to urinate frequently, sometimes leaving your body in a state of dehydration—which can lead to headaches.
Lifestyle also plays a major role in how our bodies react to certain habits or lack thereof. If you are missing out on a good night’s sleep, neglecting a healthy diet or haven’t taken your supplements, it can all lead to headaches. When you’re exhausted, the last thing you want is to put on your running shoes, yet that’s exactly what you should do. Exercise can do wonders for relieving stress and tension, reduce blood pressure and ultimately get rid of that headache.
Coffee is not the only option when it comes to headache relief. Taking ibuprofen or grabbing an ice-pack can be just as effective and a more prudent solution than relying on coffee alone.
When it comes to preventing chronic headaches, the most important issue to consider is mental health. Try to find a way to take your mind off of stress. Of course, it is not easy to do so in the midst of a huge workload but it is important to take a few moments throughout the day to disconnect and relax.
Finally, If you are struggling to shake off the caffeine habit and experience regular headaches, consider consulting a doctor. They can help you assess the severity of your condition and identify a proper course of treatment.
Diet
When dealing with headaches, it is important to take special care of your diet. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding certain foods that could trigger a headache might be key to avoiding or reducing the severity of daily headaches. Those who suffer from migraines should specifically avoid salty, processed and fatty foods, as well as such as red wine, cheese and chocolate.
In addition, it is important to stay well hydrated and reduce caffeine intake, as both can be contributing factors to chronic headaches. As well, limiting your intake of sugary snacks, artificial sweeteners, MSG, nitrates and preservatives can be very beneficial.
Environment
Your environment can also play an important role when it comes to headaches. Being constantly exposed to noise or bright lights can be a trigger. Even strong smells such as perfumes and scented candles can be triggers.
It is important to be aware of what environment is best suited to reduce or prevent headaches. Often times, reducing stimulation while also avoiding certain foods, intake of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine will help limit the occurrence of headaches.
For some people, hot and cold packs or warm baths when experiencing a migraine are great ways to relieve tension. If you are unable to leave the noisy environment you’re in, make sure to wear protective gear such as earmuffs or sunglasses.
Chronic Headaches vs Migraines
Chronic headaches and migraines have a lot of similarities and are often mistaken for one another. While the pain might feel the same, the underlying causes and potential treatments can be vastly different. Migraines are usually caused by changes in the brain while cluster or tension headaches are caused by changes in the body.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is important to visit a doctor and get tested for any potential underlying causes. Different types of headaches respond to different treatments, so it is important to know what kind you are suffering from.
Pain Management
When it comes to the relief of chronic headaches, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Managing headaches requires understanding the cause, assessing well-being and directly addressing the issue. When it comes to managing headaches, it is best to look at the big picture and find a more balanced approach that eliminates any behavior or lifestyle choices that could be contributing to the problem.
Many treatments are available, ranging from combination medications to acupuncture. Non-invasive treatments such as therapeutic massages and physical therapy can provide relief of symptoms and a sense of control over the situation. For some, cognitive behavioral therapy or biofeedback might be the alternative if over-the-counter medications don’t do the job.
Alternative Solutions
Breaking the habit of always relying on coffee can be difficult. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives. Nutritionists recommend incorporating green tea, which contains small amounts of caffeine and a range of health benefits. Other healthier options include kombucha, herbal and root teas, natural juices and smoothies.
If all else fails, taking B-12 supplements can be a great way to restore energy levels. Many B-12 products now come in energy bars, gummy vitamins and liquid that can be taken orally or injected for maximum absorption.
Conclusion
Overall, choosing to forego coffee can be beneficial to your health but it must be done in moderation and accompanied by other healthy lifestyle practices such as exercise, proper diet and hydration. Consult a doctor if you experience any persistent headaches and consider alternative treatments. Remember, it is important to identify the underlying cause and assess the situation before taking any remedies.
