Preventing Migraines without Medication
Non-Medication Methods for Preventing Migraines
A number of methods for reducing headaches do not involve pharmaceuticals. These include:
- Diet: Avoiding any dietary triggers is essential. Keeping a regular meal schedule is also important, even on weekends and holidays. Missing meals can be a trigger for some migraine sufferers. Some doctors recommend a diet low in tyramine-containing foods. These include chocolate, alcoholic beverages, processed meats, cultured dairy products, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and peanuts, for example.
- Exercise: As a stress reliever and general promoter of health, exercise is encouraged.
- Sleep: Keep a regular sleep schedule. Get enough sleep but avoid oversleeping.
- Stress Reduction: Stress is a risk factor for most headaches. Biofeedback and relaxation methods such as breathing techniques can reduce the effects of stress on headaches.
