Headaches Everyday? Here Are a Few Reasons Why

Headaches Everyday? Here is a List of Possible Causes

According to the statistics, more than 22 million women annually suffer from pounding headaches.

For me, the leading cause of my headaches was dehydration and this was happening year round. It was the summer heat that left me feeling parched, but also it was happening in the winter; the dry heat in the home also had an effect on me. I have to drink a lot of water to stay well hydrated all year round.

Below are several reasons why you may also have a daily headache beginning with dehydration.

Dehydration -

During the summer we know that the sun's heat can dry us out but this can also happen in the winter. I'm more inclined to walk great distances in the fall and during mild winter weather than I am during a 90 degree summer day. The loss of fluid sensitizes the pain receptors in the tissues encasing the brain. Even if you are not feeling dehydrated, drinking adequate amounts of water each day is a healthy must. I have found that coconut water works best for me during my warm weather walks - it even hydrates me better than water and provides a lot of nutrition. See link below for the many benefits of coconut water.

What are you having for lunch?

If your daily lunch consists of luncheon meats such as bologna, salami, etc. or hot dogs or bacon, these meats are a headache trigger. This is because they are cured meats and contain sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate - chemical preservatives used not only to prevent bacteria but to add color and make the meats look pretty enough to eat. These chemicals can overdilate blood vessels in the head and put pressure on the nearby nerves. Try avoiding them and see if your headache goes away.

Outdoor Glare -

This can occur not only during the summer but in the winter as well. Think of that endless layer of new fallen snow and the way the sun shines off of it. The same thing happens with sand on the beach, the ocean and all the pavement here in the city. When there is sun glare anywhere - for example I can see it in the morning when I look out my window across the street and the sun is bouncing off the neighbor's window, right back at me. What is happening is that light waves reflect off these flat surfaces jogging the thalamus of the brain. This is where our pain signals are processed. Sunglasses are recommended and the ones with 100% UVB and UVA offer the best protection against glare. Squinting only makes the situation much worse.

More Possible Reasons for a Daily Headache -

Caps - The brim may protect you from some sun glare but if the cap is just the slightest bit too tight - while it may look good on you - the pressure can cause a headache. Avoid tight hats and caps.

Hairstyles - I find that wearing a ponytail on the nape of my neck is pain free - but if I pull all my hair up and wear a ponytail on the back of my head I often get a headache. Holding up so much hair - in the air - causes tension.

Storms - Thunder and electric storms can cause throbbing in the temples. This is caused by the steep drop in the barometric pressure that comes before these storms. It may be due to a sensory area in the brain that takes this type of stimulation as pain.

Hot Summer Heat - While I can take and enjoy a lot of summer heat I have a friend who simply cannot. When the temperatures are consistently in the 80s I just won't see her until the temps are regularly in the 70s. We had many heatwaves this summer keeping temperatures in the high 90s, even 100 and over leaving many people with severe headaches. For many people, when the temps reach upwards of 90 it is best to stay indoors. According to medical experts, summer heat can redirect blood to the peripheral tissues of the brain and this can bring on pain.

Lack of protein for breakfast -

For many of us, protein is a must for breakfast. One friend had a headache - we suspect from hunger - every morning around 10 a.m. She was eating cold cereal for breakfast or a bagel or pastry. Once she switched to protein in the form of an egg the headaches went away. Protein from an egg offers a feeling of satiety for up to four hours and longer. See link below for the easy way to boil the perfect egg.

Headaches Only on Monday?

Monday is the number one day for getting a headache. A recent study describes these as tension headaches caused by changing your sleeping schedule over the weekend - sleeping in. This is because when you change your regular sleeping pattern it also changes your brain function which in turn makes you more headache prone. The solution is to get up at the same time everyday including Saturday and Sunday.

Note: If you have solved your daily or seasonal headache problem please do share a comment (below):