Summer Time Headaches

Intense sunlight and heat can trigger headaches, and there is no shortage of it in the summer season. The sneaky suckers can pop up at the worst time, while driving, at work, out with the family, etc...

The sunlight that is reflecting off cement surfaces, cars, and water can strain your eye's muscles, triggering a Tension Headache. The symptoms of a tension headache included a throbbing pain between the eyes and dizziness that can last for 30 minutes. The suns rays are most intense between 10am and 3pm, by wearing polarized sunglasses when ever you are outside you will reduce your risk of triggering a sunlight caused headache. Because polarized lenses have internal filters that blocks the horizontal rays that cause the eye strain that triggering headaches.

What you eat can be causing your headaches as well; it could even be your favorite snack. For example, hot dogs, they are loaded with nitrites. The preservative Nitrites release nitric oxide; this gas dilates the blood vessels in your head prompting pain. Symptoms of a "hot dog" headache are a pulsing pain in the forehead and facial flushing. These symptoms can last up to an hour. If the threat of getting headaches won't stop you from eating stuff like hot dogs (full of Nitrites), there are other foods you can eat to counter act the nitric oxide. Foods like yogurt and walnuts are high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which reduces the blood vessel dilation and can reduce the pain by up to 40 percent.

Mild dehydration is also a major cause of headaches in the summer time. Children are more prone to dehydration headaches, because they do not stop to drink water as often as they should when they are playing. Signs of a dehydration headache are allover dull pressure and nausea that can last for four hours. Eating salty snacks, like pretzels, will help your body retain water better, so keep that in mind when choosing snacks for activities that you will sweat a lot. And, make sure there is drinkable water when out doors.

Not every one has the same triggers; some are common, but are not the same for everyone. Especially if have a family history of Migraines. Migraines are different from regular headaches; they can be crippling and last for days. If you think you suffer from migraines, go see your doctor.

If a headache does strike, try this. Press your thumb and forefinger together for ten seconds, then release for ten seconds, repeat this ten times with both hands. Doing that should make your body release endorphins, which will help reduce pain.