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Over-indulgence in festive food and beverages may leave people who suffer from headaches and migraines with more than a nasty hangover, says Dr Elliot Shevel, Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgeon and medical director at The Headache Clinic.

Ingredients and food such as caffeine, sugar, MSG, processed meats, cheeses and chocolate are known to trigger migraines and headaches among many patients. People who suffer from acute or chronic headaches should keep track of which ingredients trigger their attacks and resist the temptation to eat them.

Solid advice
In summer, people who are prone to headaches and migraines should take plenty of fluids. Dehydration is known to trigger migraines in some people, so be sure to remain properly hydrated.

“It is best to drink plain water, as many carbonated soft drinks contain substances that can also trigger headaches. Substances that headache sufferers should avoid include common ingredients such as caffeine and aspartame,” says Shevel.

Because drinking excessive amounts of alcohol leads to dehydration, headache sufferers should try not to drink too much liquor and also ensure that they drink plenty water during and following a session of indulgence. Too much hard partying until the early hours may also mean that headache patients do not get enough sleep – also a major trigger of headaches and migraines.

Shevel believes a routine of healthy living is the best thing a migraine or headache sufferer can do to control his or her condition. “A healthy diet with regular and well-balanced meals and adequate sleep (eight to ten hours a day) can often work wonders for a headache-prone person.”

Shevel is also the Chairman of the South African Headache Society and the medical director at The Headache Clinic. He has a special interest in pain in the craniomandibular (jaw) and craniocervical (neck) regions, and in particular, primary headaches and pain of muscular origin.

Information supplied by The Headache Clinic.

Related articles:
Part I: Festive season rush triggers headaches
Part III: Managing summer headache risks
Part IV: Headache? Relax and take a deep breath
 

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