The episodes of headaches surge in the month of summer. According to a recent study, every 9°F rise in temperature increased a person’s short-term risk of a headache by about 7.5% before their emergency room visit. Apart from hot weather, and pressure changes, some lifestyle factors like what we eat increase the risk of headaches.

Heat and headache

Rising temperature is the main contributory factor behind headaches and migraine. The changes in pressure owing to hot temperature are the main trigger for migraine. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are

• Dizziness
• Muscle cramps and tightness
• Numbness in the face and pack.
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weakness or tiredness
• Extreme thirst

Tips to prevent heat-related headaches

• Limit outdoor activities during daytime
• Use sunglasses and sunscreen
• Try to do all your exercise indoors, avoid outdoor exercises.
• Sports drink containing a lot of electrolytes and water will keep the body hydrated.
• Essential oils, herbal teas, and cold compresses might be useful in heat-related headaches.

Tips to avoid headaches related to exercises 

• Avoid participating in any strenuous activity like running, swimming, weight lifting, etc.
• Avoid doing exercise outdoor at peak hours. If at all you have to, shift your timings to eve hours or late evening.
• You can try doing warm-up exercises like stretching, jogging, and walking.

Hydration and headaches

On normal days, you need to drink 8 glasses or 2 liters of water a day. However, on hot days, you might need to increase the intake of water to 2 and a half and three liters. Dehydration can cause shrinkage of the brain which further leads to headaches. After restoring the hydration, the brain returns to its normal size, and headaches vanish.

Pollution and headaches

There can be headaches because of pollution or allergens. Summer holidays call for vacation and trips. Thus, more vehicles on road. Lead, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter all increase during the summer month and causes headaches. The pollution can irritate the lungs, and eyes and can trigger an intense headache. When the headache is more intense, especially on one side, and is accompanied by nausea, it signifies a migraine.

Food and headaches

There is a certain category of foods if eaten can give rise to headaches. Processed meats and aged cheese can aggravate headaches. Avoid consumption of fried, junk, or processed foods in summer. They can cause digestive issues and uneasiness. Instead try fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

Precautionary measures for summers

• Drink plenty of water, and stay hydrated.
• Don’t overexert yourself
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight
• Pay close attention to food triggers

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)