How to get a headache away. 8 Effective Strategies to Alleviate Hunger Headaches: Expert Tips for Relief

17.08.202328.06.2023 by alexxlab

How do hunger headaches occur. What are the most effective ways to prevent and manage hunger headaches. Can dietary changes help alleviate hunger headaches. Why does dehydration contribute to hunger headaches. How does caffeine consumption impact hunger headaches.

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Understanding the Mechanism of Hunger Headaches

Hunger headaches have been a part of human experience for millennia, with the earliest documented mention dating back to 1550 BC. These headaches occur when your body is running low on fuel, typically manifesting as pain that cradles the front and side of your head. Additional symptoms may include nausea, tension in the head and neck, dizziness, and sweating.

The primary cause of hunger headaches is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). When you skip meals or consume inadequate nutrition, your blood glucose levels drop, triggering a distress signal from your brain. This signal often takes the form of a headache, serving as your body’s not-so-subtle way of demanding nourishment.

The Role of Blood Sugar in Hunger Headaches

Why does low blood sugar lead to headaches? Every cell in your body requires glucose to function properly. When blood sugar levels dip below the optimal range, it affects various bodily processes, including brain function. The brain, being the control center of your body, reacts to this deficiency by initiating pain signals, resulting in a headache.

Low blood sugar can occur due to skipping meals
Consuming sugary snacks can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar
Consistent hunger headaches may indicate an underlying health issue, such as diabetes

Nutritional Strategies to Prevent Hunger Headaches

Preventing hunger headaches primarily involves maintaining stable blood sugar levels through proper nutrition. Here are some effective strategies to keep hunger headaches at bay:

Balanced Meal Planning

How can you plan your meals to prevent hunger headaches? Focus on consuming balanced meals at regular intervals throughout the day. Incorporate a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats in each meal to provide sustained energy and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Opt for whole grains like brown rice and quinoa
Include lean proteins such as chicken, fish, or plant-based alternatives
Incorporate healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil

The Power of Protein

Why is protein crucial in preventing hunger headaches? Protein-rich foods are particularly effective in warding off hunger headaches due to their slow-release energy properties. They help you feel full for longer periods and provide a steady stream of nutrients to your body.

Which protein sources are best for preventing hunger headaches? Opt for:

Fresh meats and fish (avoiding cured, smoked, or dried varieties)
Dairy products like milk and cottage cheese
Plant-based options such as legumes, tofu, and tempeh

Be cautious with aged cheeses like feta, parmesan, and Swiss, as they may trigger headaches in some individuals.

Hydration: A Key Factor in Headache Prevention

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in preventing hunger headaches. The human brain is composed of approximately 73% water, making adequate hydration essential for optimal brain function.

The Impact of Dehydration on Headaches

How does dehydration contribute to headaches? When you’re dehydrated, the blood vessels in your brain shrink, potentially leading to pain and discomfort. This physical change in brain structure can trigger or exacerbate headaches, including those associated with hunger.

To maintain proper hydration:

Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily
Adjust your water intake based on factors like weight, age, activity level, and climate
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water, as thirst is often a sign of early dehydration

The Role of Caffeine in Hunger Headaches

Caffeine consumption can have a significant impact on the occurrence and severity of hunger headaches. While many rely on caffeine for an energy boost, its effects on blood vessels can contribute to headache symptoms.

Caffeine Withdrawal and Headaches

How does caffeine withdrawal lead to headaches? Regular caffeine consumption causes blood vessel dilation. When you reduce or eliminate caffeine intake, these blood vessels constrict, potentially resulting in a headache. This effect is particularly noticeable in individuals who regularly consume two or more cups of caffeinated beverages daily.

To manage caffeine-related hunger headaches:

Maintain consistent caffeine intake if you’re a regular consumer
If reducing caffeine consumption, do so gradually to minimize withdrawal symptoms
Be aware of hidden caffeine sources in foods and beverages

Smart Snacking for Headache Prevention

Strategic snacking can be an effective tool in preventing hunger headaches. By providing your body with small, frequent bursts of nutrition, you can help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Choosing the Right Snacks

What are the best snacks for preventing hunger headaches? Opt for nutrient-dense options that combine complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Some excellent choices include:

Fresh fruits paired with a handful of nuts
Whole grain crackers with hummus or nut butter
Greek yogurt with berries and a sprinkle of granola
Vegetable sticks with guacamole or tzatziki dip

Always keep a healthy snack on hand to address hunger quickly and prevent the onset of a headache.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Hunger Headaches

Beyond nutrition and hydration, several lifestyle factors can impact the frequency and severity of hunger headaches. Addressing these aspects can contribute to overall headache prevention and management.

Stress Management

How does stress contribute to hunger headaches? Chronic stress can lead to irregular eating patterns, poor food choices, and decreased attention to proper hydration. Additionally, stress can cause muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, which may exacerbate headache symptoms.

To manage stress and reduce the risk of hunger headaches:

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
Engage in regular physical activity
Ensure adequate sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Consider stress-reducing activities like yoga or tai chi

Regular Exercise

Can exercise help prevent hunger headaches? Regular physical activity can contribute to overall health and potentially reduce the frequency of hunger headaches. Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels, improves circulation, and promotes the release of endorphins, which can alleviate pain and improve mood.

To incorporate exercise into your headache prevention strategy:

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
Include strength training exercises twice a week
Choose activities you enjoy to maintain consistency
Stay hydrated during and after exercise to prevent dehydration-related headaches

When to Seek Medical Advice for Hunger Headaches

While occasional hunger headaches are common and typically resolve with proper nutrition, persistent or severe headaches may indicate an underlying health issue. It’s important to recognize when professional medical advice is necessary.

Red Flags for Hunger Headaches

When should you consult a healthcare professional about hunger headaches? Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:

Frequent hunger headaches despite maintaining a balanced diet and regular eating schedule
Headaches accompanied by other symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, or weakness
Sudden onset of severe headaches
Headaches that worsen over time or don’t respond to self-care measures

A healthcare provider can help determine if your hunger headaches are related to an underlying condition such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, or other medical issues. They may recommend further testing or provide tailored treatment options to address your specific situation.

Tracking Headache Patterns

How can tracking your headaches help in their management? Keeping a headache diary can provide valuable insights into potential triggers and patterns. Record information such as:

Timing and duration of headaches
Meals and snacks consumed throughout the day
Hydration levels and caffeine intake
Stress levels and sleep patterns
Any other symptoms experienced alongside the headache

This information can help you and your healthcare provider identify trends and develop a more effective prevention and management strategy for your hunger headaches.

Natural Remedies and Complementary Approaches for Hunger Headache Relief

In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, several natural remedies and complementary approaches may offer relief from hunger headaches. While these methods may not work for everyone, they can be worth exploring as part of a comprehensive headache management strategy.

Herbal Remedies

Can herbal remedies help alleviate hunger headaches? Some herbs have been traditionally used to address headache symptoms. These include:

Feverfew: Known for its potential to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches
Ginger: May help with nausea often associated with headaches
Peppermint: The cooling effect can provide temporary pain relief
Willow bark: Contains salicin, a compound similar to aspirin

Always consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

Acupressure and Massage

How can acupressure and massage techniques help with hunger headaches? These practices may help relieve tension and promote relaxation, potentially easing headache symptoms:

Applying pressure to the LI-4 point (located between the thumb and index finger)
Gently massaging the temples in circular motions
Practicing neck and shoulder stretches to relieve muscle tension
Using a cold or warm compress on the forehead or neck

While these techniques can provide temporary relief, they should not replace proper nutrition and hydration as primary prevention strategies for hunger headaches.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Can mindfulness practices help manage hunger headaches? Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into your daily routine may help reduce stress and tension that can contribute to headaches. Consider trying:

Progressive muscle relaxation
Guided imagery exercises
Mindful breathing practices
Regular meditation sessions

These practices can not only help alleviate headache symptoms but also improve overall well-being and stress management skills.

Technological Solutions for Hunger Headache Management

In today’s digital age, various technological tools and applications can assist in managing and preventing hunger headaches. These solutions can help you track your eating habits, remind you to stay hydrated, and provide valuable insights into your headache patterns.

Mobile Apps for Headache Management

How can mobile apps help in managing hunger headaches? Several apps are designed specifically for headache tracking and management. These apps often allow you to:

Log headache occurrences, duration, and intensity
Record potential triggers, including missed meals and dehydration
Set reminders for meals, snacks, and water intake
Generate reports to share with healthcare providers

Popular headache tracking apps include Migraine Buddy, Headache Log, and N1-Headache. Explore different options to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

Wearable Devices for Health Monitoring

Can wearable devices contribute to hunger headache prevention? Many smartwatches and fitness trackers now offer features that can indirectly support headache management:

Hydration tracking and reminders
Blood glucose monitoring (for compatible devices)
Stress level monitoring through heart rate variability
Sleep tracking to ensure adequate rest

While these devices cannot directly prevent hunger headaches, they can provide valuable data to help you maintain healthy habits that reduce the risk of headaches.

Online Resources and Support Communities

How can online resources benefit those experiencing hunger headaches? The internet offers a wealth of information and support for individuals dealing with headaches:

Educational websites from reputable health organizations
Online support groups and forums for sharing experiences and tips
Webinars and virtual workshops on headache management
Recipe databases for headache-friendly meals and snacks

Engaging with these resources can provide additional strategies and emotional support in your journey to manage hunger headaches effectively.

Eight Tips to Get Rid of Hunger Headaches

September 13, 2022

Headaches — including huger headaches — have plagued humans as long as we’ve been around. The earliest mention of them dates to 1550BC! Of course, we’ve found better ways to cope with them than our ancient ancestors. After all, the Neanderthals couldn’t cruise over to their local pharmacy for aspirin.

Today, we are a lot more savvy about headaches and their causes. Some types (like migraines) can be serious health concerns. Others (like a headache from not eating), have a straightforward cause.

That doesn’t mean their symptoms aren’t really unpleasant. Pain that cradles the front and side of your head is no fun. When nausea, tension in your head and neck, dizziness and sweating go along with your headache, you want to feel better fast.

Fortunately, a hunger headache will usually go away within 30 minutes of eating. Even better, there are easy things you can do to stop getting a headache from not eating.

Keep your blood sugar in the sweet spot.

A hunger headache is your body’s not-so-subtle way of telling you it’s running on empty. Since your brain is in charge of your body, it delivers the painful message. So, if you skipped breakfast and grabbed a bag of chips from the vending machine for lunch, expect your head to rebel.

Eating healthy meals at regular intervals delivers the fuel your body needs to keep your blood sugar (blood glucose) levels in check. Every cell in your body needs sugar to work properly. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a symptom of diabetes, too. Talk with your doctor if you have a hunger headache often to rule out a health issue.

Try this tip: Eat small meals more often. Choose fresh, whole foods instead of processed foods loaded with preservatives and added sugars.

Feed your head.

You may think your stomach is picky. Your head can give it a run for its money. It’s odd to think of your head having an appetite, but it does. So, what kind of food does your head like? It turns out your head craves healthy fare.

Keep it happy by noshing on fresh, raw fruits and veggies (cooked ones without added fat or sugar are OK, too). Brown rice and whole-grains are its favorite form of carbohydrates. Nuts and seeds always hit the spot — especially as healthy in-between-meal snacks. Proteins that slowly release their energy keep your body fueled with a steady stream of nutrients. Choose fresh meats and fish.

Try this tip: Be a snacker. Always keep a piece of fruit, string cheese or nuts with you so you can give your body a burst of healthy fuel to fend off a headache from not eating.

Power up with protein.

Protein packs a powerful defense against hunger headaches. Proteins that slowly release their energy are especially helpful. Not only do they make your body feel full longer, they keep it fueled with a steady stream of nutrients. Meat and fish are a good source of slow-release protein. Just be choosy about the ones you choose.

Your ballpark hotdog and favorite pepperoni pizza might taste delicious, but your head may cringe. Both have nitrates — an additive that can cause headaches. As a whole, stay away from cured, smoked and dried meats. And while cheese is a great source of protein, some aged cheeses cause headaches in some people. Feta, parmesan and Swiss are a few.

Try this tip: Give your body a healthy protein boost. Enjoy a cold glass of milk or a dollop of cottage cheese with fruit and crackers. Spread peanut butter on celery sticks or apple slices.Drink more h3O.

Water is your body’s BFF. In fact, most of your body is made up of water. Your brain is73% water. When you skimp on water, the blood vessels in your brain shrink. Ouch! No wonder your head rebels with a gnarly hunger headache.

Most guidelines say you should drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day. The exact amount depends on your weight, age, activity level, all the things around you in your daily life at home and at work and any health issues you may have. Talk with your family doctor to see how much water you should drink each day to help fend off hunger headaches.

Try this tip: Drink water throughout the day — even if you’re not thirsty. Once you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

Keep track of your caffeine buzz.

Millions of us count on caffeine to power through work deadlines, keep up with our kids, and have enough go-power to make it through our busy days. But along with delivering a coveted energy boost, caffeine dilates the blood vessels.

When you skip, lower or cut off your body’s caffeine fix, your blood vessels go through caffeine withdrawal. They constrict in protest and make their unhappiness known. If you regularly drink two or more cups of caffeine a day, you may feel this type of hunger headache on days when you don’t imbibe.

Try this tip: If you want to cut back or kick your caffeine habit altogether, don’t do it cold turkey. Slowly cut how much caffeine you eat or drink over a few weeks so your body can adapt to less caffeine.

Spend more time with your pillow.

If you’re not eating well, chances are you may not be sleeping well either. Skimping on shut-eye might not seem like a big deal, but it is. We already reviewed how eating healthy protein helps keep hunger headaches at bay. Yet, if you don’t get enough sleep, you could be undermining your good efforts.

Lack of sleep can make constant pain and headaches worse. Create a good pre-sleep ritual so your body gets the rejuvenating Zzzs it needs to help your body heal and be healthy.

Try this tip: Go to bed at the same time each day. Cut caffeine at least six hours before bed, keep laptops, TVs and phones out of the bedroom and set your thermostat on the cool side.

Think fast before fasting.

Your body is sensitive to changes in eating habits — and that includes fasting. Intermittent fasting for weight loss and maintenance is growing in popularity, so it’s no surprise headaches from intermittent fasting, too. It’s normal to feel hungry during periods of fasting. Still, if your hunger pangs come with a side of head pain, rethink your approach.

Leading up to your fast, stay away from caffeine and drink more water. When you do eat, don’t binge on unhealthy foods because you’re hungry. Choose healthy foods that give your body the fuel it needs to work well.

Try this tip: Make the meal before your fasting period count. Eat complex carbs and slow-release proteins to help carry you through your fasting period.

Talk to your doctor.

Hunger headaches aren’t serious. Still, if you often get headaches that don’t go away after taking over-the-counter pain relievers, tell your doctor. Whether you bring it up during your annual wellness check, or make a doctor’s appointment just to talk about it, ask if there could be a medical reason you get headaches.

Also, let your family doctor know if you have sudden or severe headaches along with other symptoms like:

Confusion
Dizziness
Slurred speech
Vision loss

Try this tip: Stay on top of all your wellness checks. It’s the best way to make sure health issues are found early when they can be treated more easily.

Posted in: Pain Management

Seizures and Headaches: They Don’t Have to Go Together

Everyone has some kind of headache at one time or another. But if you have epilepsy, your chances of suffering with headaches are greater than average. Headaches may occur before seizures and are common after tonic-clonic seizures. In rare cases, the brain wave changes seen on the EEG show that a headache can actually be the only symptom of a seizure. If you have a seizure disorder, you are twice as likely to have migraine headaches. And adding worries about having a seizure to the everyday stress of life may even increase your chances of having an uncomfortable tension headache.

The most common headache associated with epilepsy is called a postictal headache, meaning that the headache occurs after seizure activity. It is estimated that 45% of people with epilepsy have postictal headache. It most frequently occurs after tonic-clonic seizures but can also follow simple and complex partial seizures. The pain of a postictal headache is widespread. It can be steady or throbbing and its intensity can range from mild to severe. These headaches usually last between about 6 and 24 hours, or sometimes even longer. They may be quite disabling, causing you to lose additional time out of your normal activities.

Less commonly, a headache may be a sign that a seizure is approaching. These headaches are called pre-ictal because they occur before the seizure activity starts. They are one type of aura, the symptoms that warn of a coming seizure. These headaches are generally brief. They can be throbbing, steady, or sharp. Pre-ictal headaches are said to affect about 20% of people who have seizures that are difficult to control, but they may be under-reported because the seizure may interfere with memory of the headache.

Another fairly common type of headache is the migraine headache. If you have migraines, they can make you quite miserable. They involve pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head, usually accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to noise or light. About 30% of migraine attacks are preceded by an aura, which may consist of seeing zigzag flashing lights, distorted visual images, or blind spots, or feeling numbness in parts of your body. People who have migraine headaches may have only one a year or may have one every day for several weeks at a time. Migraines share some common features with epilepsy. Like seizures, they can be triggered by stress, fatigue, menstruation, and alcohol. The aura before a migraine is similar to an aura before a seizure. Even the brain activity detected by an EEG may be similarly abnormal during a migraine attack and a seizure. There is some debate among doctors about whether a migraine headache can lead straight into a seizure and be considered a pre-ictal headache.

A rare type of headache in people with epilepsy is the ictal headache. These headaches are actually seizure symptoms. Some pound like a migraine but others are sharp and steady. In some people the pain builds gradually but in others it begins suddenly. Ictal headaches are seen in all types of epilepsy, including generalized epilepsy. There is a type of epilepsy syndrome in children (called benign epilepsy of childhood with occipital paroxysms) in which 25% of the children have headache as their only symptom. Often a mistaken diagnosis of migraine is corrected only when the neurologist determines that an abnormal EEG shows epilepsy.

Is there anything you can do if you have a problem with headaches? Is there anything beyond an occasional aspirin to help you cut them short or avoid them altogether? For many people, even if you have epilepsy, the answer is yes!

Ictal headaches, the rare kind that are actually seizure symptoms, will disappear if seizure medicine can control the epilepsy brain waves. The other types of headaches generally must be treated separately from your seizure disorder.

Basically there are two medical approaches to treat your headaches. The first approach is to wait until a headache begins and then stop it. Over-the-counter pills like aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) may do the job, or you may need a prescription for something like Anaprox (naproxen) or Fiorinal (a combination of butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine). For migraine headaches, which involve the blood vessels in the brain, prescription medications called triptans are especially effective. Brand names for various types include Imitrex, Zomig, Amerge, and Maxalt. The triptans are available in several forms. Which one your doctor prescribes will depend on your needs and preferences.

The second approach is to prevent headaches from occurring at all. Your doctor may call this “prophylactic” (pro-fuh-LACK-tic) treatment or “prophylaxis” (pro-fuh-LACK-sis). In this kind of treatment, you take medication every day to prevent future headaches. The seizure medicine Depakote (valproate) is approved for use in preventing headaches and might be the first choice when both headaches and seizures need treatment. Other medications often used to prevent headaches include beta-blockers such as Inderal (propranolol), calcium channel blockers such as verapamil, and Elavil (amitriptyline).

The thing to remember is that if you are having headaches in addition to your seizures, don’t be afraid to seek treatment for both conditions. Treating your headaches probably will not interfere with the control of your seizures and you will be free to enjoy life more fully!

How to get rid of a headache – June 3, 2022

Headache can be triggered by lack of sleep and chronic stress

Photo: Alexandra Mamontova / 76.RU

A headache can catch you at the most inopportune moment: meeting with friends, in the workplace, at the movies or in the bathroom, says Dr. Peter. In some cases, we guess about its causes: lack of sleep, stress, problems at work or in the family. It is good if the pain is quickly stopped by analgesics and then does not bother you for a long time. And a completely different story, when pain torments you almost every day.

Anna Kudryavtseva — neurologist, vestibulologist at the SOGAZ International Medical Center, Candidate of Medical Sciences.

– Any analgesic can be addictive, so its effect weakens with frequent use. The number of tablets should not exceed 10 pieces per month – on average, this is 2 pieces per week. If a person is forced to drink painkillers more often, then there is a high risk of chronicity of the disease, that is, an increase in headache attacks. The treatment consists of two components – headache relief (pain relief) and preventive therapy aimed at reducing attacks and their intensity, the expert says.

What should be done today to avoid headaches tomorrow?

Migraine is based on the so-called hereditary excitability of brain cells – neurons. These cells are irritated in certain areas in response to specific triggers or provoking factors.

– People tend to know migraine triggers but don’t track them. In order for a person to be able to identify them, I recommend keeping a headache diary. Understanding what actions lead to an attack is a good prevention of migraine, the neurologist explained.

Major triggers or triggers for headache:

change of weather;
missed meal;
lack of sleep;
frequent use of coffee, wine;
abundance of salty foods;
constant stress.

When filling out the diary, the patient indicates the intensity of his pain on a scale of perception from 0 to 10, writes down the number of pills taken and indicates concomitant symptoms (anxiety, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, throbbing, nasal congestion, insomnia) in order to later see a doctor was the complete picture. This approach will help prescribe the right treatment.

More movement is needed to prevent headaches. Walking for at least half an hour a day already alleviates the condition. This is especially noted by those who often drive. In addition to reducing headache attacks, patients experience a decrease in anxiety, a decrease in stiffness in the cervical spine, and back pain. They describe the improvements as: “It’s like my head has cleared up.”

One of the most common types of headaches is tension headache. It is associated with increased levels of anxiety and stress. Relaxation techniques such as stretching, yoga, meditation will help to get rid of tension.

Exercises to help relieve the clamps in the cervical spine:

head tilts. Tilt your head towards your right shoulder, making sure that your left shoulder does not rise. You will feel the tension. Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds. Repeat tilts 3 times in each direction;
head turns. Stand up straight, turn your head to the right and look back over your right shoulder. Hold the position for 10 seconds, repeat 3 times in each direction;
retraction and retraction of the shoulder blades. Relax your shoulders, imagine there is a tennis ball between your shoulder blades, then bring your shoulder blades together to squeeze the imaginary ball. Repeat 10 times.

These exercises should be done regularly, eg every 3 hours during the day.

These are monoclonal antibodies.

— The basis of the primary headache is a violation in the system of neurons, which cannot be seen on CT, MRI, ultrasound and other instrumental studies. Neurons secrete various substances, among them CGRP (calcitonin gene related peptide). This substance, accumulating, causes vasodilation, which in turn leads to a headache. Antibodies block the pain pathway that involves the CGRP protein, explains Anna Kudryavtseva.

Injections with the drug are carried out once a month, in 50% of patients after 3 months the headaches disappear. The course of therapy is from 6 to 12 months.

Previously, it was customary to treat migraine with vascular, nootropic drugs, which did not bring the desired result, the neurologist says. Targeted therapy is a big breakthrough in medicine. It has been introduced into clinical practice since 2018, and a sufficient number of studies on its effectiveness have already been accumulated. The drug acts pointwise on the required area, without causing side effects from other organs and systems.

Few people know that Botox is used not only for aesthetic purposes, but also in neurology. And it was invented for the treatment of strabismus in children – an injection of Botox is injected into the oculomotor muscles, which helps to relax them and reduce strabismus. For the treatment of headaches, patients are injected with Botox into the muscles of the frontal part, temples, occipital region and neck muscles.

Chronic headache can be psychogenic in nature – in other words, be a symptom of depression. At the same time, patients also note:0009

sleep disturbance;
irritability;
loss of appetite.

– Using the right antidepressants will relieve symptoms and reduce the intensity and duration of depression. And to eliminate the root cause, psychotherapy is needed. Today, there are various areas of work with anxiety and depressive conditions – art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, body-oriented therapy, and so on. There is no need to be shy about seeking psychological help, because the accumulated negative emotions can cause pain in various parts of the body, gradually destroying your body, the expert concluded.

Headache in autumn: causes, how to get rid of it

Doctors are unanimous in their opinion: in autumn, Russians are more prone to various diseases and stresses, even though they actively stored up energy in summer. It’s a paradox, but it’s the holidays that are sometimes to blame for the fact that at the beginning of the off-season people complain of headaches and increased fatigue. Why students and schoolchildren get tired more than others in the fall, what drugs should be kept on hand and how to get rid of unnecessary experiences – in the material of Izvestia.

Immune response

Autumn is not in vain called the SARS season – during this period, acute respiratory viral infections are actively exacerbated. But people are threatened not only by colds and runny noses.

– There are three large classes of diseases: acute (such as gastrointestinal ulcers, tonsillopharyngitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis), chronic (gastroduodenitis, arthrosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus), autoimmune, that is, systemic diseases, when the body begins to fight against itself themselves (thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and others). These ailments are aggravated due to a decrease in immunity, which is typical for the autumn-winter period , – warns general practitioner, holder of the status of “Moscow doctor” Denis Prokofiev.

According to the expert, the body’s immune forces weaken in autumn, in particular, due to the reduction of daylight hours and due to the fact that people in groups exchange various infections brought from different regions after summer holidays. And when seasonal fruits begin to disappear and there are fewer vitamins, it becomes more difficult to resist ailments. In addition, the body receives a large load due to the temperature difference, when at night, for example, zero, and during the day 14 degrees.

— Immunity in such conditions is not easy. And for a person with autoimmune problems, a decrease in the body’s defense means the transition of the disease to the stage of exacerbation, which requires correction of therapy or its strengthening , – comments Prokofiev.

Photo: Izvestia/Konstantin Kokoshkin

People suffering from chronic bronchitis, rhinosinusitis and tonsillopharyngitis also have a hard time in autumn. A decrease in immune defense contributes to the penetration of viruses into the body, and diseases can go into an exacerbation stage.

– Monitoring weather conditions will help protect against unwanted phenomena. Even in the era of gadgets and modern technology, it is useful to have thermometers outside the window and indoors, as well as a barometer to measure pressure and humidity. With the help of these devices, you can understand the temperature difference, find out the pressure, predict precipitation. The first rule of autumn is to be dressed according to the weather, not to overheat the body or severe hypothermia , Denis Prokofiev comments.

In the off-season, the doctor recommends keeping antiviral agents in the first-aid kit – antiseptics and ointments – with which you can treat the nasal mucosa before leaving the house.

– At home and at work, special devices are good, using ultraviolet light to destroy microbial flora in the air – the so-called DESARS. These devices have shown their effectiveness in covid conditions. If it is not possible to acquire such a device, then it is necessary to regularly ventilate the premises: open the window every four hours for half an hour, giving access to fresh air , continues Denis Prokofiev.

Training alert

Associate Professor of the Department of Osteopathy, North-Western State Medical University. I.I. Mechnikova, osteopathic doctor, neurologist Vladimir Belash complains that at the end of September, doctors traditionally note the peak of complaints of headaches, weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Moreover, these asthenic conditions are more typical for adolescents and students. It would seem that during the summer they should have had a good rest and take up their studies with renewed vigor, but it is the rest that sometimes plays a cruel joke.

— Since in the summer people did without increased mental stress, the body and nervous system lost their tone. In the fall, you again need to learn, memorize, write, and this is a lot of stress after the vacation “downtime”. In addition, any study or work implies a clear regime, from which students and schoolchildren also weaned during the holidays. It will take time to get back into a normal rhythm , – comments Vladimir Belash.

Photo: Getty Images/Maria Casinos

No wonder experts recommend returning to it a week or 10 days before the resumption of the usual mode to avoid difficulties with adaptation. That is, try to go to bed and get up at such hours as during study or work.

The neurologist also notes that errors in nutrition also make themselves felt. If the summer is characterized by a slight overeating, then in the fall, due to studies and additional loads, young men and women sometimes skip breakfast or lunch. The nervous system reacts to the irregular intake of nutrients with exhaustion, pain syndromes and decreased performance.

– Changes in physical activity also do not add health. In the summer there was a lot of movement, and since September you have to sit for a long time in lessons and couples. The increased load on the muscular frame of the body makes itself felt. Of course, there is no need to talk about chronic fatigue syndrome, but weakness, lethargy and headaches associated with the restructuring of the body are inevitable in most cases , the expert comments.

The barometer inside you

The second wave of complaints about feeling unwell, according to the neurologist, occurs in late October – early November, when the weather finally begins to change from warm to cold and frosts appear.

– There is a risk of dressing out of season and getting hypothermia. And this is fraught with muscle spasms and myositis (muscle inflammation, accompanied by pain syndromes). Simply put, I was cold in the evening, and woke up in the morning – the neck does not move and the lower back cannot be straightened. Moreover, if people have diseases of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrosis, arthritis, arthrosis), then they react to climate change with an exacerbation – something starts to ache, stiffness appears, warns Vladimir Belash.

Autumn is not a joy for those who react sharply to changing weather conditions.

— Many people are weather dependent. In the rainy autumn season, humidity increases, and baroreceptors instantly work in the body – pressure changes. Accordingly, for people suffering from hypertension, this is not the most favorable period , – comments Denis Prokofiev.

Photo: Izvestia/Alexander Kazakov

Expert advises weather-dependent people to measure their blood pressure more often. Hypertensive patients should always keep on hand drugs for the relief of a hypertensive crisis.

Patients who are prone to dizziness are also at risk, especially those with bilateral vestibulopathy, which can be exacerbated by pressure changes. This disease often progresses in the autumn, so the first-aid kit should always have the necessary drugs.

Vladimir Belash recommends taking care of yourself and patients with chronic pathology of the cardiovascular system – the consequences of strokes and heart attacks. Often, with weather anomalies, their health deteriorates.

In contrast

It is not easy to resist seasonal troubles, but it is quite possible if you take care of yourself and study the characteristics of your body. Vladimir Belash notes that over the years, each person develops his own algorithm for resisting ailments. Some people add fresh fruits and vegetables to their diet. Others, on the advice of a doctor, take vitamin-mineral complexes or medications that increase the resistance of the nervous system to adverse factors. Still others go to the pool or gym more often. Someone helps an additional course of massage or physiotherapy.

— There can be no universal recommendations here. It is important that people organize a daily routine, establish proper regular nutrition and maintain physical activity , continues Vladimir Belash.

When a person is suddenly overwhelmed by fatigue and drowsiness, a neurologist advises to stretch the cervical-collar area, stretch your arms up and rub your earlobes – this improves blood flow to the head and its outflow. If there are no contraindications, then you can restore vigor with strong sweet tea or coffee with a piece of dark chocolate. Thus, substances will enter the body that will help the brain wake up and increase its activity. Sometimes, in case of fatigue, experts recommend eating a regular apple and drinking a little water. This gives a short-term, but a surge of strength, not for long, but tones.

Photo: Izvestiya/Konstantin Kokoshkin

— You can keep yourself in good shape with the help of a contrast shower. But you need to do this regularly, on an ongoing basis. Do not immediately douse yourself with ice water, it is better to gradually lower the degree. Contrasting procedures harden and train the nervous system, it is better able to tolerate weather anomalies,” says Vladimir Belash.

Autumn pollen

Autumn is a golden time, a time of bright colors and beautiful photographs in fallen leaves and haystacks. But not everyone is happy with such beauty. Doctors complain that natural decor poses a direct threat to people with allergies.

— Wet weather and decaying leaves are a great place for the reproduction of microscopic fungi: Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus ,” says allergist-immunologist Maria Malakhova.

According to the doctor, in good sunny weather, the wind will continue to carry pollen from weeds, primarily ragweed. And even though the flowering is not so active in autumn, pollen will move in air currents for a long time.

– From August to November, two types of allergen – weed pollen and molds – reach their maximum in the air. In addition, autumn is a period of outbreak of respiratory infections, which are much more severe in people with seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma. Sometimes it is difficult to make out in which cases the virus led to malaise, and where the allergen is to blame. Many people spend months curing a cold without realizing they are actually suffering from allergies , – explains the allergist-immunologist.

The doctor reminds: allergic rhinitis is a disease in which an immunological reaction develops on the nasal mucosa under the action of allergens. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, discharge, sneezing, itching in the nose are manifested.

Photo: Getty Images/courtneyk

– This is often combined with other allergic diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis (itchy and watery eyes), atopic dermatitis (inflammation, itching, dry skin), bronchial asthma (dry cough, choking attacks, shortness of breath), the expert comments.

Autumn allergy, according to Maria Malakhova, is most often caused by hypersensitivity to allergens of wind-pollinated plants and is called pollinosis, or hay fever.

— Each region has its own calendar of pollination (flowering) of plants, which depends on climatic and geographical features. The late summer-autumn period is associated with the flowering of weeds: Compositae (sunflower, wormwood, ragweed, nettle) and haze (quinoa) , continues the allergist-immunologist.

Maria Malakhova advises not to forget that epidermal allergens of cats, dogs and horses, as well as allergens of house dust mites, mold fungi and even cockroaches can also lead to an autumn exacerbation. Some of them are year-round allergens, but their amount in the air depends on the time of year and the heating season.

— The prevalence of allergies in Russia reaches 24%. Unfortunately, in our country there is a rather late diagnosis, that is, patients do not always go to the doctor – they try to treat allergies on their own, often using ineffective or even dangerous treatment regimens. At the same time, most patients, even with great experience, do not know that some forms of allergies can be successfully treated, for example, using the ASIT technique (allergen-specific immunological therapy) , – says Maria Malakhova.

According to the allergist, unlike conventional drugs, the technique allows not only to gradually get rid of unpleasant symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, redness of the eyes, etc.), but also allows for a long and stable remission. This is due to the gradual change in the response of the human immune system to the allergen.

Photo: Getty Images/bluecinema

— In fact, for several years, the patient, under the supervision of doctors, receives the necessary doses of the allergen, which are calculated in such a way as not to cause an allergy, but sufficient to recognize information about the allergen for the immune system , – explains the allergist-immunologist.

Alarm time

The condition when the white light is not nice is not only due to cough, runny nose and high temperature. Psychotherapist, sexologist, psychiatrist Aleksey Vilkov warns: anxiety and anxiety increase in autumn. The doctor confirms the theory that stress levels in general rise due to new activity related to school or work.

– People who are usually inclined to painfully experience any stress and worry about trifles notice an increase in the general background of anxiety. Due to heavy loads, neurasthenia may gradually appear, making itself felt by increased fatigue and fatigue. Cognitive abilities worsen (memory, attention), absent-mindedness appears , says the expert.

According to the psychotherapist, sometimes depressive experiences arise due to heavy loads. They are aggravated by external factors or internal problems associated with family relationships or career changes. For some, loneliness comes to the fore, provoking an internal crisis.

— The sexual sphere also reacts to psychosomatic problems. Libido may decrease – sexual desire. Anxiety negatively affects potency and the level of erection, which, in turn, causes a man to fear intimacy and, as a result, provokes a desire to avoid marital duties. There are unnecessary experiences, problems in a couple , – comments Alexey Vilkov.

According to the sexologist, it is possible to avoid problems if you take care of your physical and emotional state. Effective ways to manage stress will help maintain mental well-being and not lose heart in the autumn.