Is Your Diet Giving You Headaches?

How simple dietary tweaks could relieve your pain

STOP OVER-RESTRICTING YOUR

KILOJOULE INTAKE Spacing your meals too far apart or eating at irregular intervals causes a dip in blood-glucose levels, which drives your body into starvation mode. This triggers a cascade of hormones and brain chemicals similar to your body’s response to stress, which can bring on headaches. Once you fuel up, the headache should go away.

TIP You should wait no more than four hours between meals. Try light snacks between meals, such as a handful of almonds. STAY HYDRATED Dehydration is a common headache trigger. Experts suspect it may have to do with narrowing of blood vessels in the brain, which reduces the brain’s supply of blood and oxygen. Not getting sufficient electrolytes may also contribute to headaches.

TIP By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already a little dehydrated, so rehydrate often. Have a glass of water with every meal and between meals. AVOID ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS Some people may be particularly sensitive to aspartame, which can lead to headaches, according to a US study. Aspartame can be in diet drinks as well as foods. TIP If you suspect artificial sweeteners may be triggering your headaches, keep a food journal to watch for patterns. CUT CAFFEINE SLOWLY If you’ve ditched fizzy drinks or coffee, you may be experiencing caffeine withdrawal. Experts estimate that about half of people who cut back on caffeine experience headaches. TIP Decrease your caffeine intake gradually.