Goodbye to summer migraines

Technically it’s not quite summer, right. But try telling that to the warm weather headaches you’re getting. Dr Joy Desai, a neurosurgeon tells us what we can do to avoid summer migraines and headaches this season...

Avoid dehydration
One must drink 8-10 glasses of water on regular times, but during summers one must consume 2-3 litres of water. Fluids like juices, coconut water and lemonades are also good ways to avoid dehydration. Completely avoid aerated drinks as they trigger migraines due to their high caffiene content.

Use sunglasses
Invest in some good sunglasses as summer can be tough on the eyes. Polarized lenses are great because, in addition to darkening, they cut the glare. Darker and bigger framed sunglasses are a bettter option as they help avoiding direct sunlight protecting against harsh sunlight that will avoid migraine. Keeping the head covered with the help of a cap or a bandana is also a good way for sun protection and avoiding a migraine.  

Avoid strong fragrances
Some people are very sensitive to strong fragrances and this multiplies in summer as the humidity and heat triggers migraine. These people should avoid strong perfumes, air freshners or
any cosmetic products that contain a hard fragrance. One can try some aromatheraphy oils like the mint, tea tree or lemon grass in order to get rid of headaches.

Be regular with exercise
If you exercise outdoors or don’t have air conditioning, you may need to modify your exercise routine for the summer. Summer offers options for exercise that aren’t available in the winter.

Bid adieu to spicy food
A common trigger for severe headaches is the consumption of spicy food. Avoid very spicy or oily food not only during summers but throughout the year as they evoke headaches, acidity, which can lead to ulcers and other such health hazards. Lemon grass tea is a good way to relax and soothe the nervous system and flush away the toxins. Also avoid too much cold food like ice creams as the body takes time to adapt to a particular climate.

Finally, there’s no sure way to avoid every headache but we can take steps to minimise them and their impact.