Trigger Avoidance Information

Headache Hygiene Tips

Headache may be triggered or worsen with certain types of foods, activities, medications, or stress. Below is a list of possible ways to make a few modifications to your lifestyle that may significantly impact the frequency of headaches.

Get Regular Sleep
  • Go to bed and wake up at regular times each day
  • Do not sleep excessively on the weekends and too little on the weekdays
  • Most adults need approximately 6-8 hours of sleep per night
Eat Regular Meals
  • Low blood sugar can trigger a headache
  • Eat regular meals three times each day including protein, fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates
  • Too much sugar may lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar followed by a rapid decline in blood sugar, which can trigger a headache
Get Moderate Amounts of Routine Exercise
  • Moderate exercise three to five times each week will help reduce stress and keep you physically fit
  • Too much exercise or inconsistent patterns of exercise may trigger headache
Drink Plenty of Water
  • A normal adult should drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Dehydration may cause headaches
Limit Caffeine, Alcohol and other Drugs
  • Caffeine is a stimulant and caffeine withdrawal may cause headaches when blood levels of caffeine taper
  • Alcohol may be a trigger for headaches and alcohol in moderation may reduce the number of headaches
Reduce Stress
  • Stress may lead to an increase in headache
  • Relaxation and stress management may help reduce headaches

Identifying Headache Triggers Worksheet

 
Date of trigger-Exposure
Headache Description-
Describe course of headache
Aged cheese
 
 
Alcohol
 
 
Chocolate
 
 
Citrus fruits
 
 
Cured meats
 
 
Dehydration
 
 
Excess caffeine
 
 
Excessive exercise
 
 
Eyestrain or other visual triggers
 
 
Fatigue
 
 
Menstruation
 
 
Medication use/missed
 
 
MSG
 
 
NutraSweet®
 
 
Nuts
 
 
Onions
 
 
Salty foods
 
 
Sleep deprivation
 
 
Skipped meals
 
 
Stress
 
 
Others (list below)