Do These Things to Avoid Holiday Migraines
For many the notion of a "holiday headache" is associated with the hustle and bustle of shopping and preparing for the holidays. To a migraineur (person who gets migraines) it means that at any minute a migraine can occur - often times because of something that was eaten or drank. It also means that the stress associated with aforementioned prep for the holidays can actually induce a hormonal reaction in the body to cause a migraine that may last for days.
Many of the migraines that occur during the month of December are triggered events, some of which can be avoided by following a few simple rules- the most difficult of which may be saying "NO."
What many people don't realize is that triggers can work in combination and compound the effect, especially when other factors are also in play. For example, you may be able to get away with drinking a single small glass of wine at home once in awhile, but couple it with other foods, excitement, and overactive hormonal rhythms and you could be playing with fire and paying the high price of a migraine.
Red wine is a well know major trigger, but are you prepared to refuse when your host offers you a glass of wine to join in on the celebration? How do you respond to that pushy offer to try your hostess's favorite dish? Being ready to refuse with a prepared answer may save you hours and even days fighting a horrible migraine. You shouldn't expect others to know what might bother you; rather you should be ready with a good explanation as to why you must decline the offer.
Since there is simply no way of knowing what is in the things served this time of the year at parties or potlucks, the best advice may be - when in doubt don't eat or drink it and politely decline. There is no shame in saying that you suffer from migraines that can be triggered by some foods, drinks and ingredients and that you can't afford to take a chance at getting one from eating cheese cake or whatever else is offered to you.
Although it is easier to avoid the things you know will cause you problems than it is to say no to Aunt Harriet's offer of her favorite holiday dish that may be loaded with hidden migraine triggers, why take the chance? And watch out for "secret recipe" dishes that may have been bought at a store and "re-plated" as they may be loaded with MSG, nitrates, tyramine, and other "do not touch" ingredients lying in wait to set off a migraine in you.
Holiday Triggers. The following is my list of key foods and drinks to avoid during this season for you to print and keep with you.
- Almonds and nuts: Lots of these around, but don't eat them.
- Wines, especially red wine - instead you may want to try a drink made of cranberry juice, club soda and a clear alcohol.
- Cheeses - especially the cheese balls.
- Sausage, little wieners, and other such things floating around in a crock pot full of the special BBQ sauce that may be loaded with MSG.
- Spiced ciders and other drinks may look good, but make sure they don't contain something that bothers you like ginger.
- Snack mixes - these are party and office favorites that may contain MSG to heighten the flavor of the ingredients found in these tasty treats.
- Chocolate -I hate to mention this hard to resist holiday confection, but for many people it can be a real problem.
Know your triggers and try hard not to cheat just because it is a party. Triggers compound rapidly and the last thing you want it is to be missing out on the fun because of a migraine.
If you have any questions or are in doubt about something, ask us for advice. Add our phone number and email address to your cell phone contacts right now to make it easy to contact us with your questions or concerns. Phone: 1-866-867-5953 email: Questions@Tuliv.com.
To learn more about migraine triggers click here.
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