Headaches are a somewhat common occurrence while dieting. There are many causes for headaches on a diet because there are many different kinds of headaches. They range from the simple tension headache to the throbbing vascular headache or migraine Some of the more common diet headaches could be the result of a decreased plasma volume–better known as dehydration–that is often a part of early weight loss.
Here are some tips to aid in the various headaches that accompany dieting:
- Tension headaches: Simply take a mild pain pill or muscle relaxant. Relief should come within 30 minutes to an hour.
- Vascular headaches or migraines: These type of headaches can be brought about my a multitude of reasons including changes in diet, allergies, low potassium, hypoglycemia or insulin resistance. Consult your physician about which of these may be causing your headaches. Treatment for these include dietary changes, allergy relief medication, supplements, and diabetic dieting and/or treatments.
- Dehydration headaches: Obviously drinking more water will treat dehydration, but more important that drinking enough in a day, is drinking enough throughout your day. Try drinking at least a 4-8oz of water intermittently throughout your day for a total of 8-10 cups. For those of you who want a little pizzazz, try drinking zero-calorie flavored water.
If you have symptoms accompanying your headaches such as vomiting or changes in eyesight, and these symptoms are cyclic (happening prior to your period), your body may be low in progesterone. With the direction of a physician, 1/4 tsp. of natural progesterone cream on days 14-26 of your cycle should eliminate your headaches and other symptoms.
-MD Diet Staff
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