Dehydration- Tips to stay hydrated and prevent headaches

Dehydration- Tips to stay hydrated and prevent headaches

Dehydration happens when the body loses more fluids than what is being replenished by way of foods and beverages daily. Even underlying health complications or side effects of prescriptions can trigger dehydration caused by symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration can further cause headaches to develop, trigger urinary tract infections, and even lower blood pressure. Here are a few simple changes in lifestyle and useful tips on how to stay hydrated explained.

What causes dehydration headaches?
The brain is made up of nearly 70% water, so a fluid deficiency can cause headaches. However, since the brain does not have any pain receptors, the headache is triggered by the receptors on the lining of the brain. Dehydration forces the fluids to shift out of the organ and force traction on the lining, known as meninges. This stimulates the pain receptors. The pain primarily develops in the front of the brain, where people often complain about a pressuring sensation that starts with a headache.

Easy ways to stay hydrated
Children and adults must remain hydrated throughout the day. Here are a few simple tips for maintaining consistency.

  • Drink water first thing in the morning
    Drinking a glass of room-temperature water right after getting up will kick-start the body’s metabolism. Remember, without an active metabolism, the organs and systems will not run at optimum levels.
  • Use a reminder
    During a busy workday, it’s possible to forget about or even ignore thirst and hunger to get work done. But doing so can only worsen the headaches and symptoms associated with dehydration. Simply download the water reminder smart app and sync it to the smartwatch to get periodic reminders. Set the reminder with an hourly alert so that when the alarm goes off, you immediately drink a glass of water without having to keep track.
  • Buy a smart water bottle
    This may sound like an unnecessary investment, but these smart water bottles ensure proper daily water intake. Similar to setting a reminder on the smart app, these bottles come equipped with a system that sends push notifications to track hydration. The bottle will adjust color and glow, indicating it’s time to drink water. Products like HydrateSpark TAP track the total amount of hydration accurately and conveniently remind you when it’s time to have a sip.
  • Hydrate before meals
    Experts also recommend having a glass of water right before a meal to activate the metabolism and digest the foods better. This will also prevent the body from dehydrating as the water is used up for processing foods.
  • Be mindful of body signals
    Hunger pangs and food cravings could also indicate dehydration. It’s not necessary to satiate cravings with food only. Sometimes, that rumble in the tummy also indicates fluid loss that needs to be replenished at the earliest.
  • Consider flavored beverages
    Lemon juice, orange juice, coconut water, and watermelon juice are all tasty, flavorful fluids that can be relished apart from a glass of water during the day.
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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Top 5 ways to prevent recurring headaches

Most people experience headaches from time to time. At the same time, others have chronic headaches that can hinder their daily activities. However, preventing a headache can be a lot easier than getting rid of one. While the exact causes of these throbbing aches are poorly understood, one can identify the triggers to manage or minimize them. Keep reading the article to know more about the top ways to prevent them. Top 5 ways to prevent headaches before they begin Stick to a regular sleep schedule One of the most effective ways to prevent headaches is to focus on healthy habits. This can include following a regular sleep schedule and eating nutrient-rich foods, and one must consistently follow these habits to prevent headaches in the long run. This means one must sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Drink plenty of water throughout the day Staying hydrated throughout the day is one of the healthiest ways to prevent headaches. However, most people need to realize that they need to drink more water throughout the day to ensure the body functions properly. Hence, healthcare professionals suggest drinking at least one glass of water each morning and evening meal. In addition, one can keep a water bottle handy and drink water throughout the day to prevent future headaches. Exercise regularly The regular physical activity ensures physical and mental well-being and is one of the most effective ways to counter stress and prevent headaches. However, one must consult a healthcare professional before opting for high-intensity exercises. Some low- and moderate-intensity activities to add to their daily schedule include walking, cycling, and swimming. Do not skip any meals As mentioned earlier, one must develop healthy habits to prevent headaches. One of the ways to ensure this is to eat nutritious food at regular times throughout the day. One must also avoid headache triggers such as caffeine to prevent future headaches before they begin effectively. Furthermore, people with chronic headaches are suggested to avoid foods with preservatives. Manage stress In cases of migraine headaches, which are challenging to manage, one must ensure a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. This means that in addition to avoiding potential migraine headache triggers, one must find effective ways to cope with and manage stress. This can be achieved by planning, simplifying the schedule, and staying positive. One can also try stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and tai-chi to reduce stress effectively. In addition to adapting to the abovementioned ways to prevent headaches, one must consult a healthcare professional to understand the triggers better. Further, this can lead to developing a treatment plan that works best for the patient.

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