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Why can caffeine both relieve and worsen headaches

Why can caffeine both relieve and worsen headaches

Nothing pumps up our energy levels better than a cup of warm tea or coffee on a busy workday. Reports by the FDA suggest that around 80% of people in the country have caffeine daily. But is this compound healthy? While many studies have been conducted on the effects of caffeine, the results have always been conflicting. This article analyzes the pros and cons of consuming caffeine while suffering from headaches.

How does caffeine help during headaches?
A cup of tea or coffee can provide the following benefits when suffering from a headache:

Quick migraine relief
If the pain is migraine-related, caffeinated beverages can help relieve the symptoms by reducing inflammation. Caffeine’s vasoconstrictive properties cause blood vessels around the brain to narrow and restrict blood flow, which helps reduce pain.

Calming effect on the body
Tension headaches are caused when the muscles in the scalp and neck contract in response to stress or depressive symptoms. Caffeine increases the levels of a specific compound in the body that has a calming effect, relieving tension headaches.

Relief from hypnic headaches
Hypnic headache (HH) is a rare headache that occurs only during sleep, particularly during the REM stage. Researchers say these headaches could be caused because the brain area responsible for pain processing is triggered during this stage of sleep. Consuming 40 to 60 mg of caffeine before bed can help treat HH without disrupting sleep.

How can caffeine worsen headaches?
Sometimes, this compound can have the opposite effect because of the following reasons:

Narrowing of blood vessels around the brain
As discussed, caffeine narrows the blood vessels surrounding the brain to relieve pain. However, when a person who drinks tea or coffee regularly avoids these beverages altogether, the narrowed blood vessels enlarge, increasing blood flow pressure around the nerves and causing a headache. Consequently, it is easy to become dependent on caffeine, with a headache being a withdrawal symptom when one tries to quit.

Headaches due to excess consumption
An overdose of caffeine can trigger headaches and a host of other side effects. Caffeinated beverages possess diuretic effects, i.e., they cause the body to pass urine more frequently, leading to dehydration. Dehydration, in turn, is a common cause of debilitating headaches.

Should one consume or avoid caffeine?
Caffeine has several antioxidants, which help prevent inflammation and relieve pain, so avoiding it entirely may not be a solution to preventing headaches. However, excessive caffeine intake can harm the body in the long run, causing issues like caffeine dependence and dehydration. Researchers say a person’s daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400 mg. Further, certain types of tea and coffee, such as the herbal varieties, often have an edge over black tea and coffee because they are packed with more antioxidants and can lower one’s risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. Like any other food or beverage, knowing one’s caffeine limit is the key to avoiding its adverse effects.

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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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7 tips for preventing digital eye strain and headaches

Today, you live in a fast-paced world where almost everything you do is associated with a digital screen. Here, electronics like smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions, help us work or enjoy some form of content. However, the constant use of such technology has its downsides, including health concerns like eye strain and headaches, which may affect the ability to carry out daily tasks. So, here are seven tips to prevent such discomfort: Take breaks Sitting in front of a screen for too long is one of the common causes of eye strain and headaches. So, whether you read, work, or watch something on a screen, you must take occasional breaks and look away. This will help you rest your eyes and avoid strain. Choose the right eyewear If you work on the computer for long periods, then you might need protective gear like computer glasses to avoid digital eye strain. You could get prescription or non-prescription eyewear with glasses that block blue light from computer and phone screens. Such glasses or contacts can shield your eyes from harmful light. Consider speaking to an optometrist to help you choose the right vision care products. Use eye drops Artificial tears or eye drops could help relieve dry eyes. The product can lubricate the eyes and prevent the recurrence of dry eye symptoms. However, you should speak to an eye specialist before buying eye drops to avoid choosing the wrong product.  Reduce screen time Today, spending time indoors might be preferable to venturing outdoors. However, it is important to limit the amount of time you spend on electronic devices and in front of screens. Apart from eye strain and headaches, excessive screen time may also lead to other health complications like problems with posture, stress, and exhaustion. Improve indoor air quality Poor indoor air quality can trigger dry eyes, which could increase the risk of visual strain and headaches. So, you should ensure that your home is well-ventilated and free from pollutants. Using a humidifier, adjusting a thermostat to reduce blowing air, and avoiding objects that create fumes are ways to prevent such complications. Adjust the lighting While watching television, a room with soft lighting might be easier on the eyes. If you are reading something, position the light source behind you and direct the light onto the page or task. If you read at a desk, use a shade for the light or lamp to keep the light from shining directly in your eyes. Blink often Blinking less is a common cause of dry eyes, which can increase the risk of digital eye strain and headaches. Blinking produces tears to moisten and refresh the eyes, so it is important to blink often, especially when using electronics. 

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