Headaches can strike at the worst times. You might get one right before an important meeting, during a workout or when you’re trying your best to relax after a long day. While common culprits like stress, dehydration and lack of sleep are well-known headache triggers, other unexpected ones might be playing a role.
Factors like certain foods, your posture and even eyewear can contribute to headaches without you even realizing it. Small lifestyle adjustments can help reduce headache frequency and intensity. Understanding these hidden causes may just be the key to long-term relief. Here are six surprising triggers and how to deal with them.
The Weather
If you’ve ever noticed a headache creeping up on you when a storm is approaching, you’re not crazy. Changes in barometric pressure can trigger headaches, especially for people who are already prone to migraines. When the pressure drops, it can cause blood vessels in the brain to expand, leading to pain and discomfort. High humidity, extreme temperatures and sudden weather shifts can also play a role.
Staying hydrated and managing stress levels can help reduce sensitivity to weather-related headaches. If you’re particularly affected, track weather patterns along with your headache frequency to find connections.
Your Posture
Slouching over a desk or looking down at your phone for long periods can put excessive pressure on your neck and shoulders, which leads to tension headaches. Poor posture causes your spine to become misaligned and creates muscle tension that travels to the head.
Simple adjustments can make a big difference. Keeping screens at eye level, using a chair with proper lumbar support and taking regular stretch breaks help prevent posture-related headaches. Gentle neck and shoulder stretches can also relieve built-up tension and improve overall posture.
Foods
Certain foods and ingredients trigger headaches, even if they seem harmless. Processed meats, aged cheese, artificial sweeteners, and foods high in MSG or nitrates are all common headache culprits. For some, even seemingly healthy foods like citrus fruits or nuts can cause problems.
Keeping a food journal can help identify patterns between what you eat and when headaches occur. Staying hydrated, avoiding highly processed foods, and balancing meals with protein, healthy fats and complex carbs can also help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce headache risk.
Eyewear
Wearing the wrong glasses or those with an improper fit can cause eyestrain, which might lead to frequent headaches. When glasses sit too low or press unevenly on the face, they can create pressure points and force the eyes to work harder to focus.
Low bridge-fit glasses, designed for those with lower-bridge noses and higher cheekbones, provide better stability and comfort. Unlike standard frames, they reduce pressure on the nose and temples, helping to prevent headaches. Well-fitted glasses can enhance vision clarity and decrease eyestrain, making daily wear much more comfortable.
Hunger
Skipping meals or going too long without eating can cause blood sugar levels to drop, triggering headaches. When the brain doesn’t get enough glucose, it can lead to dizziness, fatigue and a throbbing headache.
Eating balanced meals at regular intervals helps keep blood sugar stable. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide lasting energy, like whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. If you’re prone to hunger headaches, keeping a small snack like nuts or a protein bar on hand can help prevent them before they start.
Dehydration
Even mild dehydration can be headache triggers in some people. Your blood volume decreases when your body lacks enough fluids, reducing oxygen flow to the brain and causing discomfort. Electrolyte imbalances also play a role, making hydration more important than just drinking enough water.
Prevent dehydration headaches by drinking water consistently throughout the day rather than chugging large amounts at once. You can also check how much water you should be consuming based on your body weight and activity level. You will need to drink more water daily if you’re more active. Adding electrolyte-rich foods like bananas, spinach and coconut water can help maintain proper hydration levels. If you often forget to drink water, setting reminders or carrying a reusable bottle can make a significant difference.
Headaches, Be Gone!
Headaches can come from unexpected places, but the good news is that small changes can make a big difference. Staying mindful of headache triggers like weather shifts, eyewear fit and meal timing can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. If they keep showing up uninvited, start tracking patterns and making adjustments. A few tweaks to your daily routine might be all it takes to keep those pesky pains at bay.