For headaches, more water and less paracetamol

Headache is a problem that, in general, we all suffer from, although we do not face it in the same way. In reality, there are many reasons that can cause this discomfort. However, a large part of the population opts for the solution that they consider quickest and easiest: taking medication.

The most curious thing is that On many occasions, when you do not know its origin, the first recommended measure against a headache is much simpler, cheaper and completely harmless: drinking water. Another thing is that it is tension type or has another medical reason. In any case, you have nothing to lose by trying to improve your hydration.

This is because Dehydration has, among other symptoms, headache. Therefore, taking a paracetamol, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory tablet may not solve anything. In fact, if the reason is that, if the pain goes away when taking the medication, it may be more because of the water that accompanies it than because of the medicine itself.

Identify dehydration headache

A dehydration headache is a secondary headache caused by a lack of fluid in the body.. Dehydration headaches can be relatively mild, but they can also be severe, like a migraine.

This is because the body requires the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes to function properly. Every day, the body loses water in multiple ways, such as sweating and urinating. This way, A dehydration headache can occur after sweating, when the body loses essential fluids to function properly, after exercising or having been very hot. It can also occur if fluids are not replaced.

Most of the time, The amount of fluid lost is easily balanced by drinking or eating water-rich foods. However, sometimes the body loses water faster than it can be replaced.

When the body is dehydrated, the brain may temporarily shrink or contract due to fluid loss. This mechanism causes the brain to separate from the skull, causing pain and resulting in a dehydration headache. Once rehydrated, the brain fills and returns to its normal state, relieving the headache.

Symptoms of dehydration headache

Dehydration headache may feel like a dull headache or a severe migraine. This pain can occur in the front, back, side, or throughout the head.

Unlike sinus pain (acute sinusitis), A person who experiences a dehydration headache will likely not experience facial pain or pressure. Pain in the back of the neck, as might occur when the headache is due to tension, is also unlikely to occur.

The symptoms accompanying dehydration headache They would be the following:

Thirst.Reduced urination.Dark colored urine. Confusion.Dizziness.Fatigue. Dry and sticky mouth.Loss of skin elasticity.Low blood pressure. Increased heart rate.

Some people only experience a dehydration headache if they are severely dehydrated. These people may experience some additional symptoms, such as lack of sweating, fever, sunken eyes, or wrinkled skin, among others.

Prevent dehydration headache

Staying well hydrated is the best way to prevent dehydration headaches. If you suffer from headaches frequently, this preventive measure will help you improve your quality of life. But how much water should you drink to stay well hydrated? Room temperature, the amount of exercise you do, and your own body weight influence how much fluid you should drink each day.

A good way to know how much water you should drink and not forget is to use a mobile app. There are many available and free. Look for one that calculates the amount of water you should drink based on your weight, the room temperature, and the amount of physical activity you do. By adding the amount of liquid you drink throughout the day, you will see whether or not you reach the recommended amount.

When the headache is due to another cause

Another common headache is tension-type, either due to poor posture or stress, among other reasons. Doing sports regularly and practicing relaxation exercises are two very useful options for prevention or relief. Personally, I recommend an option that combines both characteristics: practicing yoga.

In any case, if the pain persists, increases or is very intense, go to See your doctor to find the cause of your headache. And remember that, regardless of the reason for the headache, the important thing is to attack the root of the problem. Medications usually only relieve symptoms.

You might be interested…