Well-recognized predisposing factors, even among those not prone to headache, are overindulgence in food or alcohol, or exposure to stuffy, poorly ventilated atmospheres.

Tension headaches frequently occur after fatigue and stress, or may be related to episodes of anxiety or conflict at work or at home. Migraine headaches can also be induced by fatigue, stress, anxiety and overexcitement. In fact, excitement and emotions rank high on the list of predisposing factors. Violent emotions exceed all other acute circumstances to provoke migraine reactions, and in many patients, especially sufferers from classical migraine, are responsible for the vast majority of all attacks experienced, sudden rage is the commonest precipitant, although panic and fright may be equally potent in younger patients. Sudden elation as at a moment of triumph or unexpected good fortune may have the same effect. As well as emotional stress, there may be other contributory factors such as exposure to bright lights, excessive noise, hunger, alcohol, eating certain foods such as cheese, chocolate, cucumbers, tomatoes, fatty foods, wheat, onions and even oranges.

If, as is likely, one or more of these predisposing factors are applicable to your case, then there is every possibility that by avoiding or eliminating these factors you can reduce the frequency of your headaches, or even prevent them.

Since the factors predisposing to migraine headache affect nearly every aspect of living, some readjustment in your life’s activities may be called for. You may need to give attention, not only to your diet and eating habits, but to conditions at work and at home, to your rest, relaxation, recreational activities, and perhaps, even more importantly, to your mental outlook or attitude toward life.

A well-balanced diet taken regularly and in moderation will help prevent the headaches of overindulgence and indigestion, or the migraine that may be induced by hunger. It is easy to exclude any particular food or alcoholic beverage that in your case may seem to be associated with your migraine headache.