Tips for Preventing Headaches in Seniors
While the mainstays for headache relief include prescription and over-the-counter medications, there are a number of other options. This is beneficial for those who don’t get much help from these medications or who suffer from side effects when they take them. Researchers have discovered a number of new ways to handle headache pain for seniors, to provide long-lasting relief and even prevention of future headaches. Some of the best ways to battle headaches in seniors include:
Reduce Salt Intake
If you are over the age of 50 and tired of having to deal with painful headaches, then you should reduce the amount of salty foods you eat. According to a recent study, seniors who switched to a diet low in salt developed less headaches. By cutting total salt intake from 3600 mg a day to 1200mg, the amount of headaches experienced was reduced significantly. This can work for you, as well, especially if you suffer from headaches on a regular basis.
Practice Mediation and Yoga
To reduce headaches – another option is to try meditation and yoga. Each of these can help to relieve headaches. They can also help to reduce issues with tension, anxiety and stress, which will also help in relieving headache pain.
Work Out
Strength training has shown quite a bit promise in helping to reduce and prevent the pain of tension headaches. When you develop your muscles in the shoulder regions, a recent study showed that this will actually reduce the number of headaches that you experience. This can be beneficial for seniors, in a number of ways, since you tend to lose muscle mass as you age.
Eat More Folate
Folate rich foods, such as spinach, can help to reduce the frequency of migraines significantly. It is also possible to get more folate by taking folic acid supplements, as well as vitamins B6 and B12. You can also eat other foods, such as lentils, eggs, cantaloupe, broccoli, kale, grains fortified with folic acid, avocados and strawberries.
When you use the tips here you can help to reduce the pain and discomfort of headaches. While there are some ailments that simply go along with getting older, headaches don’t have to be one of these. Comfort Keepers in-home caregivers in Santa Clarita offers more information about in home care and how to help seniors live comfortably. Call them today for more information about this topic, or any other senior-related question you may have.
Comfort Keepers
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
