We often skip meals, especially breakfast, due to our hectic schedules and too fast-paced lifestyle.
We often forget the consequences of skipping meals on the body, the hunger headache being one of the common side effects.
Like any other machines which needs regular fuelling for it to function properly, the body is one such machines which also needs regular and timely fuelling in the form of foods.
This article will explore the reasons of a hunger headache and how to deal with it.
Common causes of hunger headache
It is not easy to understand the functioning of a human body as it is a complex machinery which exists on the face of the earth.
Similarly, headaches occur frequently but there may be a number of causes and just one of them is hunger headache that happens if you have been on an empty stomach for longer duration.
While hunger headaches do not lead to any serious problem, it isn’t something you should experience on a regular basis.
The most important cause of hunger headache could be a low blood sugar level that happens when the blood sugar levels drop during starvation.
Also Read: 10 Types of Headache You Should Be Knowing!
We all know that glucose acts as an energy provider for the body, even the brain. Therefore, when the energy source is depleted in the body, we begin to feel fatigued, sluggish, and dehydrated which ultimately leads to headaches.
On the opposite side, feeding the body with excessive sugar could also lead to headaches. Similarly, drinking too much coffee may also cause a hunger headaches.
Coffee has caffeine and excessive caffeine play an important role in dehydrating the body causing hunger headache.
Another point which needs attention is that if you regularly take medicines for to treat the hunger headache, it might lead to recurring headache in future.
You might also get hunger headaches if you aren’t drinking enough water.
So, always stay hydrated. This is actually the most important step to keeping yourself all healthy and glowing!
How to prevent a hunger headache?
We all know the famous saying – prevention is better than cure, so you must always look for ways to prevent hunger headache instead of letting them occur again and again and then looking for ways to get rid of them. You should reduce the chances of getting hunger headaches after eating meals at regular interval of time.
Avoid fasting
Avoid skipping meals and also ensure proper intake of fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains is up to mark.
Hydrate yourself
Adequate hydration of the body is the main element in preventing a hunger headache. Keep drinking water or juice throughout the day. Don’t wait to feel thirsty.
Also Read: 10 Common Reasons Why You Have Frequent Headaches
Limit sugar intake
Another important tip to follow is to limit the intake of sugar. Avoid the processed food and excess caffeine. Always keep healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits, salad, handy and eat them when you feel hungry.
Tips to get rid of hunger headache
The simplest way to avoid hunger headache is to eat something which is nutritious.
Another reason for hunger headache is acidity which forms in the stomach if you skip meals. Eating reduces the formation of acidity and hunger headache.
Foods which are rich in complex carbohydrate must be preferred if you have hunger headaches as these foods would help in maintaining the blood sugar levels for longer time.
Eat smaller meals at regular interval of time. This would help maintain a constant level of the blood sugar levels through the day unlike fewer large meals that could cause blood sugar to show irregular spikes in body, which in turn causes headache.
Avoiding processed foods can also help get rid of the headache. Add more protein in your diet since they provide best nutrition and fill you up sufficiently.
Eating at regular intervals is best for good health; there may be situations where you have to remain hungry and thirsty throughout the day, for example Ramadan and Karwa Chauth.
People following these rituals and observing fasts on these days, must follow simple eating habits, which would keep them satiated and reduce the chances of any headache.
- Include protein-rich foods such as pulses, yogurt, and nut which will keep you full for longer period since they take more time to digest, besides keeping nutrition quotient high in the body.
- Consume foods rich in complex carbohydrate in the morning such as cereals, rice, fruits, and whole grains.
- Drink lot of water when you get up in the morning. This will keep you hydrated and also prevent hunger headaches.
- Avoid sugar coated desserts and snacks early in the morning. Avoid sweets which are generally the preferred delicacies during the festive times. Say no to processed as well as deep fried foods. Consume foods that are light on stomach yet very nutritious.
- Have enough sleep before you get up for the morning meal on a fasting day. Sleep deprivation could lead to headaches.