There is a time and place for medication. Some people require them to ease their health issues, but too many medications come with a long list of side effects. One of the most common side effects is heartburn because certain medications irritate the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. That can cause heartburn pain that is similar to the pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Although some medications cause heartburn or make it worse, others can actually relieve heartburn. Typically, the ones that cause heartburn include iron or potassium supplements, antibiotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. Want to know if a medication you take is responsible for the heartburn you experience? Read on to learn which medications cause heartburn.

Aspirin

Whether you take it to ease your headaches or reduce the risk of heart attack, aspirin increases heartburn in those who already have it. The reason for this is because aspirin promotes more acid production in the stomach. Aspirin prevents the body from forming protecting prostaglandins in the digestive tract. The body makes prostaglandins, which act like hormones, and the ones in the stomach prevent cells in the stomach wall from producing and releasing acid.

Sleeping Pills And Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), work to relieve anxiety and aid relaxation. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which may cause heartburn. The unfortunate reality is that most people lie down after taking these medications. Lying down can increase the severity of acid reflux because reclining prevents gravity from keeping stomach acid down, meaning it can get into the esophagus. 

Iron Supplements

Iron supplementation is typically reserved as a treatment for people with iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can irritate the lining of the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux. According to research, iron erodes the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron pill-induced gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) has only been documented in people who take iron supplements in pill form, not liquid form. 

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen products, such as Motrin or Advil, can help mitigate pain, but may cause heartburn. These products increase acid production in the stomach and reduce protective prostaglandins. According to gastroenterologists, oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) can be better for the stomach than taking six Motrin tablets per day. That said, some narcotics cause heartburn and are habit-forming; not to mention, they can cause constipation. 

Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements can help regulate blood pressure, but they can also irritate the esophageal lining. Now, that isn’t to say that every person who takes potassium supplements will experience heartburn. You can reduce your chances of heartburn by taking the supplements while sitting up and drinking plenty of water with them. No matter what supplement you take, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting. The FDA minimally regulates dietary supplements and their effects vary from person to person. If you are nervous about dosage or negative interactions with current medications, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants, work in a specific way and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, some older tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or amitriptyline, may cause heartburn because they slow how quickly the stomach empties. Tricyclic antidepressants can also relax the LES, which increases the risk of heartburn.

Antibiotics

Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat common bacterial infections. One of the drawbacks is that they can cause heartburn. If you tend to experience heartburn regularly and require antibiotics, consult your health care provider to get one that is gentle on the stomach and esophagus. An enteric-coated pill may be less abrasive because the coating keeps the pill intact as it passes through the stomach. That means it dissolves in the small intestine, not your stomach.

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If you experience migraines, you know when one is about to occur. You feel the pain creep across your forehead or up the back of your neck. People have different triggers for migraines, and determining what your trigger is can be a big obstacle to overcome. Once you identify your trigger, you can do your best to avoid it and reduce the frequency of migraines. 

Not a lot of people suspect their diet to trigger migraines, but certain foods can easily cause your head pain. According to research, a variety of foods and beverages contribute to nausea, throbbing, pounding, and some visual symptoms of migraines. If you want to experiment with your diet to be free of migraines, consider eliminating the following foods, which have been known to set off pain. 

Alcohol

This is a beverage that’ll give you a headache whether you get migraines or not. An evening cocktail is relaxing while you casually sip it, but it can contribute to migraine tension. The Association of Migraine Disorders lists alcohol as one of the most common dietary triggers. There are certain compounds in alcohol, such as histamine and congeners, which may be to blame. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which can cause dehydration (another migraine trigger). Regardless of what the research says, it may be a good idea to avoid beer, wine, and spirits if alcohol is your trigger. 

Foods With Phenylalanine

What is this compound? Well, it is an essential amino acid that exists in myriad protein sources. You can find it in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. High doses of this amino acid have been linked to headaches, including migraines. Because phenylalanine exists in many healthy protein sources, avoiding it completely may prove difficult, not to mention a questionable decision for your overall health. Avoiding all foods that contain phenylalanine creates a highly restrictive eating pattern. If you suspect this to be your migraine trigger, just consider cutting down on these foods, or make sure that you don’t overeat them. 

Caffeine

Caffeine is a mixed bag for migraines. It is a common trigger food for migraines, but some people drink a cup of coffee or soda and know relief is on the way. Unfortunately, there is not a sufficient amount of research on this matter, so scientists cannot give a definitive recommendation on caffeine consumption or avoidance for migraine relief. That said, if you experience migraines and know that drinking caffeine negatively affects you, avoid it to the best of your ability. If you exceed 200 milligrams of caffeine daily and you suddenly stop drinking caffeine, you may experience a migraine as a withdrawal symptom. 

Food Intolerances

Occasionally, headaches can stem from certain food intolerances. According to research, migraines are very common in the setting of gluten, soy, and other food intolerances. If you have a food intolerance, be it to gluten, soy, or something else, you will usually experience symptoms within 12 to 24 hours after eating. 

Foods With Tyramine

If you have never heard of this compound, don’t be hard on yourself because you won’t see it on ingredient lists. It exists in both plant and animal foods and is a byproduct of the breakdown of tyrosine, an amino acid. Some people experience headaches from foods that contain tyramine, such as red wine, figs, aged cheese, and smoked fish. Whether or not you get a headache depends on how much of these foods you eat or drink, according to health experts. Preliminary research shows that people who are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may experience migraines after eating tyramine-containing foods because of the chemical interaction that occurs.

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Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, results from myriad reasons. It can develop because of a problem that directly affects the ear, or it happens in conjunction with another issue. This is what medical experts call “referred pain.” Ear pain can be minor or severe, and occasionally a sign of infection or underlying health issue. 

Health experts recommend that you never ignore ear pain. Figuring out the cause can help you address it with the appropriate treatment. The sooner you treat your ear pain, the sooner that dull or sharp burning sensation in one or both ears can go away. Read on to learn about seven common causes of ear pain.

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses, which are air-filled pockets located behind the forehead and eyebrows, become inflamed. Bacteria can cause sinuses to become inflamed, but so can viruses and fungi. Fluid accumulation in the sinuses is the most common symptom of a sinus infection. This inflammation can block or inflame the Eustachian tube, which can lead to ear pain. Sinus infection may also cause headache, facial pain, runny nose, and congestion.

Ear Infection

Ear infections are most common among children, but anyone at any age can experience them. In children, the Eustachian tube clogs easily, but it should drain fluid made in the middle ear. If blockages occur, fluid builds up and a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear can develop. Besides general ear pain, ear infection can cause congestion, ear drainage, fever, and other symptoms. Although mild ear infections tend to clear up on their own with home remedies, certain infections require antibiotic treatment. 

Wax Buildup

Believe it or not, the body produces earwax to help keep the ears clean and protected from debris. Too much earwax can lead to buildup that partially or fully blocks the ear canal, which can cause ear pain. In most cases, you can resolve wax buildup at home or with expert-backed methods to flush out excess wax. If you have too much wax or you have difficulty removing it on your own, consult your healthcare provider for more help.

The Common Cold

The common cold can affect the way the Eustachian tube functions. This tube links the back of the nose to the middle ear and it protects, ventilates, and drains the middle ear. If something prevents this tube from doing its job, that is classified as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This typically happens when the tube’s lining becomes inflamed, which can result from the common cold. Besides ear pain that results from a cold, Eustachian tube dysfunction can make your ear feel full, causing you to not hear as well or hear popping sounds.

Allergies

Exposure to dust, pollen, mold, or other allergens can irritate the sinuses, which causes sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes. In some cases, fluid may build up in the sinuses and cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube. As you know by now, swelling of the Eustachian tube can lead to ear pressure and general ear pain.

Swimmer’s Ear

Despite the name, this condition doesn’t always result from swimming or water activities. It refers to an infection, irritation, or inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. More often than not, it’s caused by bacteria from unclean water that gets into the ear. Swimmer’s ear can cause discharge to leak from the ear, but it also can cause ear pain, itchiness, and swelling. Because the infection can spread to other parts of the ear and worsen, contact a healthcare provider to examine this issue as soon as possible. 

Air Pressure Changes

If you drive in mountainous areas, dive underwater, or fly in a plane, you know that your ears pop. Pressure inside the ear is different from the pressure outside, so the ear has to adjust, but it doesn’t always pop the way you’d hope. This is why many people recommend yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing to stabilize the pressure and resolve the pain. If these things do not resolve the issue for several hours, you may need to see a healthcare provider, especially if you develop a fever, ear drainage, or severe ear pain. Untreated cases of ear barotrauma can damage the eardrum and cause hearing loss.

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When you hear the word “trauma,” what is your immediate reaction? If you are like most people, you probably think of serious accidents, abuse, or war-torn countries. Anybody can experience trauma because anything that threatens safety or well-being can be traumatizing. It overwhelms the capacity to cope or respond and leaves a sense of hopelessness or fear. 

Psychiatrists define trauma as an imprint left by an experience on the mind, body, or brain. It is not a singular event that took place at one point during your life. It can cause emotional tension and you can store that tension in various parts of the body. Storing this tension can affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This tension can manifest in the form of headaches, jaw pain, tight shoulder muscles, heart palpitations, sweaty palms, and more. Continue reading to learn about how you can release those difficult emotions through a series of yoga poses.

Lion Pose

This pose works to relieve the emotional pain and tension you may store in your facial muscles and jaw area. Oftentimes, these are the areas that hold tension caused by panic and anxiety. Sit up straight in a cross-legged position, or kneel down and sit back onto your heels. Lean forward and place your hands on the ground in front of you, keeping your back straight. Take a deep breath in through the nose and exhale out through the mouth by opening it wide while simultaneously stretching out your tongue. Let out a loud roar or “ha” sound during this release. Repeat the pose as many times as you’d like. Just avoid this pose if you have a sore jaw, face, or neck.

Pyramid Pose

Pyramid pose stretches the hamstrings in order to release any residual stubborn emotional pain, which is often caused by fight or flight mode. Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-distance apart. Separate your feet so that they are about three to four feet apart, entering a wide stance. Take a deep breath in and press your feet firmly into the ground. Tuck your tailbone and engage your lower abdomen as you square your hips over your left leg and interlace your fingers behind your back. Exhale as you hinge at the hips to bend forward over your left leg, bring your chest to your thigh. If you need support, place your hands above your left knee. Hold this position for 15 seconds to a minute and then repeat on the other side.

Pond Pose

This pose works to relax the abdominal muscles in order to help remove any imbalances, which occur when your sense of self isn’t safe, in the solar plexus. Lie flat on your back and extend your arms overhead. Lengthen your spine and take a deep inhale, allowing your belly to rise up. Exhale fully and engage your abdomen to return to the starting position. This is an elongating pose and you can hold it for as long as is comfortable for you. 

Bound Angle Pose

Opening up the hips in bound angle pose works to release uncomfortable emotions that you store there. The hips are near the second chakra, which governs creativity, sensuality, and the emotional body. Sit up straight with your legs extended out in front of you. Bend your knees and draw your heels as close to your groin as you comfortably can. Let your knees fall out to the sides and bring the soles of your feet together. Allow gravity to let your legs fall closer to the ground. Hold this pose anywhere between one to five minutes and then return to the starting position. 

Upward Facing Dog

This pose helps to stretch the upper body, which stimulates the throat chakra and helps clear out traumatic energy. That energy tends to result from the suppression of your inner voice. Begin lying face down on your mat and make sure the tops of your feet are on the mat. Bend your arms and place your palms on either side of you by your chest. Engage your chest muscles and glutes as you press up, opening your chest to the wall and drawing your shoulder blades back. At the apex of the pose, your arms should be straight and your gaze up towards the ceiling. Hold this pose from 15 to 30 seconds and then release.

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Wormwood sounds like an herb that you would receive from a shaman during a medieval quest. Believe it or not, wormwood is one of the three key ingredients in absinthe, which Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, and Vincent Van Gogh used to drink. Maybe that’s why they were such incredible artists!

What Is Wormwood?  

Wormwood, known scientifically as Artemisia absinthium, helps to eliminate intestinal worms, specifically roundworms and pinworms. The plant, which is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, has a bitter taste and has been used for centuries in medicinal applications. Researchers note that wormwood is a perennial herb that exhibits a wide range of health benefits. Continue reading to learn about six of the many impressive health benefits of wormwood.

Aids Digestion

According to historical evidence, wormwood has helped treat flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, and other digestive issues. Wormwood contains bitter compounds that stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which enhance the absorption of nutrients from the foods you eat. The terpenes in wormwood also stimulate saliva, stomach mucus, and intestinal secretions, all of which may ease digestive symptoms. Wormwood may also reduce stomach acids that contribute to acid reflux and peptic ulcers. 

It Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Properties

Wormwood contains artemisinin, a compound that researchers believe to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies suggest that wormwood may also temper the actions of cytokines, which are proteins that help instigate inflammation. In doing so, wormwood may ease redness, warmth, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation. Most of the research about wormwood’s anti-inflammatory properties have been focused on people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A 2016 study monitored people who took 150 milligrams of wormwood extract per day for 12 weeks. The results indicated that they experienced less joint pain than the group that took a placebo. 

It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-parasitic Effects:

Wormwood has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against many pathogens, from bacteria to fungi, and even parasites. Studies show that wormwood is most effective when it comes to eliminating pinworms and roundworms from the body. Other studies found wormwood to be effective against gut parasites like Giardia lamblia and Helicobacter pylori. For these reasons, wormwood may be a promising natural alternative to traditional anti-parasitic medications or drugs.

Enhances Liver Function

Historically, wormwood was used to help support liver function. Wormwood contains compounds that help promote the secretion of bile, aiding in the breakdown of fats and toxins. Reports suggest that regular consumption of wormwood may help detoxify the liver, which helps protect it from free radical damage.

May Fight Cancer Cells

Several studies found that the artemisinin compound in wormwood may fight against iron-enriched breast cancer cells. It actually fights these cancer cells the same way it eliminates malaria-causing parasites. Cancer cells can be rich in iron because they soak it up, which facilitates cell division. A 2012 study tested samples of breast cancer cells and normal breast cells that had been treated to maximize iron content. After that, the cells were treated with a water-soluble form of artemisinin. Results revealed that normal breast cells showed little change. Within 16 hours, however, the cancer cells were dead, with only a few normal cells killed. 

May Offer Pain Relief

In the past, wormwood was used in herbal remedies as a pain-reliever. Because it contains analgesic properties, wormwood may alleviate various forms of discomfort, including headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain. Researchers don’t fully understand the mechanisms behind these effects, so more research is necessary.

Precautions

Although wormwood offers a variety of health benefits, it is crucial to exercise caution when using it. Because wormwood contains thujone, a compound that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts, there are certain people that should avoid it. Pregnant women, individuals with seizure disorders, and those with liver disease should not consume wormwood. Should you want to incorporate wormwood into your diet, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a health condition or take specific medications.

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It doesn’t have to be cold outside to use a heating pad. Whether you have a headache, sore muscles, or cramps, a heating pad is highly beneficial. Homemade heating pads are even better! Snuggle up with them if you are chilly, need comfort, or want to embrace the warmth. This article details how to make your own heating pads and the supplies you’ll need. 

Firstly, you have to gather the supplies, which are a pair of cute and cozy socks, one pair of thin socks, 2 bags of small white beans, sewing supplies, and scissors. Don’t have beans? Replace them with rice! Don’t have cozy socks? A thicker pair of socks will do the trick! By the way, you don’t have to be a professional tailor or seamstress to make these. We believe in you! 

Homemade Scented Heating Pads

• Step 1: Take the thin socks and sew them together at the cuffs. Make sure to leave a one-inch gap, and then fill each sock with a one-pound bag of beans, or one pound of rice. 
• Step 2: Sew up the rest of the cuffs because this will serve as the inside bag for your heating pad. 
• Optional Step: Drop some lavender essential oil onto the thin socks and allow it to soak into the material for about 15 minutes. 
• Step 3: Take the cozy socks and sew them together, leaving a hole big enough to fit the thin socks with the beans into them. Once you fit the thin socks inside the cozy socks, finish the sewing job. Your homemade heating pad is ready, and it should resemble a horseshoe.
• Step 4: Warm the heating pad up in the microwave for about thirty seconds and then use it on the affected area. 

The Benefit of Heating Pads

There are quite a few situations that call for a heating pad. Most importantly, heating pads help relieve aches and pains, relieve cramps, and ease muscle tension. Heating pads are a form of heat therapy, which encourages consistent circulation throughout the body. When dealing with an injury, heating pads can help reduce both muscle and pain discomfort. We detail some of the other benefits below. 

Accelerates The Healing Process

Promoting blood flow to the injured area is an essential part of the healing process. The reason for this is because increased blood flow delivers more oxygen, white blood cells, platelets, and other essential nutrients. All of these things help repair damaged tissues, which is a crucial part of the healing process. Heat transfers all the way from the skin’s surface to deep muscle fibers. This improves blood circulation to the muscles, but also heats the cross layer of fat under the skin. People who have a thicker layer of fat, then, may not respond to heat therapy as well as people with less fat. 

Heat Interrupts The Transmission Of Pain Signals

The reason you feel pain is because of sensory receptors that exist at nerve endings. Receptors compete with one another to reach the brain, and one set of receptors may block or mute the signals from another set. Heat therapy actually activates heat-sensitive calcium channels, which can block pain receptors directly. It’s also possible for heat to stimulate other sensory receptors, which may indirectly reduce pain.

Heat Increases Immunity

By elevating the body temperature via heat therapy (external heat), you mimic the function of a fever (internal heat). What this does is signal the immune system to respond at varying levels. Hot baths, for example, activate monocytes, a type of white blood cell that help fight infections and remove dead cells from the body. Heat therapy may also decrease levels of inflammatory markers in the body. Low levels of C-reactive protein, for example, indicate a stronger immune system.

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Ozempic, which is an injectable semaglutide, is one of the most popular type 2 diabetes drugs on the market. Within recent months, it has become more difficult to acquire because of how many people seek it out. There is one reason for the growing demand: dramatic weight loss, which is one of the common side effects. 

Wegovy, another drug and medicine, also contains semaglutide, which helps regulate blood sugar. Semaglutide helps people feel full and eat less because it curbs appetite and slows digestion in the stomach. Besides weight loss, other side effects of semaglutide include diarrhea, nausea, headaches, and constipation. 

Ozempic and Wegovy have been on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug shortage list for several months. Although there are other type 2 diabetes medications that work in a similar fashion, they don’t induce weight loss in the same way. Because of the shortage and high out-of-pocket cost, many patients decided to stop taking Ozempic. How could they maintain the same weight loss they experienced while taking the medication? That depends on each person, but it’s also possible to experience the following things after stopping Ozempic. 

Appetite Returns

While taking Ozempic, people eat less because semaglutide slows digestion. That keeps food in the stomach for longer and increases feelings of fullness. Ozempic also trigger changes in the brain that actually reduce hunger and curb feelings of satisfaction that accompany eating. For example, you may only be able to eat a few bites of pizza while using semaglutide, whereas you could eat half a pizza prior to using it. That rapid feeling of fullness goes away as soon as you stop taking Ozempic, causing you to eat more, so following a low-calorie diet becomes very difficult. 

You’ll Regain Weight

When you stop feeling full and your appetite returns, the first thing that you reach for is more food. The unfortunate reality is that medication, like Ozempic shouldn’t be the only treatment plan for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity. Healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, are necessary for long-term success and health. Without those lifestyle changes accompanying the use of Ozempic, users will most likely regain weight and suffer from poor blood sugar control.

Blood Sugar Climbs

For those with type 2 diabetes who take Ozempic to manage blood sugar, halting treatment may cause blood sugar to return to pre-medication levels. Endocrinologists explain that Ozempic treats the chronic disease of diabetes, so people can expect the condition to worsen once they stop using it. As previously explained, Ozempic helps people eat less, so stopping treatment may cause them to eat larger portions and more calories. All of that amounts to an increase in blood sugar. Even if people manage to control their eating habits once they stop taking Ozempic, blood sugar may still rise because the drug boosts insulin production, a hormone involved in blood sugar control.  

Ozempic Face Will Go Away

Experiencing rapid weight loss from Ozempic use can affect the skin and reduce fat all over the body, including the face. Ozempic users who lost dramatic amounts of weight reported that their faces appeared shrunken, dehydrated, and gaunt. Dubbed “Ozempic face,” this physical change is contingent with other instances of dramatic weight loss. Stopping Ozempic can reverse these facial changes, especially if users regain weight. If the face doesn’t return back to normal after stopping treatment, injectable facial fillers from a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can address the situation.

Side Effects Will Subside

In addition to weight loss, Ozempic users can experience nausea, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, gas, headaches, and dizziness. Not all users experience these side effects and some only experience mild versions of those side effects. How you eat and what you eat can also make a difference in whether you experience side effects or not. Reducing the consumption of dietary fat, consuming smaller portions, and not skipping meals can help reduce the chances of experiencing these side effects. Users that stuck with Ozempic treatment and still experienced those side effects would see them go away after stopping the medication.

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Yarrow was used by Native American tribes as a remedy for toothaches and headaches. They would chew on the plant and use its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

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According to health experts, headaches and migraines have become two of the most common neurological conditions in the world. Even though they are common afflictions, dealing or coping with them isn’t any easier. Depending on the type of headache, it can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating. 

When it comes to dealing with headaches, the first thing you have to identify is the trigger. The unfortunate reality is that there are so many potential causes, which means that figuring out why you have a headache may worsen your existing headache. Identifying the headache trigger does not have to be a complicated puzzle, or at least we don’t want it to be that way. For this reason, we will discuss highly common headache triggers and how to alleviate them in this article.

Stress

Stress and anxiety are among the most common headache triggers. When the body is under stress, muscles tense up and cause tension headaches. Too much stress can trigger the release of certain chemicals in the brain that can lead to migraines. Although people resort to over-the-counter headache medications, there are natural ways to deal with stress-related headaches. Ideally, find ways to reduce stress for example, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Consider finding an activity that you enjoy, like hiking, painting, or playing music. All of these things can help you unwind and reduce stress levels.

Lack of Sleep

Sleep deprived? Well, that is a common trigger for headaches, especially migraines. When you don’t get enough sleep, the chemicals in the brain can be out of balance, making you more susceptible to headache pain. If you experience headaches on a regular basis, try to establish a consistent sleep routine. That means that you aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Ideally, you avoid caffeine, alcohol, and screens before bed, and you keep your bedroom comfortable and cool. Studies show that a sleep environment that is about 68º F is ideal for sleeping.

Alcohol

People love to imbibe the social lubricant, more commonly known as alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol is not only a great way to dehydrate the body and harm the liver, but it can also trigger headaches. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, and dehydration leads to headache pain. Additionally, drinking alcohol can lead to changes in blood flow and blood sugar levels in the brain, both of which can cause headaches. If you’re prone to headaches, try your best to avoid alcohol altogether. If you do choose to imbibe, do so in moderation and try to drink at least one cup of water between alcoholic beverages.

Diet

As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” What you put in your body can either benefit your health or detract from it. Certain foods can help remedy headaches and nausea, while others can trigger those symptoms. Foods like cheese, chocolate, and processed meats contain harmful substances that can trigger migraines in certain people. If you skip meals or are new to intermittent fasting, you may experience headaches as well. In order to prevent food-related headache pain, try to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Additionally, try your best to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day, and avoid skipping meals if possible.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances or changes can cause headaches, particularly in women. Studies show that fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger migraines in some women, most notably during menstruation or menopause. If you are a woman and want to reduce the risk of hormone-related headaches, you may want to consider hormone therapy or other treatments that work to regulate hormone levels. Some women also experience headache relief by avoiding certain foods or engaging in relaxation techniques. 

Environmental Triggers

Bright lights, strong smells, loud noises, and other environmental triggers can cause headaches. People who are sensitive to such environmental triggers may want to take precautions and avoid them whenever possible. If you are sensitive to bright lights, consider installing a dimmer switch or lower-wattage bulbs in your home to reduce brightness levels. Steer clear of household air fresheners, strong-scented candles, perfumes, or cigarette smoke. Lastly, wear noise-canceling headphones or earplugs if you are in a setting with loud noises.

Dehydration

As mentioned earlier in this article, dehydration can commonly cause headaches, especially tension headaches. When the body is dehydrated, the brain can contract and trigger headache pain. In order to prevent dehydration-related headaches, drink at least eight to 12 eight-ounce glasses of water every day. A better measurement for hydration is to drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day. If you weigh 150 pounds and divide that by two to get 75, you should drink 75 ounces of water per day. You can also eat water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to boost hydration levels.

There are many different headache triggers and each person’s triggers may be different. When you can identify your own triggers and find ways to remedy, manage, or avoid them, you can reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches. If you tend to experience headaches on a regular basis, consider speaking with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

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That hump at the base of the neck, which you commonly see in older adults, can result from osteoporosis or poor posture. Dowager’s hump, neck hump, text hump, or hunchback are common names for that excessive curve in the upper spine. Anyone can develop the condition, which is medically known as kyphosis, and it tends to result from forward-leaning posture, something that is all-too common in our technological society.

What Is Dowager’s Hump?

Dowager’s hump, or kyphosis, is a condition that is characterized by a spine that curves excessively forward. Although the spine has natural curves that help maintain posture, kyphosis makes standing up a challenge. In addition to the hump that results from this condition, you may also experience:

• Tight hamstrings
• Rounded shoulders
• Extreme fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Pain or stiffness in shoulder blades or upper back

Can You Reverse Dowager’s Hump?

Depending on your age and the severity, you can often improve or completely reverse a dowager’s hump. You can do this by strengthening your upper back and neck muscles, but various postures and stretches can also be beneficial. Early intervention and treatment is essential to combat the excessive curvature of the spine. Consider the following exercises to help reverse the hump. 

Shoulder Squeezes

This is a great exercise to do multiple times a day because it works to strengthen and straighten the upper back. Sit or stand up straight and try to relax your jaw and drop your shoulders. Direct your gaze out in front of you and remind yourself not to round your upper back. Draw your shoulder blades back, attempting to squeeze them together and hold this position for three to five seconds. Return to the starting position and then continue to repeat until you complete 10 repetitions. 

Chin Tucks

This exercise works to activate and strengthen the muscles along the front of the neck. Place two fingers at the bottom of your chin and gently tuck your chin in, retracting your head back. Use your fingers to guide your head back and keep your chin tucked throughout the exercise. Hold the retracted position for five seconds and then relax. Aim to complete three sets of 10 repetitions. 

Wall Angels

Wall angels work to create both strength and mobility in the upper back muscles, which can encourage better posture over time. Stand up straight with your back against a wall and arms by your side, ensuring that the back of your head touches the wall as well. Bring your arms out and up over your head until you look like a ref signaling a good field goal. Bring them back down by your sides and then continue until you complete 10 repetitions. It should feel like you are making snow angels against the wall. 

Bird Dog

Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Contract your core as you raise your left arm up and reach it forward, aligning it with your back. Find your balance and then extend and raise your right leg behind you, aligning it with your back. Keep your weight centered and hold this position for about three seconds before returning to the starting position. Repeat on the other side and then continue alternating until you have completed 10 sequences (each side 10 times).

Mid Fly Back Exercise

This exercise works to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the upper back, making it easier to keep the neck properly aligned. Stand or sit up straight in a chair and plant your feet flat on the floor. Hold an exercise band in both hands and hold your arms out in front of you. Make sure there’s a little bit of slack in the band, and then pull your arms out to the sides, squeezing your shoulder blades. Slowly return to the starting position and then continue until you complete a total of 12-15 reps. 

Cat Cow

Working to improve mobility in the upper back, Cat Cow helps to maintain neutral posture and improve spinal flexibility. Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. On a big inhale, drop your stomach and arch your back as you look up. Exhale and round your back, dropping your head down. Alternate between these two positions in a controlled manner for about 30 seconds. Do one round in the morning and once at night.

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