Find Out What Really Causes Your Headaches (And 12 Things That Actually Help)

Let’s be honest, headaches are the worst. One minute you’re fine, and the next, it feels like a loud band is playing inside your head. But what makes these annoying, throbbing pains happen? And more importantly, how do you get rid of them? Don’t worry—I’ve got the reasons, tips, and things that help so you can feel normal again.

What Makes Headaches Happen? Big news! A lot of things can cause headaches. Some are just everyday little problems, and others might be more serious (but don’t worry too much—we’ll explain it all!). Here are some common things that cause them:

• Not enough water (Dehydration): Forgetting to drink water is a quick way to get a headache.
• Not enough sleep (Lack of sleep): Staying up very late? Your head might hurt because of it.
• Stopping caffeine (Caffeine withdrawal): Skipped your morning coffee? Hello, headache.
• Not enough good food (Nutrient deficiency or not eating enough): Yes, headaches from being hungry are real!
• Drinking alcohol (Alcohol use): Having a wine night might lead to a headache later.
• Serious problems (Serious triggers): Sometimes, headaches are connected to big health issues like injuries, growths, or blood clots. If you think it’s something serious, you should definitely call a doctor.

Some people get headaches more easily than others. If you have trouble sleeping, you smoke, drink a lot of caffeine, or if many people in your family get headaches, you might get them more often too.

12 Things That Really Help Headaches Now that you know what might be causing that annoying pain, here are 12 ways to get rid of it. Some of these can really change things (seriously), but the best part? They are natural and easy to try.

1. Drink Lots of Water (Chug Some Water) Does it feel like your headache has moved in and won’t leave? It could just be because you don’t have enough water in your body. Fun fact: when you have enough water, you can not only get rid of headaches faster, but you’ll also feel less grumpy (that’s a double win). Keep a water bottle with you and eat fruits with a lot of water, like watermelon.

2. Magnesium Can Help (Magnesium to the Rescue) Believe it or not, many people who get headaches don’t have enough magnesium in their bodies! And when you don’t have enough of this important mineral, headaches are more likely. Things like magnesium citrate can really help but start with a small amount because too much can make your stomach upset.

3. Stop Drinking Alcohol (Put Down the Alcohol) Sure, a glass of wine can make you feel relaxed, but it might give you a bad headache later. Alcohol can make you lose water, cause swelling, and wake up those brain cells that start headaches. Want to be safe? Don’t drink too much.

4. Sleep Better (Sleep Smarter) When it comes to stopping headaches, sleep is your best friend. Too little or too much sleep can cause pain, so try to get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Still can’t fall asleep easily? Look at natural sleep tips or apps that can help you sleep like a pro.

5. Avoid Foods with Histamine (Break Up with Histamine-Rich Foods) Histamine is in things like old cheese, wine, and some meats. It can be really bad for headaches if your body doesn’t handle it well. Eating less of these foods might just make you feel better and without pain.

6. Try Essential Oils (Essential Oils, Anyone?) Oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus are really helpful when you have a headache. Rub a little bit of the oil mixed with something else onto your temples or wrists, or use a diffuser to smell the oils for relief. Bonus: your room will smell great!

7. Get Enough B-Vitamins (Get Your B-Vitamin Fix) B-complex vitamins are like a stronger version of a regular multivitamin, and they help with things like stress and headaches. Look for ones with riboflavin (B2) and B12 to help keep migraines away(As per doctor consult).

8. Cool Your Head (Cool It Down with a Compress) Nothing feels better than a cold pack when your head is pounding. Putting ice-cold packs on your neck, forehead, or temples can make swelling go down and numb the pain. You can make one yourself with a cloth and some ice if you need to.

9. Try Changing Your Diet (Try an Elimination Diet) Does chocolate, coffee, or cheese give you a headache? Maybe your body doesn’t like certain foods. An elimination diet helps you figure out which foods cause pain so you can avoid them in the future.

10. Drink Coffee or Tea (Sip on Coffee or Tea) Caffeine isn’t just for Monday mornings! Tea or coffee can make you feel better and make headache symptoms less bad by making your blood vessels smaller. But don’t have too much. Too much caffeine or suddenly stopping it can cause a new headache.

11. Relax with Yoga (Relax With Yoga) Sometimes, the best way to get rid of a headache isn’t something you drink or eat, but how you move your body. Try yoga positions like child’s pose or downward dog to help with tension in your neck and shoulders.

12. Try Herbs (Go Herbal) Herbs like feverfew and butterbur are natural headache helpers that many people say work. These supplements can reduce swelling and stop migraines but always talk to a doctor before trying them!

What to Remember Headaches are really annoying, but with the right tools and tricks, you can get rid of them. From eating better to drinking enough water and having magnesium around, small changes can make a big difference.