UHAM067

50 * UNDERSTANDING HEADACHES AND M IG RAI N ES solve the problem completely. Caffeine is only one of a family of substances that are present in coffee, etc. When the manufacturers remove the caffeine, the ‘cousins’ of caffeine are still present and they, too, can have the same action. However, these ‘cousins’ are weaker, and if your headaches are caused by these Chemicals you are likely to notice a reduction in symptoms by switching to decaffeinated drinks-even if the problem is not eradicated completely.

Notę, however, that withdrawal from caffeine and its ‘cousins’ can cause headaches and migraines. They are ąuite powerful drugs, even though you might not realise it, and there is a period of ‘cold turkey’ associated with withdrawal. You may feel morę irritable and therefore stressed, which again may trigger headaches. You may feel morę tired than usual, because caffeine is a stimulant - itjogs the system, keeping you alert and awake. Be careful that you do not sleep too much if you reduce your intake of caffeine, because the additional sleep can also cause headaches.

Just as eating certain substances can be responsible for migraines, it is also important to be aware that lack of food can also be a cause. If you do not eat regularly, or if you sometimes spend long periods of time without eating (such as during religious fastings), you may create migraines by artificially lowering your blood-sugar level. If you seem to be experiencing migraines associated with fasting in particular, speak to your local religious leader. He is likely to allow you to opt out of the tradition on health grounds, or at least to make a token gesture towards fasting without engaging with it wholly.