This summer, you could be at the beach on a bright, sunny afternoon and be having an absolutely wonderful time, right? Wrong! On many occasions, the summer proves to be the worst season for headaches and migraines. Why? Read on. I will tell you everything you need to know about those pesky headaches, including what causes them and how to confront them at their source, courtesy of Women’s World magazine.

1. First, big news! Stay away from processed meats! In the summertime, we tend to eat a lot of processed meats without even thinking, such as hotdogs, hamburgers, and cold cuts. The fact is that all of these processed meats contain nitrates, which expand the blood vessels in the brain, causing pain. Therefore, what do you do? Well for starters, try to prohibit consuming any processed meats or, if you must, eat them in moderation. In addition, eat some walnuts. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce dilation up to 40 percent, significantly reducing pain.

2. Second, the slightest bit of dehydration can cause headaches. You may not notice it but just going a few hours in the hot sun without water can trigger the onset of dehydration. This is because the sun evaporates the water from the skin, leaving your body dry and free of necessary nutrients and moisture. The fix? Simple! Remember to drink plenty of cold water before leaving the house as well as when you are out and about.

3. Finally, what can never be avoided during the summer can also cause headaches. Believe it or not, it is the sun! Why? The glare of sunlight off the water, usually at its strongest between ten in the morning and two in the afternoon, can cause eye strain and tension, leading to throbbing head pain. To prevent these headaches caused by the sun, wear eye protection, such as polarized sunglasses. Do not attempt to prohibit yourself from lying out in the sun or swimming out on the beach. The sun provides Vitamin D, which is healthful to the body’s organs and daily functions.

Therefore, how can anyone have a fun time during the summer, worrying about their risk of developing a headache, someone might ask? The answer is just not to worry about them, plain and simple. In fact, worrying can create a sense of anxiety and stress on the brain, which in turn can increase the likelihood of developing a headache. The solution is just to follow the tips, listed above, and have a good time. Remember, having fun is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body! Laughing and maintaining a happy-go-lucky disposition releases feel-good endorphins in the brain, dramatically reducing the risk of developing headaches and migraines.