Most of us get a headache every now and then. However, the severe throbbing pain of a migraine can be unbearable. The pain is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Your diet, environment, and lifestyle play an important role in this condition.

Hence, it is worth considering your lifestyle and living conditions if you suffer from migraine attacks often. Here are some of the worst states to live in for migraine patients:

1. Tennessee
2. Ohio
3. Virginia
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Wisconsin
7. Pennsylvania
8. Kentucky
9. Missouri
10. New Mexico

Here are a few factors that make them the worst states to live in for migraine patients:

• Lifestyle
  Your lifestyle plays an important role in determining the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Some lifestyle factors are the number of hours you work overtime every week, the incidence of insomnia, how often you exercise, commute time, the frequency of sunburn, plane travel, and more. Irregular sleep patterns and stress are also common triggers. Studies have shown that Cincinnati, Ohio, and Missouri have a high number of migraine cases related to lifestyle factors and food habits. Madison in Wisconsin scores the worst for lifestyle factors. Many people in Canton, Ohio have irregular sleep patterns and high stress levels.
• Environmental factors
  Some common environmental factors that may trigger a migraine are rapidly changing or extreme weather conditions, pollution, and more. Albuquerque, New Mexico, reportedly scores the highest for environmental triggers. Studies have shown that Lexington, Kentucky has the highest number of migraine-related drug prescriptions.
• Diet
  This is one of the most important factors when it comes to migraine headaches. Certain foods, such as chocolates, hot dogs, sausages, pizza, tea, coffee, citrus fruits and juices, cheese, pickles, and red wine may trigger a migraine in no time. York, Pennsylvania has the highest score when it comes to the consumption of foods that trigger migraines.

Here’s how you can manage the condition better:

• Avoid certain foods
  Identify the foods that trigger a migraine and avoid them completely. These may include alcohol, cheese, caffeinated beverages, and more.
• Eat balanced meals
  Eat regular, balanced meals consisting of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Never skip meals, as staying hungry for long can lead to a migraine.
• Make changes to your sleep schedule
  This is important to promote deep relaxation and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression—common factors that cause a migraine.
• Stay physically active
  When you exercise, your body releases natural painkillers called endorphins. Exercise also eases stress and helps you sleep better.

Even if you reside in any of the above-mentioned states, making the right changes to your lifestyle may help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. If the condition is severe, then you must consult a specialist.