Headaches?

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ammp116
ammp116 Posts: 2
in Getting Started
I've been actively trying to lose weight for about a month. I'm having trouble with daily headaches that become severe after my workout. I feel okay during my workout, but afterward I'm squinting my eyes because my head hurts so much. I'm walking/jogging, using hand weights or using an elliptical. Cutting calories leaves me hungry, but I'm adjusting. I haven't had any weight loss yet, but I'm reluctant to reduce calories more or workout longer because of the headache. Did anyone else have this problem or know why it could be happening?

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  • Momjogger
    Momjogger Posts: 750 Member
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    I think you need to go to your doctor. This is not normal. Low blood sugar, dehydration, heart or blood pressure issues, neck or back issues, too low calorie intake.
  • silencioesoro
    silencioesoro Posts: 318 Member
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    Definitely NOT normal. For me when it happens, it's a mix of dehydration and low blood sugar. I'd stop working out - if you can't stop, reduce it to yoga, and various very light exercises - until you've seen a doctor.
  • ammp116
    ammp116 Posts: 2
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    Thank you for this feedback. My doctor is part of the problem. I saw her last week about this and she said I need to reduce calories and work out harder to see weight loss and not worry about the headaches. When I told her what I'm doing, she said if I was really doing that I wouldn't be so overweight. She acts as though I'm a drug seeker even though I've never had even a controlled drug from her in over 9 years. She wouldn't order any labs for me. I have good insurance, so I'm not sure if I should try a different doctor or some kind of specialist or something.
  • serindipte
    serindipte Posts: 1,557 Member
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    Open your diary?

    You can do that here:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/diary_settings
  • bkcuti3
    bkcuti3 Posts: 26 Member
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    I agree with above, this isn't normal. Not too long ago, I tried to do a no-carb diet with excerise, the next day I had light headaches when I moved too fast and had little to no energy. Calories, aren't the only thing you have to worry about, I learned that my body needs carbs to function properly so maybe your body needs more nutrients before working out. I make sure to eat most of my carbs before working out so that I can have the energy to get through it.
  • adinutzyc21
    adinutzyc21 Posts: 5 Member
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    Try a different doctor. The amount of money they receive they shouldn't treat you like that. And there are plenty of health reasons why you wouldn't be losing despite a good diet and exercise (such as hypothyroidism).
    Also, try drinking more water, dehydration is usually a cause (though there could be many more).
  • Linnaea27
    Linnaea27 Posts: 639 Member
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    That sounds awful.

    Now, maybe there is something up with you indicating you need to see a doctor (and it needs to be a different doctor than the one you've been seeing-- a good doctor should LISTEN to their patient's concerns and make an effort to understand and help). But: what do you eat for breakfast and lunch? Do those meals or your pre-workout snacks include a lot of sweetened food? Do you have a lot of coffee/not enough sleep? All of those things trigger appalling headaches for me.

    Flavored Greek yogurts and other flavored yogurts contain a huge amount of sugar. Most breakfast cereals also contain lots of refined sugar. And, if you are using non-sugar sweeteners like xylitol, Splenda, Equal, etc., those can also trigger bad headaches for some people.

    I think it would be worth it for you to experiment with your sugar/sugar replacement and caffeine intake and see if that helps. Of course, if you feel you should see a doctor soon, do!

    PP is right, it would be helpful if you were to make your diary public, at least while this thread is active, so people can see what you're eating-- advice is much easier to give that way.
  • WickedPineapple
    WickedPineapple Posts: 698 Member
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    Thank you for this feedback. My doctor is part of the problem. I saw her last week about this and she said I need to reduce calories and work out harder to see weight loss and not worry about the headaches. When I told her what I'm doing, she said if I was really doing that I wouldn't be so overweight. She acts as though I'm a drug seeker even though I've never had even a controlled drug from her in over 9 years. She wouldn't order any labs for me. I have good insurance, so I'm not sure if I should try a different doctor or some kind of specialist or something.

    I'd find a new doctor if I were you. You need to be able to trust your doctor. I wouldn't trust one that didn't take me seriously.

    I agree with what silencioesoro said, I'd lay off the cardio (except walking unless it also gives you a headache) until you get this figured out. In the meantime, make sure you're getting proper nutrition with any diet reductions/replacements you're making.
  • jennifer_a00
    jennifer_a00 Posts: 186 Member
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    Thank you for this feedback. My doctor is part of the problem. I saw her last week about this and she said I need to reduce calories and work out harder to see weight loss and not worry about the headaches. When I told her what I'm doing, she said if I was really doing that I wouldn't be so overweight. She acts as though I'm a drug seeker even though I've never had even a controlled drug from her in over 9 years. She wouldn't order any labs for me. I have good insurance, so I'm not sure if I should try a different doctor or some kind of specialist or something.


    Your doctor brushed aside your concerns and didn't respect you. Since you are able to, I would see a different doctor.
  • TheVirgoddess
    TheVirgoddess Posts: 4,535 Member
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    Yeah, find a new doctor. I know it can be daunting if you're overweight, but you need a partner in your healthcare.

    In the interim, how many calories are you netting? Are you eating enough? Working out too hard? Drinking enough?
  • jackson7478
    jackson7478 Posts: 700 Member
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    Definitely time to find a new doctor. That is no way to talk to a patient.

    I know dehydration gives me bad headaches, but it could be a lot of things causing them.

    I had a doctor similar to that, kept telling me to lose weight, but wouldn't offer any help in way of nutrition or what exercising I could do because of my disabilities. So I found a new doctor last June and since then I have managed to lose 97 lbs so far. Because he takes the time to listen to his patients and cares.
  • pleasurelittletreasure
    pleasurelittletreasure Posts: 236 Member
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    I have to agree with the others: time for a new doctor. You have a problem. You brought it to your doctor. Doctor dismissed it out of hand. How is that caring for a patient? Run, don't walk, to another doctor.
  • Swiftlet66
    Swiftlet66 Posts: 729 Member
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    Can be a mix of things. Do you eat anything before you exercise? I get low blood sugar/light headed easily so I eat a little bit of fruit (ie. mango, banana, peaches, dried fruits, etc) and drink a bit of water before I start exercising. If I'm going for a long run, I bring dried blueberries with me. Anything with carbs/sugar will do, which will help with fueling your brain and muscles; try to avoid too much fats/protein for pre-workout snacks. It helps. Also, if you're suddenly reducing calories and you only just started to exercise recently, it's going to be hard on your body. Reduce the intensity of the activities for now and when you feel a little better, try increasing it more.
  • David_AUS
    David_AUS Posts: 298 Member
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    There are plenty of tips above as red flags for you. I experienced similar symptoms in the past many years ago when I as trying to lose weight with calorie restriction. I would consider:

    * Blood pressure - get a good quality personal one and start tracking (I would recommend reading every morning)
    * Hydrate, hydrate and if in doubt have another glass of water - dehydration is a primary trigger for head aches
    * What is your heart rate when working out - consider backing off the intensity and work at a more comfortable pace and duration. Running your heart too hard can increase your stress hormones which is counter productive
    * Cruciferous vegetables and salads are your friends! They help even out digestion and provide valuable minerals
    * Processed sugars - are not your friend (also consider how much caffeine you are having in a day). Possessed sugars can put your hormones on a roller coaster ride these can also contribute towards cravings and head aches
    * Continue to surround yourself with people, habits and actions that support you. My opinion for what it is worth your current doctor is not supporting you on your journey "Eat less and work harder" is all very well and good but does not help with the daily psychological "battle".

    You are doing great! You are questioning and challenging the information you receive which is part of taking back the power and responsibility of becoming the person you truly feel to be. Will there be set backs - sure but think of this more in context of the continuous development - You could not prepare for a marathon event in a week - you have goals you want to achieve and a quality of life do not let go of this as it is your strongest motivator and compass to get you back on the path.

    In every action ask yourself - is this supportive of who I am and who I want to be? This will serve to develop and act in a way that supports you, and will help you to find your way when you do stray. Be kind to yourself many small remind yourself that little by little becomes a lot!
  • 37lbs_to_go
    37lbs_to_go Posts: 61 Member
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    I get headaches when I'm dehydrated. I would start there while you search for a second opinion. But I also must mention carbon monoxide poisoning causes headaches. If you don't have a CO tester please get one. Hope you feel better soon.

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