TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - What do you feel when the scorching hot weather hits? Headaches, especially migraines, might be one of them. Neurology specialist from the University of Indonesia, Dr. Zicky Yombana, Sp.S, revealed several tips for the public to avoid migraines during hot weather.
"The first thing we should do is actually avoid direct exposure to the heat trigger," said Zicky to ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Zicky said that the first step is to protect oneself from the heat by using a hat, umbrella, or sunglasses when doing outdoor activities. This significantly helps the body to avoid direct sunlight and stay protected.
Next, ensure an adequate body fluid intake to prevent dehydration by drinking two liters or about eight glasses of water every day. Lack of fluids can cause disturbances in blood vessels, which can trigger headaches.
Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or excessively consuming foods such as cheese, chocolate, MSG, or flavor enhancers, as they are specific triggers for migraines.
People are also advised to get sufficient rest, which includes sleeping for 7-8 hours every day to maintain health and avoid stress.
The doctor, who practices at Brawijaya Hospital, added that migraines can occur during hot weather because the body is prone to dehydration.
Dehydration causes the blood vessels in the brain to dilate due to exposure to high temperatures. "The blood vessels widen, causing a slight increase in pressure in the head and an increase in the pulsation of blood vessels," he said.
Extreme hot weather also stimulates nerves in the head, increasing the intensity of headaches in sufferers.
In addition, hot temperatures also cause people to experience disturbances in sleep patterns, which correlate with a lack of rest and a stressed body.
Quoting Health, migraines are a severe type of recurring headache that often induces other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting.
A recent study found that a diet based on green vegetables has remarkable benefits for recurring migraines. The study, published in BMJ Case Reports, involved a patient who had suffered from chronic migraines for nearly a decade. According to the research, green vegetables can dramatically increase beta-ketone levels and reduce chronic inflammation.