Is there a coffee shop across the street?
The worst pains are the ones that the doctor can’t fix: the altitude sickness that keeps you from the slopes, or that pounding headache that ruins an afternoon.
That’s why we looked into a few simple solutions for some of the most common—and annoying—ailments in the book.
Altitude Sickness
When you planned that trip to Aspen, you didn’t account for the nausea and lightheadedness, right? Your simple solution: Carry Advil or Motrin. A recent study in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that when a group of 86 people spent two days hiking the White Mountains of California, the group randomly assigned to receive ibuprofen was 26 percent less likely to feel symptoms of altitude sickness than those who took a placebo. At higher elevations, your body has to adjust to less oxygen and the change in air pressure, which can cause your brain to swell slightly. Ibuprofen reduces that swelling. Here are 10 foods that will get you through the flight, too.
More from MensHealth.com: The Pill-Free Headache Fix
Headaches
Hate headaches, but love coffee? Here’s your quick fix: A recent research review found that about 10 percent of people with acute pain (ie: headache or dental pain) saw more pain relief when they added 100 milligrams of caffeine to a dose of pain meds. Pick up a cup of coffee (it can also help your hangover), but know this: While some research suggests caffeine can modify the effectiveness of your pain meds, your headache could be a result of a lack of caffeine (if you’re a slave to the drip). If that’s the case, relax. Take a few deep breaths, and close your eyes. Studies have found that relaxation techniques can reduce how often you’re getting a headache by 50 percent. And sit up straight—it might increase your pain tolerance, according to a 2011 report in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.
Food Coma
In hindsight, you’re regretting that burger that was twice the size of your face. Now what do you do? Move. According to a study from the Mayo Clinic, light, postmeal exercise can lower your blood sugar and prevent your body from storing fat. It gets blood flowing to your whole body—rather than hanging out around your stomach.
Next time you know a big meal’s on tap, work out beforehand. Some studies have shown that it can help you resist the instinct to snack by 50 percent.
More from MensHealth.com: Walk Off Your Snack Cravings
Additional research by: Kiera Aaron, Julie Stewart