If you have a headache, you are sensitive to light, sound or smell and it’s hard for you to concentrate, it is a migraine. This type of headache is more common for women, and can greatly disrupt the quality of life and undermine everyone’s everyday life. It is considered one of the main causes of disability and absence from work.
The severity and frequency of attacks usually decrease with age. When you feel a headache, you can do the usual things, have a pain pill and lie down in a darkened room.
But did you know that certain foods can alleviate or even prevent the headaches? It is scientifically proven that there are certain foods which are migraines triggers, as well as those that relieve it. A large number of migraine headache originates from our usual diet, or what we omitted from the diet.
Quality foods and homemade remedies help soothe the secretion of chemical substances in the brain, helping the general well-being and sometimes cutting the migraine from the root. Here are the examples which foods will help ease the pain.
Roasted Potatoes
Increased intake of soft drinks and alc*holic beverages can cause an increased loss of electrolytes such as potassium which increase the need for additional water, because during their decomposition, the water is consumed. Potassium-rich foods can help alleviate headaches.
The baked or boiled potatoes with its shell is one of the best sources of potassium, and it comprises incredible 721 mg. For comparison, banana contains 467 mg. Juices from fruits and vegetables also contains potassium, but other minerals as well.
Watermelon
Too little water can lead to dehydration, which is a major cause of headaches. Instead of taking pills for the pain, reach for foods that are rich in water, such as watermelon. Natural water contained in fruits and vegetables with essential minerals such as magnesium, which are necessary in the prevention of headaches.
Try these delicious watermelon smoothies: mix 2 cups of seedless watermelon in a blender, along with 1 cup ice, ½ cup plain yogurt, a teaspoon of honey and ½ teaspoon of ginger powder. Ginger can help you alleviate the headaches, and also reduces the nausea. Mix and enjoy.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in magnesium, which is important for the relaxation of arteries and a better flow of oxygen and nutrients in the body. Stressful situations cause rapid consumption and excretion of magnesium. It has been proven that people who suffer from migraine headaches have a low concentration of these minerals in the blood.
Magnesium intake can be increased by eating foods rich in magnesium, such as almonds, cashews, brown rice, legumes and seeds, but of all, almonds certainly are the best.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds can be sprinkled the whole or milled over the salads, mixed into oatmeal or soups and stews. Why? These tiny seeds have a great nutritional value. Sesame seeds are rich in vitamin E, which can help stabilize estrogen levels and prevent migraines that are caused by hormones.
They also improve circulation, which helps you prevent headaches. Also, sesame seeds are rich in magnesium and calcium, which reduce headaches.
Fish
Omega-3 fats found in fish and nuts are suited for migraine which often occurs. It is equally effective and coenzyme Q10, which is very beneficial for our health, can also be found in fish. Fish should be found on your table at least twice a week and if you don’t know how to prepare it, you can check online for some amazing and fast recipes.
You can serve it just with vegetables, and sprinkled with nuts, which is a guarantee that you will not have headaches. In the fight against migraine, B-complex vitamins contained in the fish can also help. They are commonly used as a supplement, particularly stressing the importance of vitamin B2.
It is an outstanding natural remedy for migraine, which was confirmed by the latest researches. Only 400 mg of the vitamin a day significantly reduces the frequency of migraine attacks. This vitamin also is located almonds, fish oil, and sesame seeds.
Ginger
After water, the best natural remedy for the treatment of migraines is ginger. It has an analgesic effect in itself. You can drink ginger powder mixed with water or juice several times during the day. Ginger root also gives positive effects, so it is recommended to use it to control migraines.
Magnesium deficiency can decrease the blood flow to the brain and fall in blood sugar, and both processes can cause the occurrence of migraines. In order not to come to that, groceries that are rich in magnesium are advisable, but this is primarily for ginger.
Beans
Foods rich in amino acid tryptophan stimulate the brain to produce a neurotransmitter – serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are associated with migraine headaches, depression and insomnia.
The best plant source of serotonin are beans. If you are prone to headaches, nutritionists recommend intake of 400-600 mg of magnesium daily, but in order not to drink magnesium tablets, you can always find it in a natural way such as beans.
As you can see, there is no need to reach for the medication at the moment when you have a headache. Just go to your fridge, and you will find your remedy there. One thing is sure, the nature always helps.