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11 foods that may help relieve migraine

11 foods that may help relieve migraine

As we go through life, we might experience various health issues. Some conditions can be cured, while others may require prescriptions to manage symptoms. However, one common ailment is migraines, which can cause intense headaches and throbbing pain. Healthcare professionals can suggest different treatments and therapies to alleviate the pain and improve the condition. Additionally, several home remedies include incorporating specific foods into one’s meal plan, which could help manage migraines. Some of them are:

Banana
Banana is fantastic for a quick snack, gives an instant energy boost, and has health benefits that could reduce migraines. It is rich in magnesium, which is helpful when people develop severe headaches. Bananas are also about 74 percent water, which could help hydrate the body. One could grind the bananas to make a smoothie if they want to enjoy the food in a different form. One could combine it with other healthy vegetables and fruits to make the meal more enjoyable. However, speaking to a healthcare expert before changing a meal regime is important.

Eggs
Eggs are a staple in several households as they are easy to source and prepare and an affordable meal choice. One must consider preparing it in scrambled form to derive health benefits. Eggs are nutrient-dense and are beneficial for those suffering from migraines. A few notable benefits derived from the food include magnesium, proteins, vitamins, and zinc, all of which help reduce the effects of migraines. One should avoid frying the egg as the oil used to prepare the dish may contain unhealthy fats that could prove unhealthy.

Almonds
Nuts like almonds could be added to an individual’s food intake to fight migraines and their effects. Rich in magnesium, healthy fibers, and fats, the food source helps manage one’s overall well-being. Therefore, someone who eats almonds might notice a significant improvement in migraine symptoms. Other nuts that are beneficial for migraines include Brazil nuts and cashews. Nonetheless, one should consult a healthcare professional about their daily consumption to avoid overeating almonds, which could have certain side effects.

Flaxseeds
Flaxseed is a go-to choice for most people with migraines. Magnesium deficiency is among the most common causes of persistent or cluster headaches. Since this seed is rich in magnesium, it could help reduce and manage throbbing migraines. Other healthy seeds to add to a meal include pumpkin and chia seeds. Pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber, which could improve bowel movements, especially in people where constipation is the leading cause of a migraine.

Ginger
The herb has been used in various remedies for centuries. Therefore, one could introduce ginger to their meal regime to counter the effects of migraines. Ginger extracts are known to increase serotonin, a chemical messenger that could stop migraines by reducing inflammation and restricting blood vessels. Moreover, the naturally occurring oil in ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. These may help in treating nausea and vomiting. One could consume ginger in its raw or powdered form or mix it into their food for its health benefits.

Coffee
While coffee may have certain health benefits for migraines, one should keep tabs on how much they consume. During a headache, the blood vessels swell, tighten, or go through other changes, which may increase the blood flow in the brain. The enhanced pressure around the nerves sends pain messages to the brain, which could bring on a migraine. Here’s where coffee comes in handy. Its caffeine content has vasoconstrictive properties, which means blood vessels narrow to restrict blood flow, which may alleviate pain. However, if one finds that they are too reliant on coffee, they should speak to experts and devise a plan to manage intake.

Watermelon
Fruits like watermelon are high in water content and can help keep you hydrated, which is necessary to keep migraines in check. A fun way to introduce watermelon to a meal regime is by making a salad or sipping a refreshing watermelon fizz. Other water-rich fruits that could help fight migraines include avocados, cantaloupe, and melons.

Blueberries
Eating a handful of blueberries each morning may benefit from relieving migraines and other associated symptoms. The berries are rich in antioxidants, which are crucial in reducing inflammation. Therefore, eating them could help lower blood pressure, reducing vasodilation in blood vessels. The process contributes towards a lower number of throbbing migraines. Other berries to include in meal plans are strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. To make the meal more interesting, one could make a smoothie by blending all the berries. Or toss them into a healthy cereal, yogurt, or salad.

Spinach
The leafy green vegetable is one of the top foods to fight symptoms of migraines. Spinach contains magnesium, which is known to prevent neurons from turning hypersensitive. As a result, it helps keep sudden migraines at bay. Due to its rich fiber content, other leafy green vegetables like kale may also help manage migraine symptoms. If one does not enjoy eating these alone, one can always blend them into soups and salads or consume them as chips for additional health benefits.

Salmon
Fish like salmon are highly effective in fighting migraines and their associated symptoms. The fatty fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids -EPA and DHA – which provide anti-inflammatory properties to fight such severe headaches. Salmon also contains B vitamins like riboflavin (B2), which could help improve one’s symptoms and carry out daily tasks more easily. One could include Other fatty fish in their meal regime, including cod, halibut, and mackerel.

Dark chocolate
Those who enjoy eating dark chocolate must know it may be suitable for controlling migraines. This food is rich in about 70 percent cacao. These ingredients contain magnesium and riboflavin, which help soothe inflamed blood vessels. As a result, dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, which is otherwise a trigger factor for migraines. However, too much dark chocolate could have other effects on the body. Therefore, one should eat this in moderation and after getting an opinion from a health care provider.