Try these foods to relieve headaches
According to the online economy report, citing Tebian, a headache is very bad, whether it is sharp or vague. Headaches can ruin your entire day and prevent you from working, driving, and any other daily activity. We admit that it’s very tempting to reach for ibuprofen for faster headache relief; But it’s good to know that you have other remedies that are right in your kitchen.
Types of headache
It is true that all headaches are annoying pains, but no two headaches are alike. Headaches may have many causes and therefore have different types. Headaches can be related to excessive activity or problems in some structures of the head (primary headaches) or caused by other complications (secondary headaches). Headaches can be acute (temporary) or chronic; It means that they occur 15 times or more every month and for at least three months.
The most common type of headache is tension headache. Migraines are also common. In fact, migraine is the second cause of debilitating headaches. There are also cluster headaches, which are more severe headaches and usually occur for several weeks with certain durations. Cluster headaches are less common.
Common causes of headache
What makes headaches more complicated is that they have many different causes. A series of situations or factors can cause headaches, or headaches can be a result or symptom of them. Factors that usually cause headaches:
. Stress
. Dehydration
. Hunger
. sinus pressure
. caffeine withdrawal
. Sleep problems or lack of sleep
. Eye strain caused by computer work
. neck pain
. Allergens
. Sport
. Improper posture
. certain foods or compounds (eg, a food allergy)
Foods that can cause headaches
As you can see, food is only one piece of the headache puzzle, so it’s hard to prove that a particular food or ingredient can relieve headache symptoms.
In fact, headache management usually takes the opposite approach: avoiding foods or foods that can trigger your headaches. This is different for everyone, but foods that commonly trigger headaches include cheese, chocolate, alcohol, fermented foods, and caffeine. If a certain food is causing your headaches, your doctor or nutritionist can help you find the cause.
Are there any foods that reduce headaches?
Identifying foods that relieve headaches is not an easy task. But a number of foods contain nutrients that play a role in reducing common headache triggers, such as hunger and dehydration. These foods help manage headaches:
the banana
If your headache is due to hunger, eating something (anything!) will ease your symptoms. It is better to try bananas, which are rich in fibers that slow down digestion, make you feel fuller, and keep you full longer. Fiber regulates the digestive system, promotes gut-brain health, and can reduce the risk of certain central nervous system disorders, including migraines. You can eat bananas between meals.
Peppermint tea
We all know how important it is to stay hydrated. You may get a headache on days when you don’t drink enough water or after exercising and sweating, you don’t hydrate your body well. Headache is one of the symptoms of dehydration, which is probably associated with dry mouth and feeling very thirsty; Therefore, you should regularly drink water to rehydrate your body.
You don’t have to drink only water; Peppermint tea is not only a healthy and delicious drink; It also has a pleasant smell that can calm you down. Peppermint can relieve pain due to its menthol. Of course, more studies are needed to find out how peppermint affects headaches; But if you’re looking for a healthy drink to soothe your headache, peppermint tea is worth a try.
Caffeinated foods and drinks
Although caffeine can cause headaches in some people; But in some people, it may have the opposite effect and relieve the headache, but only if the headache is caused by staying away from caffeine. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels of the brain. If you regularly consume caffeine and then suddenly stop, the blood vessels may dilate too much and cause headache symptoms.
Naturally, in such a situation, the fastest way to relieve a headache is to consume some caffeine. But do so with caution, especially if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine.
Instead of quitting caffeine all at once, do it gradually over time. Go for a drink that has less caffeine than what you usually drink (like a latte with just one shot of espresso, or a smaller cup of coffee). This is the right amount of caffeine. Keeping the body hydrated also helps in these headaches, so drink more fluids.
watermelon
In the case of headaches caused by dehydration, watermelon can be a good choice. Almost 90% of this juicy fruit is water; Therefore, eating watermelon helps restore the balance of body fluids. Watermelon has electrolytes, like potassium, which you lose when you sweat. Of course, eating watermelon does not replace drinking water or electrolyte liquids; But it certainly helps to adjust the level of body fluids.
beans
However, when you have a headache due to hunger, eating any food can reduce your headache; But legumes like chickpeas and beans are great choices. These foods are rich in fiber and protein, which are two satiating nutrients. Legumes have magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that can help prevent migraines or reduce their severity over time. You can use legumes in your diet in various ways. Legumes can be used in salads, mixed with pasta or pureed.
Whole grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, or oats are great for relieving hunger headaches, especially those caused by low blood sugar levels from not eating. Whole grains raise and stabilize blood sugar. Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates that are gradually digested in the body and slowly and evenly introduce glucose into the blood. Whole grains are also excellent sources of fiber, which slows digestion and helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Of course, there is one exception: if you are allergic to gluten, avoid consuming whole grains; Because they cause reactions, headache being one of them.
leafy vegetables
Leafy vegetables like spinach and greens are also useful for headache relief. Leafy vegetables are excellent sources of magnesium, which plays a role in migraine prevention and relief. In addition, leafy vegetables have riboflavin, which is a type of vitamin B and can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches in some people. These vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation can cause migraine attacks in some people.
Fermented foods
Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi and miso can; Like caffeine, they can cause headaches in some people. But for others, they can manage headaches. Fermented foods contribute to better communication between the intestines and the brain due to the many probiotics they have, which can be related to the anti-inflammatory properties of probiotic foods. Since headaches and migraines are often caused by inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet that includes fermented foods can help.
When should you see a doctor for a headache?
Although many headaches can be relieved with diet and lifestyle changes (such as managing stress, getting more sleep, or drinking more fluids), there are times when you should see a doctor about your headache. If your headache is sudden and very severe or accompanied by neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible; Because these symptoms may indicate a stroke. Also, if you have recently suffered a head injury and have a headache, you should definitely see a doctor.
If you have never had a headache before and your headache started suddenly and is severe, or if you have a history of headaches; But now its frequency and intensity have changed, consult a doctor. If your headaches interfere with your daily life and lower your quality of life and affect your work or academic performance, consult your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a treatment plan.