Sufferers of headaches know just how debilitating they can be. Headaches occur in millions of individuals across the country, and they have a mirad of different causes. The consumption of different foods can be the cause and the cure of headaches. Food allergies and sensitivities are a leading cause of headaches and migraines. The symptoms of headaches and migraines are not only pain, but can include vertigo, fatigue, malaise, and auditory and visual auras. Auras are a change in perception that can accompany severe headaches.
When a headache strikes, you may be through your usual routine: Turn out the lights, lie down and pop a pain killer. But did you know that certain foods may ease, and even prevent, headaches? Add these soothing foods to your bucket list and find out for yourself.
- BAKED POTATO:
“Eating potassium-rich foods can help to alleviate hangover-related headaches.” Surprisingly, a baked potato (with the skin) is one of the most impressive sources of potassium, containing a whopping 721 mg. By comparison, a banana serves up 467 mg.
- WATERMELON:
Dehydration is a major cause of headaches, explains. So instead of popping a pain killer next time your head throbs, consider reaching for water-rich foods, like watermelon. The natural water contained in both fruits and vegetables contains essential minerals, like magnesium, that are key in headache prevention. Try this tasty, hydrating watermelon smoothie: In a blender, combine 2 cups seeded watermelon chunks, 1 cup cracked ice, ½ cup plain yogurt, a drizzle of honey and ½ tsp grated ginger. Blend and enjoy. (In addition: The ginger can help ease headache-induced nausea symptoms!) Other foods with high water content include berries, cucumber, melon, soups, oatmeal, tomatoes and lettuce.
- COFFEE:
Java has been a folk remedy for headaches for centuries, but does it really work? Yes, but in moderation. Since the caffeine in coffee is a vasoconstrictor, it can help alleviate a headache by helping to reduce the size of the blood vessels. But hold off on the triple venti. Too much coffee could make matters worse. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which can increase dehydration and increase the severity of a headache. The bottom line: One cup of coffee may be helpful for decreasing hangover-related headaches, but drinking coffee throughout the day would not be the best choice for curing a headache.
- WHOLE-GRAIN TOAST:
Low-carb dieters beware: Too little carbohydrates might bring on a headache. When you follow a low-carbohydrate diet, you begin to deplete glycogen stores, which are a main source of energy to the brain. This also causes an increase in fluid losses from the body, which can trigger dehydration. By reducing energy to the brain and causing dehydration, these low-carbohydrate diets can trigger headaches. When one hits, consider reaching for healthy carbs, such as those found in whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, fruit or yogurt. In addition: A healthy boost of carbs may also boost your mood, as they help your body to release serotonin, the feel-good hormone.
- SPICY SALSA:
It may sound unusual, but spicy foods such as salsa and hot peppers may help you snap back from a headache faster. Depending on the type of headache, spicy foods may be helpful. If a headache is due to sinus congestion, spicy foods may help to decrease congestion and open the airways, helping to decrease pressure and the accompanying headache.
- ALMONDS:
According to past research, magnesium, found in almonds, may protect your body from the brunt of a headache by relaxing blood vessels. Migraine sufferers may also experience relief by following a diet rich in magnesium, says some expert. To increase your magnesium intake, try consuming magnesium-rich foods such as bananas, dried apricots, avocados, almonds, cashews, brown rice, legumes and seeds.
