A headache is defined as a continuous pain in the brain, head or neck region. If you have ever suffered from one, you know how unbearable and frustrating it can be, especially if one comes on at an inconvenient time. Most humans have a quick first-instinct to grab the bottle of medicine when we feel a headache coming on, but an extensive use of any medicine is not good for your health over time. If you are prone to frequent headaches, it may be beneficial for you to know what foods naturally help treat the symptoms. These specific foods contain important components the body needs to alleviate the pain.
Contrary to popular belief, relief can come in other forms than just over-the-counter medications, and it is better to treat the symptoms naturally rather than continuously feeding the body medication. Using foods to treat headaches may be a better alternative to constantly popping pills. If you are one who suffers from headaches, try picking up the following foods next time you shop at the supermarket. It is interesting to note that the majority of the foods listed below are things we should be consuming on a regular basis to keep our health at an optimum level, so it is no wonder they are helpful for treating headaches. You will thank yourself later!
1. Ginger
The number one suggested food for overcoming a headache or a migraine is ginger. Ginger is a common food used to treat the symptoms of nausea, which can be an unfortunate side effect of a headache; however, many people also consume ginger when trying to fight off a pesky headache, even if nausea is not present. The root consists of components that are beneficial to help with minimizing the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain that causes a headache. Ginger has also been proven to improve blood flow to and from the brain, which can, in turn, lessen the pain of a headache.
Many people have reported that after consuming a form of ginger and laying down for about 20 minutes, they wake up feeling refreshed and experience relief from their headache. Sipping on ginger tea, ginger ale, eating grated ginger on veggies such as mushrooms, or enjoying a cup of ginger soup are suggestions to incorporate this root into your diet for headache relief. If you are pregnant, suffering from gallstones, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers or taking medication that weaken the immune system, please as a doctor before consuming high quantities of ginger. Consumption of ginger is safe in reasonable quantities.
2. Watermelon
One of the main causes for a headache is dehydration. When you feel a headache coming on and want an alternative to your usual treatment of medication, try eating foods with high water content, such as watermelon. While watermelon is helpful in providing H2O, it also includes other essential nutrients such as potassium and magnesium. Watermelon is delicious by itself, but if you are wanting a change of pace, try a watermelon smoothie to help get relief from your headaches. Consuming other fruits such as berries, cucumbers, and honeydew that have a high water content may be helpful for headache relief.
3. Potatoes
Potatoes are a favorite food by many people, so using a potato to relieve headaches should be no problem. Potassium-rich foods are essential to get rid of a headache, especially if yours is caused by alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a diuretic that causes your body to lose electrolytes and become dehydrated, so it is suggested to eat something full of potassium to help nourish what is missing from your diet. Wash your potato and enjoy your snack or meal with the skin on to provide your body with even more nutrients. To avoid further dehydration, minimize your use of salt on the potato.
4. Fish
Research has found that eating foods that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, can help reduce the amount of inflammation and reduce the pain of a headache. People who eat fish regularly in their diet are less likely to have frequent headaches. An average of two to three servings of fish a week is a suggested healthy amount to consume to prevent headaches. Mackerel, Salmon, Trout, Bluefish, Anchovy, Sardines, or other types of fish are delicious and beneficial to your health. If you are not a fish-eater, talk to your doctor about taking fish oil supplements to achieve relief from headaches if you suffer from them.
5. Spinach
Try eating spinach instead of lettuce to relieve your headache. Spinach has been proven to reduce blood pressure, ease a hangover, and prevent headaches. Leafy greens are high in magnesium, another element crucial in fighting off headaches or migraines. Spinach can be eaten in place of a salad, with added nuts and dressing to taste better, or in a smoothie to add substance. Some people don’t like the taste of spinach leaves, so adding it to a smoothie might be the best option for you. Don’t be alarmed when your regularly red or yellow smoothie, depending on the fruit used, turns bright green!
6. Plain Yogurt
Calcium deficiency may be the root cause of your headache, and if that is the case, you need to grab some plain yogurt for relief. Fat-free Greek yogurt is not only a great source of calcium, but the included probiotics and lack of sugars are also good for your overall health. Without the proper amount of calcium, your brain cannot function properly. If you are prone to headaches, grab a few yogurts next time you are at the store for quick consumption when you feel a headache coming on. Yogurt will do the trick, but it is also good for your digestive health as well.
