The ingredients in these healthy foods and drinks can help you deal with severe headaches.
Whether the pain is mild or severe, the headache is worse . It can throw up all day, making it difficult to work, drive and everything in between. It's understandable that you want to take ibuprofen for a quick and satisfying headache, but the reality is that you probably have other headache remedies readily available in your kitchen. There are certain foods (and drinks) that seem to help treat headache symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.
Different types of headaches
Every headache is painful, but no two headaches are the same. There are many reasons why headaches can occur and therefore there are different types. Headaches can be caused by excessive movement or problems related to certain structures of the head (eg, primary headache) or from an underlying disease (eg, secondary headache). Headaches can be acute (intermittent) or chronic, meaning they occur 15 or more times a month for at least three months.
The most common type of stress is headache, which affects 2 billion people worldwide. Migraines are also common, affecting 12 percent of people worldwide. In fact, according to Headache & Pain magazine, migraines are the second leading cause of disability. There is also cluster headache, which is a very severe headache that tends to recur over several weeks, and is very rare, affecting only 0.1% of the population.
Common causes of headache
To complicate matters, there are many headache triggers. Depending on the person, these are the conditions or causes of the headache, or they are the result or the symptom. Common headache triggers include:
Some foods that can cause headaches
You see, food is only one piece of the headache puzzle, so it's hard to prove that a single food or ingredient relieves headache symptoms, says registered dietitian Maddie Pasquarello, MS, RDN.
In fact, treating headaches often involves the opposite approach: avoiding foods or substances that trigger headache symptoms. These triggers can vary from person to person, but common food triggers include chocolate, cheese, alcohol, processed foods, and caffeine. A doctor or nutritionist can help you determine the cause of your headaches.
Related: The best foods you can eat to relieve stress, according to doctors
Are there any foods that help treat headaches?
Identifying foods that relieve headaches is not easy. However, there are some options that contain nutrients that play a role in alleviating major issues like hunger and dehydration. The following foods can help relieve headaches.
banana
If you have a hunger headache, eat something (anything!) to relieve your symptoms. Try eating bananas that are rich in fiber to satisfy hunger pangs. According to Pascariello, fiber slows digestion, increases satiety and keeps you full longer. Fiber also "regulates the digestive system, promotes gut-brain axis health, and reduces the risk of certain central nervous system disorders, including migraines." Fortunately, bananas are cheap and easy to pack, making them easy to leave hanging between meals. (It's extra if you add a protein source like nuts or nut butter.)
Munte
It's no secret that staying hydrated is essential to good health. But on days when you don't or don't drink enough water after your workout (it happens!), you may end up with a headache. This is a typical sign of dehydration along with a dry and thirsty mouth, so you need to drink water to hydrate your body.
But why stop there? Peppermint tea is not only a source of delicious liquid, but also has a soothing aroma. Of course, these benefits are mostly subjective, and the available research includes the topical use of peppermint oil. This is due to menthol, a major component of mint, which has pain-relieving properties, Pasquarello said. More research is needed to understand how peppermint tea affects headaches, but if you're looking for a refreshing drink, you might want to add it to your list of headache-relieving foods.
Related: Drink these 7 teas to relieve inflammation
Foods and drinks containing caffeine
Coffee and tahini juice
Although caffeine causes headaches in some people, it relieves headaches in others, but the headache is caused by caffeine withdrawal. Here's why: Caffeine constricts the blood vessels in the brain. If you drink caffeine regularly and suddenly stop, your blood vessels can dilate significantly and cause headache symptoms, Pasquarello explained.
Of course, one of the fastest ways to overcome this problem is to use a little caffeine, although this should be done carefully, especially if you are trying to reduce it.
Rather than suddenly cutting out caffeine, Pasquarello recommends "gradually reducing your caffeine intake over several weeks." Drinking a drink with less caffeine than you usually drink (like a latte with two or three shots of espresso, or just a small cup) will give you a safe dose of caffeine without causing headaches. He adds that staying hydrated can reduce those headaches even more, so drinking plenty of fluids (water or something else) can help flush out the caffeine.
Watermelon
Ginger, lemon and watermelon salad
Eat fresh watermelon for a delicious solution to dehydration headaches. 90 percent of this rose fruit is water, so eating it helps to restore the body's fluid balance and reduce dehydration, he said. Casey Kelley, ABoIM, Board Certified Integrative Medicine Practitioner and Founder and Medical Director of Case Integrative Health. . What's more, "watermelon contains electrolytes like potassium, which are lost through sweat when dehydrated," adds Dr. Kelly. Of course, eating watermelon isn't a substitute for drinking water or electrolytes, but it certainly helps increase fluid intake.
The beans
Black beans in large quantities
Although any food can help relieve a hunger headache, beans and legumes such as chickpeas and black beans are good choices. They are rich in fiber and protein, which are especially useful. Beans are rich in magnesium, "a mineral that can help prevent or reduce the severity of migraines and headaches," says Pasquarello. Since this ingredient can be used in a variety of ways, you are sure to find the right bean recipe for you; Add to salads, mix with pasta or crumble into spreadable pieces. You can also combine beans and rice to easily satisfy hunger.
Full products
Fried quinoa dishes with carrots and vegetables
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or oats won't help treat hunger headaches caused by skipping meals. According to Dr. Kelly, this is because whole grains raise and stabilize blood sugar levels. First of all, they contain complex carbohydrates, which are slowly broken down and provide a slow and constant level of glucose. "Whole grains are also an excellent source of fiber, which slows digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, helping to stabilize blood sugar," she adds. The exception is if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, because some whole grains (like spelt) contain gluten and can cause reactions that include headaches, says Dr. Kelly.
RELATED: 14 Oatmeal Recipes That Are Actually Healthy (And Healthy!).
green
Dried spinach with sesame seeds
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard are known for their amazing collection of brain nutrients, which can help relieve headaches. "Leaves are an excellent source of magnesium, which has been linked to migraine prevention and relief," says Dr. Kelly. They also contain riboflavin, a B vitamin that can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in some people. Finally, this vegetable is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene; According to Dr. Kelly, antioxidants reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can trigger migraine attacks in some people.
Boiled foods
Homemade cream yogurt
Like caffeine, fermented foods (such as kimchi, yogurt, and miso) can be common headache triggers in some people. For others, however, it can be an important part of headache treatment. All this is thanks to the high content of probiotics or beneficial bacteria that improve the communication between the gut and the brain. According to Pascarello, this may be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of protein-rich foods. "Since headaches and migraines are associated with inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet [can help and] bread foods can be part of that," he said.
Related: 7 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Eat Every Day for Long-Term Health
When to go to the doctor for headaches
While many headaches can be alleviated with lifestyle and dietary changes (such as managing stress, getting plenty of sleep or staying hydrated), Dr. Kelly says there are situations that warrant a visit to the doctor. If you experience a sudden, severe headache with neurological symptoms such as confusion, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking, it may be a sign of a stroke, so it is recommended that you seek medical attention. If you have a headache or have had a recent head injury, you should see a health professional.
"See your doctor if you've never had a headache before and it starts suddenly, or if your headaches change in frequency or intensity," says Dr. Kelly. It's especially important if the headaches start to interfere with your quality of life and cause you to miss days of school or work, she says. Your doctor can determine the root cause of your headaches and develop a treatment plan to help you find relief.
RELATED: 4 Pressure Points That Can Quickly Relieve Headaches
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