Whether your pounding headache is from tension or because it’s that time of the month, you can eat certain foods to help alleviate it. Here’s a list of headache-fighting foods.
Water
Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. Aim for eight (8-ounce) glasses of water every day. Add a slice of lemon or lime to keep your tastebuds entertained. Try an electrolyte sports drink if you tend to get headaches after long periods of exercise.
Whole grains
In addition to being a quality source of fiber, whole grains are rich in magnesium, a mineral that can soothe headaches due to menstruation. Eat a whole-grain food at every snack and meal. Other magnesium-rich foods include seafood, nuts, seeds, avocadoes, raisins and leafy greens.
Salmon
This flavorful, fatty fish, along with tuna and mackerel, is swimming with omega-3s, healthy fats that have anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit inflammation in the brain. Add chopped salmon to your morning omelet or dig into it over a bed of greens for lunch and dinner. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are also high in omega-3s.
Olive oil
High in the power antioxidant vitamin E, olive oil can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation and balance out hormone levels. Other sources of vitamin E include plant oils (such as wheat germ and canola), nuts and nut butters, seeds and seed butters.
Ginger
Ginger isn’t just for nausea. This fiery little root is also beneficial in fighting headaches because of its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. Make a ginger root tea or nibble candied ginger when you feel a headache coming on.
Foods to avoid
Sensitivity to certain foods can trigger head pain from mild headaches to full-blown migraines. Common headache foods include aged cheeses, food additives (MSG, artificial sweeteners, nitrites, food colorings), processed foods, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine. If you suffer frequent headaches, keep a headache diary that lists your foods, moods, activities and headache frequency to find patterns and triggers that cause head pain.
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