Migraines are one of the most severe types of headaches that might be caused by excessive dilation or restriction of blood vessels in the brain. They occur in both women and men, but are more common in women. Besides taking medications, evidence suggests that incorporating certain foods into your diet can have beneficial effects on migraines. Consult your health care provider before consuming foods as a potential treatment for migraines.
Chili Peppers
Chili peppers contain the active compound capsaicin, which might reduce pain associated with migraines. Drs. Feng Qin and Jing Yao studied the effects of capsaicin on pain receptors. They discovered that capsaicin binds to a pain receptor and incites the influx of calcium ions into the neuron until the pain receptor turns off, which is a process called desensitization. Desensitization might reduce pain and help migraine sufferers, according to a study in the February 2009 issue of the journal "PLoS Biology."
Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy polyunsaturated fats that may play a role in reducing the frequency and duration of migraines. Researchers from the Divisions of Adolescent Medicine in Rhode Island investigated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on migraines in adolescents. Subjects randomly received omega-3 fatty acid from fish oil or a placebo containing olive oil for two months. At the end of the study, scientists observed that the fish oil group experienced greater reductions in duration, frequency and severity of migraines compared to the placebo group, the August 2002 issue of the "Journal of Adolescent Health" reports. Omega-3 rich foods include the following: walnuts, salmon, tuna and herring.
Spinach
Eating magnesium-loaded foods, such as spinach, almonds, halibut and avocado, might help ease migraines. Researchers from Erciyes University in Turkey discovered that subjects taking magnesium supplements experienced decreases in migraine frequency and severity compared to those who were administered a placebo, the June 2008 issue of "Magnesium Research" reports.
Member Comments