Migraines are painful headaches characterized by throbbing in one area of the head and are more common, according to MedlinePlus, in women than in men. Anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, hunger, hormonal changes, excessive exposure to light, and certain foods such as chocolates and alcohol are common causes for migraines. Avoiding the triggers is the best way to manage the condition. Exercising regularly and adding certain foods to the everyday diet may also help treat and prevent migraines.
Ginger
Ginger is the underground stem of the Zingiber officinale plant and has been a part of the traditional Asian and Indian cuisine since ancient times. Fresh ginger is available in many grocery stores and can be used to prepare tea. It is also part of several spices that can be added to foods such as gingerbread. The biologic activity of ginger is due to the volatile oils and phenol compounds present in it. Pharmiweb.com states that the anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties of ginger, along with its blood-thinning ability, may help prevent migraines. Ginger is generally safe to use, although overuse can lead to heartburn, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth.
Riboflavin
Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is a water-soluble B vitamin found in foods such as milk, cheese, almonds, meat and green leafy vegetables such as spinach. Eating a vitamin B2-rich diet or taking vitamin B2 supplements, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, may help improve the symptoms of migraine headaches by promoting oxygen metabolism in brain cells, the impairment of which may contribute to the condition in the first place.
Fish and Fish Oils
The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends omega 3 fatty acids, found in the fish oils of salmon, mackerel and sardines, to treat and manage migraine headaches. Fish oil can also be obtained from dietary supplements, which have the same anti-inflammatory and nerve-protecting abilities that the direct dietary sources possess.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral found in bananas, apricots, avocados, almonds, cashews, beans, peas, tofu and whole grains, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture states that the deficiency of ionic magnesium can worsen migraine headaches. Apart from diet, magnesium can also be obtained from supplements, but always consult a physician before taking these supplements.
Caffeine
CBS News reported in June 2008 that caffeine can either help treat migraine headaches by improving the absorption of pain medications in the brain or may worsen the condition by causing anxiety and sleeplessness. Because the individual effects of caffeine may vary, beverages such as tea and coffee should be used with caution.
