The connection between food and migraine headaches is constantly researched and turning up interesting information. While some foods seem to trigger headaches, others might be helpful in preventing them. Migraines may occur due to changes in serotonin levels, a chemical made in your brain. Certain foods can influence these levels and when serotonin decreases, blood vessels swell and cause pain. Since everyone reacts to foods differently, some experimenting may be necessary to discover foods that might help your migraines.
Foods Containing Calcium
Eating foods rich in calcium may prevent or cure migraine headaches. Foods that contain calcium include dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, and green leafy vegetables, such as kale and broccoli. You can also get calcium by eating canned fish with soft bones, such as sardines and salmon. Additional food products to consider are those that are calcium-fortified and available in your grocery store. These foods include breakfast cereals, juices, tofu, and soy and rice beverages.
Foods Containing Magnesium
Adding foods to your daily diet that are rich in magnesium may also help to cure or prevent a migraine. Whole grains are rich in magnesium because they contain the germ and bran of the grain. This makes whole grain wheat bread a better choice than bread made with refined processed white flour. In addition, beans, peas, nuts and seeds are rich in magnesium. You may also be surprised to learn that tap water is a source of magnesium, in some cases. Water labeled as "hard" will contain more magnesium that "soft" water.
Miscellaneous Foods
Coffee is a food that may be helpful for migraine headaches and has cured migraines for some people, while exacerabting symptoms in others. You may also want to think about adding ginger to your home spice cabinet for migraine prevention along with an herb known as feverfew. Discuss these options with your doctor to see if they are appropriate for you.
Considerations
Consider keeping a diary to track the foods you eat along with any migraine episodes that you experience. Also, jot down all the food remedies that you try so you can track desirable or undesirable results and share them with your doctor.
Member Comments