Constriction of the blood vessels is the body's way to raise the blood pressure. By narrowing the passage in the blood vessels, blood flows more slowly to the organs and the extremities. Certain foods may contribute to this process. In the case of people with hypertension, these foods may be limited to help control blood pressure. People suffering from migraine headaches may choose to include these foods to help control capillary action and relieve their headaches.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a well-known vasoconstrictor, Relieve-Migraine-Headache.com explains, and helps to reduce the incidence and intensity of migraine headaches. It is known that in a migraine, blood vessels dilate or enlarge, becoming engorged with blood that remains in the vessels and stretches them, causing pain. Caffeine is able to reduce the size of the blood vessels, forcing the blood out of them and reducing the pain. Foods containing caffeine are coffee, tea, sodas and energy drinks.
Sodium
The Merck Manual discusses in great detail about sodium's role in helping to control blood pressure in the body and its effects on the kidneys. Too much sodium contributes to raising the blood pressure and constricting the blood vessels, especially in the kidneys, which control the blood pressure and electrolyte balance in the body. Sodium should be reduced to no more than 2½ grams per day, Merck advises.
Licorice
Licorice root is a wonderful herb used for making tea, candy, alcoholic drinks and other flavorful spices and is helpful when used for digestive upsets and numerous other conditions requiring soothing of the body's mucous membranes. However, licorice has been shown to increase blood pressure, aggravating hypertension. This occurs due to its ability to constrict blood vessels, especially in the digestive tract and kidneys and during its interaction in sodium metabolism.
Ginger
One of the herbalist's greatest treasures for treating many things that ail you, ginger is a delicious food to eat as a condiment or mixed with other foods in cooking. Ginger is also capable of constricting blood vessels and raising blood pressure. Ginger especially is useful for calming the stomach during nausea from headaches, stomach flu or other digestive problems. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it especially helpful for reducing swollen, dilated blood vessels during migraine headaches.
