A person can get headaches due to various reasons like cold, loud music, stress, etc. These types of headaches are normal and anyone can face them. Drinking a cup of coffee or camomile tea can provide good relief. But if anyone is facing a headache often then you need extra care. Living with a chronic headache is not easy. The headache can start at any time and it can affect your daily routine. If you are getting headaches often then you should seek headaches treatment Pennsylvania. Sometimes headaches can also be a symptom of any underlying condition.
Causes of headache
Any kind of infection: Any kind of infection like fevers or colds can cause headaches. Headaches can also occur due to sinusitis, or throat infection.
Environment: You can get headaches due to strong smells, allergens, household chemicals, etc. Sometimes weather changes can also trigger headaches.
Genetics: Headaches like migraines can run in families. If any of the parents have a history of chronic headaches, their children may face the same problem.
Doctors often suggest medications to manage headaches. But taking lots of OTCs or pain relief medicines is not good for your health. These medicines can have harmful side effects. Instead of taking medicines, you should try treating your headache using natural remedies. The first thing you should be concerned about is food. There are lots of food items that help in managing headaches.
Top Food Items for Headache Relief
Fruits
Many fruits are very rich in potassium and magnesium. Some research shows that magnesium is very helpful in easing headache pain and improving nerve functioning. Bananas are a good food item that can provide relief from headaches. This fruit has a good amount of potassium, Vitamin B, magnesium, and complex carbohydrates. All these nutrients are very helpful in reducing headaches. If a person is getting a headache due to dehydration, he should eat fruits with good water content like bananas, apricots, figs, melons, etc.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens are good for everything. This veggie contains lots of elements that are excellent in providing headache relief. Leafy greens are high in magazines that help in lowering migraine and headache pain. Some studies show that the combination of folic acid, B12, and B6 is beneficial in reducing the frequency of your headaches. If you are having a headache, you can take varieties of leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, kale, collard greens, turnip greens, etc.
Nuts
One of the best sources of magnetism is nuts. Magnesium helps in reducing headaches by relaxing blood vessels. Nuts are also very rich in vitamin E. This vitamin can control the aura phase and prevent migraine triggers. While having a headache, eating nuts like walnuts, almonds, cashew nuts, etc can ease the pain.
Whole grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. These food items are very helpful in increasing glycogen in the brain. Eating whole grains relieve headache by maintaining blood sugar level. In women, headaches like migraine can occur due to iron deficiency anemia. Eating whole grains offers good health as they are rich in vitamin E, vitamin B, fiber, magnesium, etc. Best whole grains items for reducing headache pain are barley, whole oats, whole grain bread, quinoa, buckwheat, etc.
Fatty fish
For migraine and other types of headaches, fatty fish is a must-have food item. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids such as EPA and DHA have an anti-inflammatory function. Fatty fish also have vitamin B which can prevent migraine triggers. When you have a headache, you can try eating salmon, cod, mackerel, etc.
Legumes
These are very rich in fiber and protein that can maintain the blood sugar level to ease the pain. Legumes also contain potassium and magnesium which help in relieving blood vessel constrictions. The coenzyme Q10 provides good help in managing migraine pain. You can add nutrients to your diet like lentils, soybeans, beans, peas, etc.
Seeds
Many seeds are highly rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation. These seeds contain magnesium that manages the blood vessels and reduces the pressure as too much pressure in these vessels can trigger a headache. If you get a headache often then you should start adding seeds such as sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc to your diet.
Hot peppers
Peppers contain capsaicin that can numb the brain nerves and inhibits the neurotransmitters that are causing the pain. Hot peppers are also good in reducing various types of headaches like migraine, tension headaches, cluster headaches, etc. But if you can’t eat spicy items, don’t eat hot peppers as you may get other problems.
Along with these food items, don’t forget to drink a good amount of water. It will help in hydrating the body and reducing headaches. You can take a small amount of tea or coffee as any hot liquid helps in managing headaches. However, drinking too much coffee can worsen headache problems.