Most times, headaches cause major discomfort in our regular activities which can lead to a lack of interest in completing tasks. Migraines are a severe form of headaches that causes intense pain that could last from a few hours to days on end. It can also affect other physical activities as well. Migraines are usually caused due to a lack of food and sleep; however, the exact cause of migraine is still unknown. Besides other treatment options, there are some foods that can help manage the condition effectively.

Food habits to follow:
Intake of vegetables and fruits – Vegetables and fruits have many beneficial factors and help our body in many ways. Whole and natural foods that contain no artificial flavoring and preservatives keep us healthy and avoid conditions such as migraine. Different types of fruits and vegetables in any color can act as pain relief in case of migraine. However, it is important to avoid citrus fruits as it can trigger a migraine. Natural sweeteners such as vanilla extract and maple syrup can also be beneficial.

Healthy fresh meat – Always go for fresh meat and avoid processed meat. Fresh meat such as chicken, fish, or red meat are considered to be safe for those suffering from migraines. Red meat and salmon contain a good amount of vitamin B2 that helps in relieving migraine pain. Smoked and processed meat, however, contain a high amount of salt, preservatives, and artificial coloring that can trigger a migraine.

Eat mini meals – Hunger is one of the most common reasons for migraines. Eating three large meals can leave you hungry very often and lead to headaches. Eating foods in small portions during the day reduces hunger and helps eradicate migraine. Make sure you eat enough to stay active throughout the day.

Drink lots of water – Water has many benefits and helps our body in different ways. Keeping yourself hydrated is the best way to stay healthy. Drinking around 8 to 10 glasses of water daily keeps you away from many diseases and helps relieve migraine pain too.

Brown rice – They are a great source of magnesium and are slowly digestible which helps in maintaining blood sugar levels. These benefits of brown rice help in fighting migraines.

Bland foods – Avoiding spice can help in soothing a migraine. Bland foods also help in better digestion and reduce nausea which are interconnected to migraines.

Food habits to refrain from:
Avoid cultured dairy products – Cultured dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are rich in tyramine which are present in protein-rich products. Tyramine present in dairy products can trigger migraines and those suffering from it are advised to avoid them.

Reduced the intake of alcohol – Excessive consumption of alcohol leads to dehydration, and this leads to the cause of migraines. Drinking alcohol relaxes blood vessels which increases the blood flow to the brain. Especially, red wine should be avoided if you suffer from migraines regularly as it has a high level of histamine, serotonin, and sulfites which are the key elements to trigger the condition.

Coffee – Intake of caffeine needs to be limited to 200mg per day. Excessive intake of caffeine results in a severe migraine. Caffeine is added to many over-the-counter medicines to treat migraine; however, an increased amount of caffeine reverses its healing effects.