Headaches and migraines are common symptoms experienced by over 90% of the population. To prevent pain in the head, it is fundamentally important to consume a variety of healthy foods and stay hydrated.

Experts say, "Food is like the first medicine," and that "what and when you eat can make a significant difference in pain management." They explain that consistently consuming foods that eliminate headaches and migraines as part of regular meals can help alleviate pain.

 

Based on sources such as the American health and medical media outlet 'Everyday Health,' we looked into foods that may help alleviate or trigger headaches and migraines, or are ambiguous in their effects.

|Trigger Food|

 

Red wine

 

Among people who enjoy red wine, some experience migraines. This is due to a component called tyramine found in red grapes. Tyramine constricts blood vessels, causing an increase in blood pressure. As a result, it can trigger headaches or migraines. Beer can also be a cause of migraines.

 

Chemical flavor enhancer

 

When cooking food, it is common to use the chemical seasoning monosodium glutamate (MSG) to enhance flavor. However, MSG that provides umami taste can cause migraines. Therefore, frequently consuming or overeating spicy foods containing MSG may lead to headaches.

 

Sausage, hot dog

 

Nitrites are used to give meat its color and texture. Sausages, hot dogs, bacon, smoked fish, canned ham, and salted beef often contain high levels of nitrites. For people sensitive to nitrite compounds, they can cause migraines by dilating blood vessels on the surface of the brain, face, and scalp.

 

Pickled foods, fermented foods

 

If you frequently consume pickled foods and fermented products, you should be cautious of migraines. In particular, foods preserved with salt or vinegar, such as pickles, can be a cause of migraines. During the aging and fermentation process of foods, tyramine compounds are produced. These compounds promote the constriction and dilation of blood vessels on the surface of the brain, which can trigger headaches.

 

|Ambiguous Food|

 

Some foods help alleviate headaches when eaten in moderation, but overconsumption can actually trigger them.

 

Coffee

 

Coffee contains caffeine, which is also found in headache medicine. Thanks to caffeine, headaches can be alleviated. However, caffeine remains in the body for up to five hours, so after drinking coffee in the morning, a headache may return in the afternoon.

According to the National Headache Foundation in the United States, caution should be exercised as caffeine withdrawal headaches can also be triggered by coffee. If such headaches occur, it is recommended to drink coffee with half the caffeine content or decaffeinated coffee instead of regular coffee. Even decaffeinated coffee contains a small amount of caffeine.

Chocolate

 

It is good for relieving headaches caused by caffeine withdrawal. Most dark chocolates contain about 40-50 mg of caffeine per 40 grams. This is equivalent to a cup of green tea and about half the caffeine content of a cup of coffee.

Additionally, dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium. However, eating too much chocolate can actually trigger migraines. This is because the phenylethylamine component in chocolate can constrict blood vessels in the brain, leading to throbbing headaches.

 

|Soothing foods|

 

Seeds, nuts

 

Provides magnesium and fiber. Experts point out that "from a nutritional perspective, magnesium deficiency is one of the most common causes of persistent or severe cluster headaches."

Flaxseed, pumpkin seed, and chia seed are good sources of magnesium. In particular, pumpkin seeds contain a lot of fiber, which can also help prevent constipation associated with migraines. Magnesium is also abundant in nuts.

 

banana

 

Provides energy when needed. Rich in magnesium, which is good for preventing hypoglycemia that can lead to migraines or headaches, and helps alleviate headaches. The moisture content is about 74%, which also aids in hydration.

 

Herb tea

 

It is good for overall hydration. Depending on the type of tea, there are additional benefits. Peppermint tea is effective in reducing sinus (paranasal sinus) pressure. According to the American Migraine Foundation, sinus headaches are caused by inflammation or swelling of the sinuses. Ginger tea also helps alleviate tension headaches.

 

Berries

 

Eating foods containing antioxidants such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries can help relieve sinus pressure.

 

mushroom 

 

It can promote health and prevent migraines. For headaches caused by leaky gut syndrome, consuming foods rich in riboflavin such as mushrooms, quinoa, nuts, and eggs can be helpful.

Yogurt

 

If you have a migraine, issues related to the intestines, including constipation, can also occur. Plain yogurt has the effects of providing hydration and promoting gut health.

 

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli

 

A drop in estrogen levels just before menstruation can trigger headaches. Increasing the intake of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, mini cabbage, and bok choy is effective in preventing menstrual migraines.

 

Leafy vegetables such as spinach and amaranth

 

Leafy vegetables are excellent sources of magnesium. According to the American Migraine Foundation, many patients take magnesium supplements along with migraine medication because their brain magnesium levels are low.

 

Black soybean

 

Effective for headaches caused by reactive hypoglycemia, which results in a decrease in blood sugar after meals. In addition to black beans, eating pumpkin, quinoa, and root vegetables helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

 

watermelon

 

According to the American Migraine Foundation, one in three people suffering from migraines experience symptoms caused by dehydration. Watermelon is 92% water. It is an excellent choice for preventing dehydration, which can trigger headaches or migraine attacks.

 

 

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I am suffering from a previous migraine.

Foods that trigger symptoms are not foods that are consumed in large quantities, but rather specific items.

Why is that? Haha

 

The foods that alleviate symptoms are truly diverse,

These are things I usually consume.

 

There are many more and much more diverse foods that are becoming more soothing.

If there's something you like among these, I can prepare it for you.

That should be helpful.