Headaches are one of the most common issues that people suffer from today, so if you are dealing with a chronic headache condition, you are far from alone. Since medication overuse can actually cause more headaches, people are turning to natural solutions. We’re going to start out by providing you with a list of foods you may want to add to your diet if you get headaches. Then, we will conclude by discussing a natural form of care that has been providing relief for headache patients around the world.
Table of Contents
Let’s give you a quick rundown of 10 of the best foods you can eat if you get headaches:
Since potatoes are nightshade, you may be surprised to see this on the list. However, many headaches are related to lack of proper hydration. Depending on the source you check, most will tell you that potatoes are 75% water or more. Plus, they contain potassium, a vital electrolyte. More potatoes may mean less dehydration and fewer headaches.
Going back to the need for proper hydration once again, cucumbers are just about all water. Not a big fan of cucumbers? You may be able to increase your intake by pairing them with a store-bought or homemade hummus dip. Or you can try adding a few to your salads.
Cherries also provide a lot of water, but they do something else that may stave off tension headaches (the most common form of a headache). They provide vital compounds that can help the body to get rid of nitric oxide. If you don’t like cherries, you can try beets, but we find that most people prefer cherries.
Be sure to choose one that is fortified with B vitamins because what you are really trying to get more of is B2 (riboflavin). At the same time, try to avoid cereals with a high sugar content as having too much sugar can have the reverse effect on your headache problems.
Bananas are well known for being high in potassium. This necessary electrolyte aids the body in storing water. So bananas may be able to help you avoid dehydration.
Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients for a person, and yet our diet is often lacking. Many people who eat a western diet (i.e., lots of processed foods) are magnesium deficient. Pumpkins seeds may be the number one way to correct the problem. From muscle aches to headaches, correcting a magnesium deficiency is a smart way to care for symptoms naturally.
Yet another nightshade makes the list of best foods for headaches. Spicy peppers can get your sinuses draining. If congestion is the cause of your headaches, spicy peppers may be the surprise solution.
Sometimes a headache is due to a drop in blood sugar levels. There are so many people on low carb diets, it is no wonder that they get headaches. But before you just go back to eating any carbs, try oatmeal or brown rice. These are healthier carbs that may raise blood sugar levels without causing spikes, and they absorb water as they cook so you are getting hydrated at the same time.
If you thought coffee would end up on the no-no list, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. In moderation, caffeine may actually help those headaches by increasing blood flow. Just be sure to avoid sugary caffeinated beverages such as cola.
Sesame seeds contain the same compound that makes cherries good for combating headaches. They also can help to level off estrogen levels. Since fluctuating estrogen levels have been linked to headaches, that makes this another one of the best foods for headaches and adds a second seed type to our list.
As always, consult a physician before making any dietary changes.
If you don’t have access to some of the foods listed above or you simply find that changing your diet doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean you’re left without a natural way to get headache relief. Many headache problems go back to the effects of tiny misalignments in the upper cervical spine, the C1 and C2 vertebrae. When these bones become misaligned, it can lead to:
This can lead to increased intracranial pressure and headaches or migraines.
Since the cervical vertebrae provide passage for the arteries by means of the vertebral foramen, a misalignment can affect this free flow of blood, thus causing headaches or migraines.
Since these bones surround and protect the area where the brainstem meets the spinal cord, overall central nervous system function can be affected leading, once again, to either headaches or migraines.
Upper cervical chiropractors practice a subspecialty of chiropractic that focuses specifically on the C1 and C2. As a result, we can detect and gently correct even the tiniest of misalignments. Since fractions of a millimeter can make a world of difference when it comes to these top two bones, some patients have seen significant symptom relief from their first adjustments onward. Gentle adjustments are also long-lasting which gives the body time to heal and offers a long-term solution to many chronic issues that are related to misalignments in this region of the neck. To learn more, find a practitioner in your area today.
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TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
