Originally published April 24 2012
Kick the migraine headache drug habit - Use foods, spices, home remedies for migraine headache relief
by JB Bardot
(NaturalNews) If you're wondering how do you get headaches, look no further than your diet. Although migraine headache causes may be varied, treatment for symptoms in people with headaches can be easily accomplished merely by changing your diet and including medicinal foods, spices, and a few home remedies.
A large number of migraine headaches originate with what you currently eat, and also from what you don't eat. The best foods and home remedies trigger soothing brain chemicals, promote overall well-being and stop migraine headaches in their tracks.
A well balanced diet protects against migraine headache symptoms
Supporting the system by eating a well balanced diet of natural, whole foods helps control the incidence of migraine attacks. Fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains provide necessary nutrients for the production of brain chemicals that ease pain.
Eating small meals frequently throughout the day stabilizes blood sugar, protecting against the sharp rise and fall that can cause a migraine headache.
Drink lots of fresh water to maintain hydration. Scientific evidence points to dehydration as an important migraine headache cause. The recommended fluid intake is 1/2 oz. of water for each pound of body weight daily.
Vitamins, minerals and amino acids provide migraine headache relief
Magnesium's role in stabilizing blood vessels is well documented, helping to prevent capillary and muscle spasms. Increase magnesium-rich foods such as wheat germ, garlic, oatmeal, seafood, kale, broccoli, spinach, melon, bananas, basil, cantaloupe, blackstrap molasses, and nuts to support the body and prevent migraine pain.
Calcium soothes and relaxes -- mentally and physically -- encouraging sleep and calmness. Having a calcium-rich drink or snack made with raw milk at bedtime encourages sleep and muscle relaxation.
Foods high in the amino acid tryptophan stimulate the brain in the production of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are linked to migraine headaches, depression and sleeplessness. Turkey supplies the greatest amount of tryptophan, followed by black-eyed peas, walnuts, almonds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, brown rice, and whole grains.
Vitamin B-2 may also help relieve the frequency of migraine headaches. B-2 or riboflavin is found in broccoli, eggs, almonds, raw milk, fermented soy products, whole grains, and organ meats.
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce overall inflammation and help lessen constriction of capillaries in the head, a primary cause of migraine headaches. Eat fatty fish, olive oil, avocados, and flax seeds.
Reduce chronic migraine headaches with herbs and home remedies
Cayenne pepper increases the pain threshold in migraine patients. Dissolve a pinch in hot water and drink as tea or sprinkle on food.
Consume at least 1 gram of ginger to alleviate the nausea associated with migraine headaches. Use ginger in a variety of ways including fresh ginger tea, candied ginger, or powdered ginger capsules.
Make a tea from peppermint leaves to soothe nausea and vomiting. Peppermint is also soothing to the spirit and helps migraine sufferers relax. Chew a fresh peppermint leaf for relief from pain and nausea.
Homeopathic Nux vomica is one of the best home remedies to help migraine headaches. Nux not only cleanses the liver, but reverses the effects of foods that may cause migraine headaches. It reduces irritability, neck and occipital spasms, noise and light sensitivity, body aches, nausea, and calms the inevitable tears that accompany excruciating migraine pain.
Keep a food diary and track which foods are the causes of migraine headaches, removing them from your diet while you add back healing foods and home remedies for relief.
Sources for this article include:
http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/diet-headache-migraine.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://familydoctor.org
http://www.naturalnews.com/029119_migraine_headaches_foods.html
About the author:
READ MORE OF JEAN (JB) BARDOT''S ARTICLES AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
The JB Bardot Archives: www.jbbardot.com
Natural News: http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1686.html
JB Bardot is an herbalist and a classical homeopath, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. She writes about wellness, green living, alternative medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, herbs and naturopathic medicine. You can find her at The JB Bardot Archives at www.jbbardot.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jbbardot23 or on Twitter at jbbardot23 or https://twitter.com/jbbardot23
READ MORE OF JEAN (JB) BARDOT''S ARTICLES AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS:
The JB Bardot Archives: www.jbbardot.com
Natural News: http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1686.html
JB Bardot is an herbalist and a classical homeopath, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. She writes about wellness, green living, alternative medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, herbs and naturopathic medicine. You can find her at The JB Bardot Archives at www.jbbardot.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jbbardot23 or on Twitter at jbbardot23 or https://twitter.com/jbbardot23
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