TAGAR.id, Jakarta – Headache is a common condition that causes aches, pains, and discomfort in the head, scalp, and neck area. Headaches can make your head feel throbbing or feel like it’s being tied tight.
This aches and pains in the head can be caused by various things, such as stress, fatigue, lack of energy sleep, hunger, flu, and dental problems. In addition, excessive consumption of monosodium glutamate (MSG) can also trigger this condition.
The feeling caused by headaches also varies, can be mild to severe which makes it difficult to concentrate during activities. However, you don’t need to worry too much, because most headaches can be treated with drug and lifestyle changes.
Here are some foods that are said to be a reliever for headaches, as quoted from: HelloSehat.
1. Fish high in omega-3
Fish that are high in omega-3s are known to be a headache reliever, by reducing the incidence of attacks and relieving migraine symptoms.
A study in migraine patients showed that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the frequency of headaches, and speed up the duration of headaches by up to 74 percent.
This happens because omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA, have anti-inflammatory properties, one of which is by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, hormones that trigger headaches, pain and inflammation.
Salmon, mackerel, trout, and herring are some examples of fish with high concentrations of omega-3s. To get the benefits as a headache reliever, you can eat these fish twice a week as much as 8 ounces or about 230 grams. If not, you can try taking fish oil supplements.
2. Baked potatoes
One of the triggers for headaches is dehydration or the body lacks fluids and electrolytes. Therefore, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes can be a way to relieve headaches.
In addition to drinking lots of water, you can replace lost fluids and electrolytes by eating potatoes along with the skin. These foods are known to contain potassium which can help maintain the body’s water and electrolyte balance, so it can be a headache reliever.
You can enjoy these benefits by eating baked potatoes with their skins on. In this condition, the potassium content is considered the highest, which is around 925 mg in one medium-sized baked potato with the skin on. In addition, these foods also contain magnesium which is also needed by headache sufferers.
3. Almonds
Apart from potatoes, almonds are another example of a headache-relieving food that is rich in magnesium. As mentioned earlier, magnesium content is needed for headache sufferers, especially migraines.
The reason is, people who experience migraines tend to have lower magnesium levels than those who don’t. Low levels of magnesium in the bloodstream can cause inflammation, which can lead to migraine headaches.
On the other hand, the magnesium in almonds is believed to fight headaches by relaxing the nerves and muscles that affect them. In addition, these foods are also said to contain salicin, which is an anti-inflammatory component found in aspirin as a pain reliever for headaches.
4. Whole wheat bread
Low blood sugar levels are one of the triggers for sudden headaches. This is due to the lack of glucose content also triggers dehydration and decreased energy. As a result, the supply of nutrients and oxygen that is circulated to the brain is reduced.
As a quick way to increase blood sugar levels, eat whole wheat bread. Carbohydrates in whole wheat are not easily digested by the body, so it can maintain stable blood sugar levels longer than regular white bread.
A study conducted in Rome also showed, increasing consumption of whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta, while reducing consumption of white bread, can reduce migraine attacks and use of reliever drugs in a month. In addition, whole wheat also contains magnesium which is good for headache sufferers.
5. Mushrooms
If you have frequent headaches, especially migraines, that recur, you can add mushrooms to your diet. Mushrooms contain vitamin B2 (riboflavin) which is known to relieve migraine symptoms.
Researchers don’t know exactly how vitamin B2 in the diet can be a headache reliever. However, some people who are deficient in vitamin B2 have been shown to be more prone to migraines.
In addition, riboflavin is also important for the growth, development, and function of cells in the body. It also helps convert the food you eat into the energy you need, so you don’t feel sluggish or tired. Fatigue is a common complaint for migraine headache sufferers.[]
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