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When it comes to headaches, a lot of people stick to a tried and true formula: popping a pain pill, closing the blinds, turning off the lights and going to sleep. But did you know that there are certain foods that can help alleviate or prevent headaches from occurring?
Watermelon
One of the main reasons why we experience headaches is because of dehydration. Without enough fluids in the body, the brain contracts temporarily. This shrinking motion pulls it away from the skull, which is what causes headaches.
Watermelons are some of the most water-rich foods you can find in nature, consisting of at least 90% water. Apart from its water content, watermelon also contains minerals and nutrients that can help fight headaches, so you might want to stock up on this delicious fruit or plant your own. You can grow watermelons even if you live in a cold area like the Pacific Northwest.
Sesame Seeds
Headaches can also be caused by hormonal changes. This is often the case for women during their periods, as the changes in their estrogen levels can bring on migraines due to the endocrine and nervous system going haywire.
Sesame seeds can be a great way to help your body ride the changes in hormone levels. Sesame seeds are rich in vitamin E, which is known to help with alleviating PMS symptoms. So the next time you find yourself at a farmer’s market, you may want to purchase a pack of these seeds to help with your headaches. However, if the headaches are too severe you may need to speak to a pain management specialist like the ones from Seattle Pain Relief.
Almonds
From a physiological point of view, headaches occur due to a tense muscular and nervous system. This also occurs when the body does not have enough magnesium, which is a naturally occurring mineral that helps regulate the body’s muscles and nerves.
If you are looking for food that is rich in magnesium, look no further than almonds. These nuts are packed with magnesium, which can help alleviate the pain you experience from headaches. They help relax the body’s muscles as well as the blood vessels, both of which are involved in headaches.
Whole Wheat Bread
Another reason why headaches occur is hunger. Our brain gets its energy from the food we eat. It thrives particularly on carbohydrates, and when it runs out of carbs, the brain starts to run out of energy. This energy loss triggers hunger-induced headaches.
Carbohydrates are commonly found in grains, and what better way to get your carbs than from whole wheat bread? Additionally, eating bread can also trigger the release of serotonin, which is responsible for making you feel good. What a bonus!
Managing headaches is something that should be done from a holistic perspective. Staying fit and active, getting enough sleep, and making regular visits to the doctor is important. Eating the food listed above should help round out your routine for managing your headaches. And of course, it’s important to drink enough water!