Three Headache-Fighting Foods
I’m fairly certain that there is little that is more aggravating than a headache. It’s inevitable that suffering from one will put me out of commission for at least an hour and it will leave me feeling tired, sluggish, and completely sapped of productive energy. There are all of the classic remedies for headaches- a glass of water, rest in a cool, dark place, a cold compress, and over-the counter medications- but are there any ways to prevent headaches before they start? Good news: there are! It turns out that certain foods can help to ward off headaches before they leave you in a lethargic, sour state. Here are a few of them:
#1: Milk
One of the biggest perpetrators behind headaches is dehydration. When your body is devoid of proper fluid intake, it reduces your blood volume, thus causing a drop in blood and oxygen flow to the brain (and causing the headache). Drinking a glass of milk can not only help to ward off dehydration, but it is also packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals such as calcium and potassium, which can offset the headache-causing effects of a high sodium diet. Have some milk with your cereal in the morning, or drink a glass of it as a refreshing mid day snack.
#2: Fish
Certain species of fish, such as salmon and tuna, that are high in omega-3 fatty acids have headache-fighting anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, salmon provides you with 25 percent of your daily recommended intake for vitamin b12, which can help not only ward off headaches, but it can also help to settle an upset stomach. Try integrating fish into your diet a few times per week to reap the benefits. Have some smoked salmon in your omelet in the morning, eat some tuna salad during lunch, and add some baked salmon to your dinnertime salads and pastas.
#3: Cherries
In general, fruit can help to ward off headaches due its high water content which, as was discussed previously, can help to stave off dehydration. However, cherries specifically contain naturally-occurring compounds that convert to nitric oxide once in the bloodstream, and help to discourage headaches. Eating whole cherries is better for you than drinking the juice, since the juice generally contains high quantities of sugar. Try snacking on some throughout the day or throw a handful of frozen ones into your morning smoothie.