Diet & Headaches

There are many causes and triggers of headaches. A person's diet has a direct and immediate impact on headaches for a great many people. When you and your physician have ruled out any serious causes for your headache, try looking at and changing your diet.

Omega 3

• Omega 3 fatty acids may help relieve headaches. A diet rich in fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, trout, snapper, herring and bluefish offer options for a healthy diet and hopefully headache relief.

Caffeine

• Coffee, tea, chocolate, pain relievers, medications, and colas all contain caffeine. They can cause severe headaches for many.

Caffeine Withdrawals

• When some people skip their morning coffee or daily cola they can experience headaches. Caffeine withdrawals are real and many might have to ween themselves off their caffeine intake slowly instead of cold turkey.

Food Triggers

• Many foods can be blamed for causing headaches. They include cashews, almonds, eggs, chocolate, strong cheeses, wine, food additives, pickles, processed meats, olives, raisins, pickles, avocados, red skinned apples, pears, and citrus.

Fasting

• Waiting too long to eat, fasting and extreme diets can cause headaches. Eat regular, well-balanced meals and keep hydrated to prevent headaches.

Cold Foods and Drinks

• Drinking or eating foods that are too cold can cause headaches. A frozen yogurt on a hot day can taste wonderful, but eating it too quickly or if it is exceptionally cold can cause a headache.