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Foods for Migraine Relief

Millions of Americans suffer from migraine pain each year. The throbbing pain and side effects of a migraine can last for a few hours to several days. Finding the foods that trigger the pain is helpful in preventing migraines, but there are also foods that will help reduce the pain. Prevention is key, but when the pulsing pain of an attack strikes, there are natural ways to reduce and eliminate it.

  1. Caffeine

    • Caffeine is often a trigger for migraine pain in some patients, but many find relief from the stimulating effects. At the onset of pain, drinking a cup of strong black coffee or a can of caffeinated soda can relieve the migraine pain. Always be sure to avoid diet soda drinks, as the artificial sweetener is a leading trigger of migraine pain.

      Caffeine is effective because of the narrowing effect it has on blood vessels. As a migraine sets in, the blood vessels widen. Caffeine counteracts this widening, relieving the pressure and pain. It is also effective at increasing the effectiveness of pain medications.

    Calcium Rich Foods

    • Foods that are rich in calcium can decrease the pain associated with a migraine and even help prevent migraine pain. Patients can rely on a chewable source of calcium tablet daily or consume calcium-rich foods. Avoiding dairy products is key to this method being effective, as dairy is a high trigger of migraine pain. Good sources of calcium are collard greens, turnip greens and spinach.

    Magnesium Rich Foods

    • Magnesium-rich foods will alleviate and even prevent migraine pain. Magnesium is necessary for normal blood vessel function. Low levels will trigger the blood vessels in the head, causing migraine pain to develop. This occurrence can be increased during a woman's menstrual cycle. Adding a supplement to the diet or increasing the amount of magnesium-rich foods consumed will reduce and ward off future pain. Look for dark green vegetables, such as spinach and chard.

    Omega 3 Fatty Acids

    • Adding foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to the diet will aid in the prevention of migraine pain, and also help eliminate the pain at the onset. Omega-3 fatty acids aid in the correct function of blood vessels, a common cause of migraine pain, and act as an anti-inflammatory. Fish such as tuna and salmon are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.

    Ginger

    • Ginger will alleviate migraine pain during an attack. There are no preventive benefits to ginger, but consuming ginger tea or powered ginger during a migraine attack will reduce the pain associated with it. Powdered ginger should be consumed by ingesting one-half to one teaspoon at the onset of pain. The relaxing effects of ginger will relieve the pressure and pain.

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