Everyone has a headache at times, and although it can be a truly uncomfortable sensation, it rarely responds to a serious cause.
In most cases, this discomfort can be solved by modifying the lifestyle, including diet. Here we will see which foods are the best to calm the headache.
The headache can occur in any region of the head, on one or both sides, focus on one area or spread, be severe or mild and continuous, and develop gradually or suddenly. It can be classified into two large groups:
- Primary headaches : are those that are due to problems in the structures of the head sensitive to pain. Examples of these pains are headaches or migraines. It is important to clarify that they are not the symptom of an underlying disease.
- Secondary headaches : these are symptoms of a disease that activates sensitive nerves headache. Its causes can be sinusitis, aneurysm, tumors, poisoning, dehydration, concussions or malformations.
Foods to relieve headaches
Certain foods can help relieve muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, scalp and jaw that causes headaches , thanks to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and relaxing properties:
Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
A diet with a good amount of Omega 3 fatty acids seems to reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. There is even scientific evidence that compares the effect of Omega 3 with ibuprofen.
- How to know if is a headache or migraine
You can add fatty acids Omega 3 in your diet by consuming olive oil, avocado, nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, oily fish, such as tuna, salmon or sardines, seeds, such as flax or chia, and green leafy vegetables, such as chard , spinach or lettuce.
Foods rich in water
Dehydration is a common cause of headache. This is because our organs need an adequate amount of fluid to function properly or else they begin to decay.
In the specific case of the brain, blood vessels can dilate, that is, they become inflamed and that causes the well-known migraines.
To prevent this and other problems related to dehydration, experts advise drinking between 1 ½ and 2 liters of water a day. You can also opt for fruits and vegetables rich in water to hydrate yourself, such as cucumber, spinach, watermelon, melon, peaches, apples, pineapple, or strawberries, among others.
Many of these options are also rich in nutrients that help calm headaches, since they favor the transport of oxygen in the body, fight nervousness, anxiety or stress (risk factors for headaches) and regulate hormonal production.
Herbs and infusions
There are different herbs with analgesic properties that can be drunk in infusions to calm the headache:
- Lavender : its infusion has been linked to the relief of a large number of inflammatory conditions or lesions, including headaches, thanks to the fact that it contains substances capable of counteracting oxidative stress caused by inflammation.
- Chamomile : the evidence on its effects on dol Headache is rare, although it does seem to be useful for treating some of the risk factors, such as generalized anxiety, thanks to its relaxing effects.
- Passionflower : it is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients that promote oxygenation, such as vitamin B 12 and C, or magnesium. For this reason, it has been used for centuries to relieve headaches.
- Romero : its infusion is characterized by having sedative properties, stimulating blood circulation and acting as a natural vasodilator, which is why it is recommended from natural medicine to relieve headaches.
- Linden: its infusion helps reduce tension, headaches and even arthritis, as it has anti-inflammatory properties capable of relieving muscle and joint pain.
- Valerian: there is scientific evidence that indicates that its components inhibit the degradation of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain and induce sedation and a decrease in the activity of the central nervous system. While this is especially helpful in facilitating sleep, experts believe it can help fight headaches.
Precautions
Headaches can also be due to the abuse of painkillers, alcohol or coffee, having poor posture, suffering from stress, hormonal changes or sleep problems, and being exposed to bright lights, odors, or loud noises.
Therefore, it is advisable to supplement the consumption of previously developed foods with solutions for these triggers.
Also, if headaches are accompanied by confusion, high fever ( more than 102 ° F or 39 ° C ), problems seeing, understanding speech or walking, nausea or vomiting, and fainting, you should consult a doctor when nto before.
To remember:
Until significant scientific evidence from trials in Humans, people interested in using herbal therapies and supplements should be very careful.
Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, before talking to your doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.
Remember, the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription drugs, with other herbs and supplements, and even alter your diet.
Sources Consulted : Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database, US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, US Department of Agriculture, National Institute Complementary and Alternative Medicine.