Everyone experiences a headache once in a while, which is normally treated with a painkiller or adequate rest. However, a migraine is a different kind of headache. It is accompanied by excruciating pain. Victims are always willing to do anything to improve the pain. Studies show that over 1 billion people have had migraines before. This makes it the third most common medical condition and the most common neurological problem.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraine is a severe neurological condition with “unimaginable” pain. It would help to know that there is no particular cause of migraine, so it is hard for healthcare providers to prevent them. As a result, the only way around the condition is to focus on how to deal with it, when it happens.
The effects of foods on migraine cannot be underestimated. Although they don’t automatically cure the condition, there are several proofs to explain how they prevent and reduce complications associated with it. Prescribed drugs should not be replaced with foods. But adding certain foods to your diet might help. You must speak with your health care provider to discuss what is the best for you.
It would help to know that migraine episodes are not the same as normal headaches. They occur for a long period, have more physical impact and are more severe. Some physical effects are:
- Nausea or vomiting [1]
- Vision problems
- Extreme sensitivity to lights, smells, and sounds
- Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
You may feel the pains of migraine on one side of your head or both. In some cases, you may feel a migraine aura, to warn you about an incoming attack. Examples of a migraine aura include:
- Flashes or sparks of light
- Tingling in the body
- Inability to speak properly or find the appropriate words (transient aphasia)
The effects of food on migraine are different in people. What works for you, might not work for someone else (Migraines can be that tricky). In this article, we will discuss 10 foods that you should add to your diet to make the illness go away.
Leafy Greens
Kale, swiss chard, and spinach are examples of green vegetables that help treat migraines. They contain high levels of B vitamin folate [2] and magnesium, [3] which have positive effects on headaches. A study was done on women in 2015 describing the effect of folate on headaches. It showed that women who consume meals with low folate are more prone to migraines than women who don’t.
The Association of Migraine Disorders released a study in 2013, which revealed that most people with migraines have low amounts of magnesium in their brain. Frequent consumption of leafy greens can help improve your illness because they contain high levels of magnesium.