Is there a link between migraines and what you eat?
The majority of us have had a headache at some point in our lives. In fact, throughout the year, up to 75% of persons aged 18 to 65 reported experiencing a headache. Over a third of the adults said they had a migraine at any point in their life.
Migraines are more severe headaches that stay longer and have more significant bodily repercussions. Many people in Mumbai experience migraine headaches, and they search for proper treatment to get relief. Dr.Gurneet Singh Sawhney, the best neurosurgeon in Mumbai, can provide you the necessary treatment to ease migraine headaches.
Recent studies and research indicate that making dietary changes might help to reduce your chances of getting a migraine.
Continue reading to learn more about how this works and what foods you should and shouldn’t consume.
So, what are the common reason for having a migraine?
Because of the hormonal swings, women who have reductions in estrogen around their periods or during pregnancy may experience migraine headaches. The following are some more migraine triggers:
- weather changes
- variations in sleeping patterns
- Increased stress level
- uncontrolled consumption of alcohol
- some prescription drugs
What foods are known to cause migraines?
You can reduce migraine frequency by limiting the triggering items in your diet. It will be best if you can avoid those things. Processed meals and dietary additives are well-known triggers for migraines. Other foods or substances that might cause migraine headaches include:
| EggsScallionsBread and pastaItems made from milkJuicy and citrus-flavored fruitsAlcoholic beverages, particularly red wine | TomatoesMSG and other food additivescaffeinated beveragesNutsChocolate and chocolate-based productsCheese that is aged |
Use a diary to keep note of everything you eat and drink, as well as how you feel afterwards. It can assist you, or your neurosurgeon in Mumbai find out foods or components that may be causing migraines.
You might also try a two-week trial of a pain-free diet. You should only eat or drink from the “safe” list during this period and avoid items that are believed to be typical triggers. Keep track of the frequency and intensity of your migraines throughout this period.
Slowly reintroduce additional items into your diet after the two weeks. It might help you figure out what foods are triggering your headache.
The ketogenic diet, rich in fat, low in carbohydrates, and high in protein, has been linked to pain relief in people with neurological diseases. According to some research, this might be an excellent dietary option for migraine treatment.
Which foods are beneficial to migraine sufferers?
One of the most incredible ways to avoid migraines is to pay attention to your nutrition. You should attempt to include migraine-preventive items in your diet along with reducing the migraine-triggering items.
When it comes to redesigning your diet, whole, natural foods are an excellent option to start. Food items with preservatives or artificial flavourings trigger migraine headaches.
A short research of 42 adults indicated that consuming a vegan diet or avoiding specific dietary triggers helps migraine sufferers. The following items are considered “pain-safe” by your neurosurgeon in Mumbai:
- Fresh vegetables of all colors like spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes
- Tap or spring water along with carbonated water
- Rice, mainly brown rice
- Non-citrus dried or cooked fruits
- Natural sweeteners like vanilla
You can also eat fresh meats, poultry products, and fish as migraine-safe foods. The secret is to stay away from smoked, processed, and broth-based food items.
As per your doctor, vitamin B-2 can help reduce the incidence of migraines. Animal food, such as salmon and red meat, contains vitamin B-2. So, you can include these food items in your diet too. Even mushrooms and grains are a rich sources of vitamin B-2. So, add them to your diet as well.
What other options are there for treating migraines?
If you need instant relief from migraine headaches, you may use an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can take a rest in a room with little to no light. Resting helps in alleviating migraine headaches.
Sipping water or an electrolyte-rich drink, such as a sports drink, can also help to alleviate dizziness and nausea due to migraine headaches. Eating dry crackers or other low-odour items may also be beneficial for you.
If the pain does not go away, you must visit your doctor in Mumbai. He may prescribe you drugs to help lessen the severity or frequency of your migraines.