Ranging from irritating to absolutely intolerable, a headache can go from annoying to disrupting your entire life real quick. Most pounding headaches can have you reaching for the nearest bottle of ibuprofen— but what if we told you that your favorite foods could help with that crushing pain?
While most natural remedies can be hit or miss, eating a certain meal to combat pain can be just as effective. That depends on what you’re eating, though. In one small study, a 12-week diet decreased the number of migraine headaches people experienced. These effects started at the four-week mark.
So while eating a snack may not be effective in tackling that pain as immediately as Tylenol, these methods can have long term effects, having you saying goodbye to headaches for good. Of course, different headaches require different solutions. Tension headaches are the most common, while cluster headaches are incredibly painful. Migraines are the worst, classified as severe and can knock you on your butt for the rest of the day.
We want to help you tackle those nasty head pains with our favorite, tummy-filling solutions.
So we scoured the internet and found every foodie twist that will keep you living your best, headache-free lives.
1. Coffee
A cup of java can really save the day.
The bad news: the caffeine in coffee can cause headaches. But there is good news: for some people, coffee can help headaches. It all depends on the person. According to Well and Good, caffeine contains something called “vasodilating properties,” which relax the constricted blood vessels that are the main cause of tension headaches. Also, if you’re taking ibuprofen for pain, caffeine can help them work a little more effectively. Win-win!
2. Baked Potato
Potatoes really are the most versatile vegetable in the world.
If your headache is because of too much wine, then a baked potato could save the day. According to Woman’s Day, this is because alcohol can make you dehydrated as you lose essential electrolytes, one of them being potassium. You’ve probably heard about potassium being a great hangover cure, and baked potatoes are a wonderful source of it.
3. Watermelon
Speaking of potassium, watermelons are also bursting with these electrolytes.
Watermelons are also rich in water, which means if your headache is the result of dehydration, this juicy fruit can serve a double whammy against that niggling pain. Whether you choose to eat the fruit straight or add it in a smoothie with other water-rich food, watermelons are a sure way to fight the discomfort.
4. Whole Grain Toast
Sometimes it’s not about how much you’re eating, but what you’re filling your body with.
Headaches can be caused by undereating, but if you’ve been munching away on snacks all day and still get hit with a pounding headache, then it could indicate you’re lacking in something else. According to Cheat Sheet, complex carbohydrates (like anything whole grain) can prevent spikes in blood sugar, a huge cause of headaches, while also being a rich source of fiber, which can keep you full for longer.
5. Almonds
Like coffee, almonds have the power to cause and cure headaches.
According to Livestrong, almonds contain a lot of magnesium and could actually prevent headaches by relaxing blood vessels. This is also a big one for people suffering from migraines, who could benefit from following a diet rich in magnesium. Other nuts are also rich in magnesium, like cashews, as well as foods like dried apricots, brown rice, and legumes.
6. Salsa
If you enjoy the spicier side of life, you’ll like this tip.
For headaches due to sinus congestion, spicy food like salsa and hot peppers can be your one-way ticket to a blissful headache-free life. Spicy snacks open up airways and take the pressure off your sinuses. But take this advice with a grain of spice, because depending on the food and the headache, spicy food can also trigger a full-blown headache. So don’t go overboard the first time you try this one out!
7. Plain Yogurt
Headaches might be your body’s way of calling out for help.
If your body is lacking in calcium, it can cause headaches. But besides that, yogurt isn’t just effective in your battle against pain. Because of its high levels of calcium, it also contains riboflavin, which is the part of vitamin B that can reduce migraines. According to Today, if you don’t like yogurt, eggs can also provide this vitamin.
8. Sesame Seeds
These little seeds can go a long way.
Sesame seeds are a fantastic source of magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. But it’s also a big hit of vitamin E that can help with migraines that come on during your period, according to Woman’s Day. Sprinkle it over a salad and not only does it add a nice crunch, but it’ll also help keep your headaches at bay.
9. Spinach
Now that you’re well-versed in magnesium, you know to keep an eye out for it — and another food that is bursting with it is spinach.
But spinach has so much more to offer. From high levels of riboflavin to folic acid, spinach is a powerhouse green vegetable. According to Mind Body Green, a study in 2015 saw that participants who upped their consumption of folic acid felt an improvement in their migraine symptoms. So if you’re looking for something with a three-pronged approach to pain relief, Popeye’s favorite veggie might be right for you.
10. Ginger Tea
Ginger isn’t just here to fight nausea.
A cup of ginger tea might just be the ticket to getting rid of a rumbly tummy or a go-to for pregnant women with morning sickness, but everything that makes ginger so effective in battling nausea can also help with headaches. According to Migraine Again, “ginger holds back the synthesis of prostaglandins, lipid compounds that control the body’s response to inflammation (causing pain) and increase certain muscle contractions.” So brew a delicious cup of tea with a peel of ginger and enjoy relief.
11. Water
How many glasses have you had today?
It’s been drilled into us for the longest time that water is a magical healer for almost every ailment. It gives you happy skin, helps you sleep, and assists weight loss, but it can get rid of your awful headache— especially if it’s caused by dehydration. Water is the best way to hydrate, and according to Healthline drinking water can alleviate symptoms in 30 minutes to three hours.
12. Dark Chocolate
Skip the sweet stuff and go dark.
According to ABC, cocoa contains healing properties, and dark chocolate is packed to the brim with it — unlike milk and white chocolate. A study presented at the International Headache Congress found that cocoa powder has a calming effect on inflamed cells that caused migraine headaches in rats. And we’re willing to take a chance that this delicious treat will help us in our hour of need.
13. Avocado
Yes, this means we’re advocating for avocado on toast.
This is another source of magnesium and potassium that will give you back your peace. According to Food Network, these are brain-supportive fats, which make avocados a superfood equipped to kick your headache’s butt. If you’re stuck on how to use avocado in your life besides spreading it on toast, chop it into salads, blend it into a dressing, or shovel it on some salmon. There are plenty of options out there.
14. Salad With Protein
This is a great way to combine pain-fighting power.
Low blood sugar can really mess with your head, and according to Well and Good, eating throughout the day helps combat any spikes or drops. A smart way to do this is by combining protein with a salad (made out of spinach, as we mentioned earlier). You’ll be getting all the right nutrients at once!
15.Turkey
A Christmas favorite that can bring joy all year round.
Turns out, a good serving of meat like turkey can relieve some pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, turkey contains vitamin B6, which helps our bodies produce serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for pain relief, which means your body can naturally reduce aches — pretty neat, huh? Time to make yourself a turkey sandwich.
We hope we’ve helped keep a headache away with delicious, nutritious, and fabulous foods. What are your home remedies for headaches?
