Headaches are no fun for anyone – they can be a real pain in the… head! Headaches can be triggered by many different factors and PMS, stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, low blood sugar or dehydration are some of the most common culprits. Although reaching for a pain killer seems to be most peoples “go-to’s,” there are more natural ways to cure that pounding in your skull, such as drinking more water and eating foods that have specific health benefits to support your body and aid that banging in your noggin. So here are six foods to help with headaches.
Potato
One of the main causes of headaches is dehydration and often, when your body is dehydrated, it is also in need of electrolytes, like potassium. Bananas are known to be high in potassium, but did you know that potatoes are actually three times higher in potassium! Not to mention, potatoes are about 75% water, so they are a double-whammy headache killer.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are made up of 97% water, so it’s no surprise that these refreshing veggies are great for curing headaches. Cucumbers are a great source of hydration and a super tasty snack or salad treat. Pro tip: Try sprinkling a tiny bit of salt on your cucumber slices, to jazz them up a little, or snack on them with your favourite hummus.
Seeds and nuts
Magnesium is a fantastic nutrient that will help to ward off those headaches and certain seeds and nuts, such as pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts and almonds are high in magnesium. Did you know that just half a cup of sunflower seeds provides you with 100% of your daily magnesium intake? The most common signs you are lacking in magnesium are muscle aches and overall fatigue. Magnesium is an important nutrient, as it is responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in your body.
Brown rice
Carbs keep blood sugar levels steady, as they don’t require and additional processing to make glucose. But often, if you don’t eat enough carbs, your blood sugar levels can drop, causing low energy and headaches. If you aren’t a big fan of carbs, there are some lower carb options, such as brown rice, to ensure you are getting your daily carb intake.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds may be little, but they pack a punch! They are rich in Vitamin E which helps to stabilize estrogen, potentially helping with period-related headaches. Sesame seeds are also rich in L-arginine, which is a precursor of nitric oxide – a naturally occurring gas that can help against tension headaches. This same gas is also found in cherries and beetroot.
Avocado
Avocado is rich in healthy fats and magnesium – both of which are great at stabilizing blood sugar levels and balancing hormones. Simply, whip up a guac and eat with your fave corn chips as an easy snack or pop it into your morning smoothie.
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