What is a migraine?

The Mayo Clinic defines a migraine as, “an intense throbbing or a pulsing sensation in one area of the head, which is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.” According to the Migraine Research Foundation, a migraine is considered to be among the top 20 of the most disabling diseases since it brings in its wake the most excruciating pain. While the pain is acute when the attack strikes, there are ways to reduce the frequency of these attacks, a few of these healthy living tips, effective stress management techniques, healthy sleep patterns, reduced exposure to harsh lights or sunlight and most importantly a diet that helps deal with the headaches. While the medical fraternity does prescribe over the counter medicines to manage these headaches, wouldn’t it be a lot safer if we could tackle them with a few natural remedies and control them with a well regulated diet? Here is a list of some diet related healthy living tips which could help in managing a migraine:

Fresh grape juice: High in Vitamin A, C, B12 and other anti-oxidants grapes are one of the most effective remedies for a migraine headache. While you squeeze those juices from the fruit, make sure you are not throwing out the skin, as it is the skin that contains the highest amount of Riboflavin – a migraine fighting element.

Ginger: Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3 which gives ginger its special properties is extremely helpful in dealing with migraines. Grinding half a teaspoon of ginger and drinking it with a cup of water is known to provide great relief from such headaches.

Flaxseeds: Loaded with anti-oxidants, flaxseeds are also a great migraine busting food. Grinding them and adding them to your meals or just eating them raw will go a long way in helping you deal effectively with a migraine headache.

Green juice: Throw into your blender some spinach, celery, slices of cucumber, lemon juice and water and drink this as an effective remedy against migraine. From being high in iron, magnesium and Vitamin B, green juices don’t just help with a throbbing head, but they also make for a great detox recipe that will have your skin glowing in no time.

Fish Oil supplements: Rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids, fish oils are obtained from fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, sardines, salmon etc. According to a study conducted by The University of Cincinnati, 9 out of 15 migraine sufferers who took fish oil supplements experienced a decrease in the number and intensity of headaches. Another study published in the ‘Journal of Adolescent Health’, showed that a regular intake of fish oil supplements lead to decreased frequency, duration and severity of migraine headaches. So don’t forget to get your supplements on. And for those who love fish, you could also substitute supplements for the real thing.

The next time you feel a migraine coming on, follow the above mentioned healthy living tips and get your hands on these easily available and nourishing foods.

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