Foods to Prevent Headaches

Foods to Prevent Headaches

Overview

Headaches typically occur when the blood vessels in your brain constrict or dilate. The most common headaches are migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches and tension headaches. Headache symptoms may include a dull, achy feeling on one side or both sides of your head, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound and worsening pain. A healthy diet consisting of fruits, fish, nuts and grains may help you ward off future headaches.

Oranges

Snacking on oranges may lower your risk of developing a nasty headache. According to according to Phyllis Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," oranges are loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens your immune system, increases blood circulation to your brain, prevents blood vessel damage and increases your body's production of antistress hormones. Other foods rich in vitamin C include grapefruits, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, spinach, broccoli, kale and avocados.

Salmon

Consuming approximately 7 oz. of salmon three times a week may help ward off future headaches. Salmon contains coenzyme Q10, a natural compound that has antioxidant properties. According to Lavon J. Dunne, author of the book "Nutrition Almanac," coenzyme Q10 strengthens your immune system, protects your brain against damaging free radicals, helps transport oxygen to your brain tissues and improves blood flow to your brain. Other foods that contain moderate to large amounts of coenzyme Q10 include spinach, tuna, broccoli, sweet potatoes, beef liver, pork liver, poultry, beef, ham, corn oil, walnuts, soybeans and peanuts.

Brown Rice

Adding brown rice to your meals may help protect you against headaches. According to author Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, author of "Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, and Longevity," brown rice is rich in vitamin B-6, a water-soluble vitamin that supports healthy nervous system function, lowers your body's stress level and alleviates pain. Other foods loaded with vitamin B-6 include ready-to-eat cereals, baked potatoes, poultry, roast beef, spinach, trout, sunflower seeds, soybeans, salmon, wheat bran, walnuts pork loin and oatmeal.

Peanut Butter

Eating a peanut butter sandwich for lunch or dinner may protect you from developing a headache. According to Heather Fontebasso, author of the book "Migraine and Other Headaches: Answers at Your Fingertips," peanut butter contains a healthy amount of magnesium, a trace mineral that boosts immune system function, supports healthy muscle and nerve function and stabilizes blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Fontebasso reports that people who suffer from frequent headaches often have lower magnesium levels than those who do not get headaches. Other foods rich in magnesium include almonds, spinach, cashews, halibut, soybeans, potatoes, wheat bran, bran flakes and yogurt.

source :  livestrong.com