Headaches are a real pain in the you know what.
There is something good to be said about them however, and that is that we all share in the pain at one point or another. Okay, maybe even that is a stretch.
The causes for headaches are as varied as the shape of each new snowflake, yet there are certain triggers which are more often than not the cause for your wincing.
Did you know that oral medications like decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives, blood pressure pills and even pain killers can cause headaches?
Believe it or not, the very foods you eat can leave your head feeling like a brick.
Natural chemical compounds in foods like cheese, chocolate, wheat, peanut butter and even some citrus fruits could be doing you more damage than good.
Here is a list of the places where these compounds can be found and are known culprits for serious head pain and even migraines:
Tyramine or Phenylethylamine – These amino acids found in fermented foods like cheeses and pickled vegetables.
Alcohol – You know where to find this one!
Leftovers – Tyramine content increases over time in foods, so avoid leftovers that are more than 1 day old.
Nitrites – Steer clear of deli meats, canned and preserved foods packed with this additive.
Tannins – Not just those found in your red wine, tannins can be found in some red skinned fruits and fruit juices.
Sulfites – Yet another preservative, this bad guy can be found in most dried fruits.
MSG – I hope by now you know to stay away from this one.
Aspartame – Need I say more?
Now that you are aware of the triggers to look out for in foods, it’s time for the good news. Just as foods can work against you and cause pain, some are also great for soothing headaches too.
Here is a list of the top 5 foods to soothe your headaches and keep you out of the drugstore:
1. Wild Rice
Wild rice and brown rice are both excellent sources of potassium, magnesium and iron which work well to relieve the increased blood pressure causing that pounding feeling in your temples.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Not just delicious, sweet potatoes are extremely calming to the body. Packed full of nutrients like magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C these tasty treats help reduce stress in the body and bring balance back to the brain.
3. Almonds
You may already know by now that almonds are an essential brain food, but what you may not know is that they have the power to reduce inflammation and soothe blood flow during headaches. With a large quantity of magnesium, just a handful of almonds will dramatically heal your head.
4. Maca Root
Although not always a common ingredient in the kitchen, maca root is one superfood you need to get behind. With hormone balancing abilities, it can be added to just about any meal for a quick caffeine free energy boost. Sometimes all you need to banish that headache is the fuel to fight it!
5. Broccoli
This classic vegetable is still one of the best natural sources for B6, potassium and magnesium which are all essential to brain function. A naturally balancing food, broccoli can heal even the most physically stressed of head pains.
Sources:
http://www.joybauer.com/migraines/common-triggers/aspartame.aspx
http://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/conditions-diseases/9-foods-that-can-help-soothe-a-headache-108253
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