6 Nutrients to Help Combat Migraines

Water – People who suffer from migraines may be more susceptible to head pain due to dehydration.  When you’re dehydrated, you have less blood volume which results in less blood and oxygen flow to the brain and dilated blood vessels.

Healthy Fats – Omega-3 fatty acids as well as the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil have been found to reduce the frequency, length and severity of headaches.  Healthy fats are also  known to reduce inflammation which is thought to strengthen migraine pain.  You can find these healthy fats in foods such as olive oil, flax seeds/flax seed oil, fish, cod liver oil and more.

Vitamin B2 – Spinach, broccoli and mushrooms as well as lean beef and milk all have riboflavin (B2).  These foods are  known to help combat migraines, but you may need a larger supplement of riboflavin than the foods can offer.  According to Joy Bauer, you may need a supplement of 400 mg of riboflavin a day.

Magnesium – Many women find that they may get migraines during that time of the month if they are low in magnesium.

Peppermint Oil – Pepperment oil has been known to help your body to relax and to ease tension.  Massage oil onto the temples for a quick relief of pain.

Seratonin – People with migraines are notorious for having low seratonin.  Stimulating the release of seratonin can help ease your migraines.  Foods that cause that release are sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds.

I discovered the above from research that I have done online.  Please check with a doctor before making major dietary changes or before ignoring a persistent migraine.  

 Which foods have you found helpful in fighting off migraine headaches?

This is Day 5 in a 10 day series I’m doing on Healthy Eating.  I’m doing this series along with the iHomeschool Network.  There are many topics to choose between.   Click the picture below to see the rest of the topics!