Do you suffer from recurring migraines? You are not alone. Studies show that more than 38 million people suffer from regular migraines in the U.S. Attacks range from uncomfortable to downright debilitating, and they can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life.
Although many people who suffer from migraines are prescribed medication, there are also many natural treatments that can effectively relieve the pain.
Drink more water.
Surprisingly, one of the main causes of headaches is dehydration. More specifically, studies demonstrate that chronic dehydration is a common cause of tension-type migraines. In addition, dehydration negatively affects concentration and causes irritability, which can make symptoms worse.
Symptoms can be alleviated within 30 minutes by simply drinking more water. Aim to drink about 8 glasses of water a day, and sip water consistently (even if you are not thirsty). This, combined with eating water-rich foods such watermelon and strawberries, will help eradicate dehydration headaches.
Get enough sleep.
Sleep deprivation negatively affects your health in many ways, and can lead to health issues such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. For many people, lack of sleep also leads to migraines. One study found that headaches frequency increased for those who got less than six hours of sleep per night.
However, be sure to not get too much sleep, which has also been shown to trigger headaches. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night for the best results.
Take a yoga class.
Yoga focuses on breathing and meditation techniques, as well as body postures and stretching to promote health and well-being. This practice is thought to improve anxiety, release tension in migraine-trigger areas and improve vascular health. Studies show that yoga may also relieve the frequency, duration and intensity of migraines.
Although there is not enough evidence to recommend yoga as a primary treatment for migraines, the positive effects of yoga support overall health. It may be worth considering as a complementary therapy.
Limit your consumption of alcohol.
Alcohol can trigger migraines for those who experience frequent headaches. It has also been shown to cause tension and cluster headaches in many.
Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means it expands blood vessels and allows blood to flow more freely. Headaches are a common side effect of vasodilators like blood pressure medications.
In addition, alcohol can cause the body to lose fluid and electrolytes through frequent urination. This results in dehydration and can lead to headaches. To avoid your chances of getting a migraine, it is best to limit alcohol consumption.
Add magnesium to your diet.
Magnesium deficiency is linked to headaches and migraines, especially menstrual-related migraines. You can get magnesium from many foods, including:
- almonds
- sesame seeds
- sunflower seeds
- Brazil nuts
- cashews
- peanut butter
- oatmeal
- eggs
- milk
Migraines can be painful, but you don’t have to suffer through them. The right lifestyle choices can put you on the path to a more healthy and pain-free life. Questions? Schedule a free consultation with us today!