Introduction
Headaches can be a real nuisance, and when you need relief fast, you don’t want to be stuck trying to figure out what to do. Fortunately, there are some simple and effective ways to dissolve a headache quickly. In this article, we’ll discuss the best foods to eat and avoid when you’re dealing with a headache, so you can get back to feeling your best in no time.
This is How to Dissolve a Headache Fast — Eat This Not That
Headaches can be a real pain, literally. But there are some simple things you can do to help dissolve a headache quickly. Here are some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help get rid of a headache fast.
Eat This
- Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can be a major cause of headaches, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
- Eat foods high in magnesium. Magnesium helps relax the muscles in your head and neck, which can help reduce the intensity of a headache.
- Eat foods high in B vitamins. B vitamins help reduce inflammation, which can help reduce the intensity of a headache.
- Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which can help reduce the intensity of a headache.
- Eat foods high in potassium. Potassium helps reduce inflammation, which can help reduce the intensity of a headache.
Avoid This
- Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sodium, which can cause dehydration and worsen headaches.
- Avoid caffeine. Caffeine can cause dehydration and worsen headaches.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause dehydration and worsen headaches.
- Avoid foods high in sugar. Sugar can cause inflammation, which can worsen headaches.
- Avoid foods high in saturated fats. Saturated fats can cause inflammation, which can worsen headaches.
By following these tips, you can help dissolve a headache fast. Remember to drink plenty of water, eat foods high in magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium, and avoid processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and saturated fats.
Anyone who’s had a headache, which is nearly everyone, knows how quickly one can ruin your day and while the first reaction might be to grab a bottle of pain reliever, there’s actually many other natural remedies to try. Headaches are one of the most common types of pain we experience and can be seriously debilitating, but before you reach for an over-the-counter medication, here’s seven ways to help get rid of the throbbing pain, according to experts we spoke with. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Jacob Hascalovici MD, PhD as the Clearing Chief Medical Officer tells us, “Headaches can happen for quite a few different reasons. Stress, dehydration, genetics, illness, allergies, injuries, infections, hormone shifts, changes in the weather, certain medications, and even strong smells, among other things, can cause headaches.”
Dr. Hascalovici says, “People should know that there are many different kinds of headaches, and that the various types may benefit from different treatments. With time and the right strategies, headaches usually fade away. If you have a headache after an injury, if a headache just keeps getting worse, if you have a stiff neck, and/or if you notice you can’t remember things very well, can’t seem to keep your thoughts straight, feel numb, slur your words, or have trouble seeing, you should seek medical attention.”
Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies explains, “When you have a headache, the first thing you want to do is reach for some pain medication. But before you pop a pill, you may want to try reaching for a glass of water. That’s because one of the most common causes of headaches is dehydration. When your body doesn’t have enough fluids, it can cause your blood vessels to constrict, leading to pain. Drinking water helps to rehydrate your body and can often relieve headache pain. Plus, it’s a natural and drug-free way to reduce pain. So next time you have a headache, reach for a glass of water before reaching for the medicine cabinet.”
Dr. Mitchell says, “Headaches are a common albeit debilitating condition that various factors, including certain medications can cause. If these medications are missed or stopped abruptly, they can contribute to headaches. For example, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are used to prevent migraines, but if they are suddenly discontinued, they can cause rebound headaches. In addition, certain antidepressants and anti-seizure medications can also cause headaches if they are not tapered off gradually. As a result, it is important to take medications as prescribed and to consult with a physician before making any changes to one’s medication regimen. By doing so, you can help to prevent the onset of headaches.”
Dr. Hascalovici emphasizes, “That may sound odd, but just sitting still in a comfortable position in a dark, cool room may help drive your headache away. For additional help, you can try aromatherapy, which simply involves using candles, essential oils, or room diffusers that have therapeutic scents. Smells can have powerful effects on the body – while they can trigger headaches, they can also ease them. Some people find relief from the smell of peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, or chamomile.”
According to Dr. Hascalovici, “For some, a headache is connected to what they eat. The most frequent food culprits include chocolate, coffee, pizza, foods with MSG, foods preserved with nitrates (like lunch meats and pepperoni), and certain cheeses. Instead, try a salad, even if that doesn’t sound as fun. The leafy greens can bring relief, as can nuts, hot peppers, pumpkin seeds, and cherries. Plenty of water and herbal tea is also good.”
Dr. Mitchell shares, “This can trigger a headache if you are sensitive to certain scents or fragrances. Be aware of your environment. If you can leave the environment, great, or perhaps open the windows. However, if you cannot leave the environment, try to identify the source of the scent and avoid it if possible. For example, if you are sensitive to perfumes, ask people not to wear them around you. If you are sensitive to cleaning products, ask others not to use them when you are present. If you are sensitive to cigarette smoke, try to avoid smoking areas. By being aware of your surroundings and taking steps to avoid triggering scents, you can help reduce headaches.”
Dr. Mitchell states, “Not getting enough sleep is a common cause of headaches. If you regularly work long hours or have trouble sleeping, you may be at risk for headaches. Sleep deprivation can trigger migraines and tension headaches. It can also make existing headaches worse. To help prevent headaches, it’s essential to get enough sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night. If you have difficulty sleeping, you can take steps to improve your sleep hygiene. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, establish a regular sleep schedule, and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and can help reduce your risk of headaches.”
Dr. Mitchell says, “Most people have experienced being “hangry” at some point in their lives – that feeling of irritability or irrational anger that seems to come out of nowhere. While it’s often written off as a joke, the reality is that being hangry is a genuine phenomenon with a scientific explanation. Our blood sugar levels drop when we skip meals or go for extended periods without food. This can lead to feelings of dizziness, fatigue, and – you guessed it – headaches. So next time you’re feeling hungry, try reaching for a snack instead of taking it out on the people around you. Chances are, it will do wonders for your headache and your mood.”
Dr. Mitchell says this “doesn’t constitute medical advice and by no means are these answers meant to be comprehensive. Rather, it’s to encourage discussions about health choices.”