We can not classify pain as a disease, unless it is a migraine pain. Every person has experienced a headache, which is actually a consequence of a load or a signal that something is wrong with the body. The reasons can be various, and in certain situations we can ask for help in some drinks (drinks) and healthy products.

Headaches are more common in women. It has been proven that women suffer from headaches more often than men. In women, headaches before and during the menstrual cycle are especially pronounced, with a frequent desire for something sweet. But the expectation that migraine pain and, in general, the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in general will be alleviated with a little chocolate is wrong, because chocolate has the effect of intensifying the headache, ie migraine, says the nutritionist. Tanja Turundzieva.

The most common causes of headaches

Turundzieva points out that headaches can be caused by various conditions and situations.

- Causes of headache can be changes in blood pressure, continuous stress, as well as the intake of certain nutrients that harm the body, create intolerance or allergies. "Migraine headaches, on the other hand, can be caused by genetic predisposition," said the nutritionist.

Products to avoid

In addition to the chocolate, which we have already mentioned, foods and beverages that irritate the headache are all caffeinated beverages, as well as beverages with artificial sweeteners (aspartame and similar), red wine due to the large amount of sulfates in it, smoked meats and processed meats. , as well as the emulsifier mono-sodium glutamate, which is added to enhance the taste. It is contradictory that many people reach for coffee when they have a headache, but the opposite effect occurs - too much caffeinated beverages can cause a headache, not solve it.

- If you notice that after consuming certain products you always have a headache, you need to limit or eliminate their intake, because intolerance (intolerance) or allergies can lead to headaches, without showing symptoms in the digestive system - says Turundzieva .

Nutrients that will relieve headaches

Certain nutrients will help overcome the headache. Some of the minerals that are known to deal with stress are magnesium and calcium, as well as vitamin B.

- In moments when we suffer from headaches, the best intake of nutrients, which contain exactly these minerals and vitamins, would help us. These include leafy green vegetables, as well as nuts (raw almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts), which are high in both sodium and calcium. However, it is especially important to pay attention to the ratio of these two minerals - it should be 2: 1, ie we should have twice as much calcium intake as magnesium. In women before menstruation, this ratio should be reversed, ie twice as much magnesium as calcium. However, care should always be taken, especially in those who take magnesium in the form of a dietary supplement (supplement), because excess magnesium can be contraindicated on kidney function - advises Turundzieva.

When we talk about drinks that could help in case of a headache, it used to be believed that green tea is the best, but due to the large amount of oxalates in it, it is already omitted. He gives the place to chamomile tea as the number one in choosing teas that will help with headaches.

Nutrition recommendations

Turundzieva says that however, if the headache overwhelms us, it would be good to drink water with a few drops of lemon juice in it, which will help dilate blood vessels. Then, it is necessary to get enough fluids in the body, in the form of freshly squeezed juices and water, because dehydration can cause headaches. In addition to nuts, seeds can be added, as well as many fresh fruits and vegetables, especially root vegetables, which contain essential oils and have a specific aroma; This type of vegetable contains a large amount of magnesium and vitamin B which has a relaxing and anti-stress effect on the body.

Finding the real problem behind the headaches

A balanced diet and a selection of products that worry the body can affect headaches, but if the pain recurs continuously for a long time, then the causes of such headaches should definitely be investigated. As a fact, Turundzieva mentions that fatty liver, which occurs more often in men, can also result in headaches. At the same time, frequent headaches can occur if we do not have sufficient blood flow to the brain, in a state of spondylosis, clogged or fatty carotids and the like.

Another cause of frequent headaches is intoxication of the body. In that case, Turundzieva advises that you should detoxify the body by consuming large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, because they are the best detoxifiers of our body and act on our metabolism. It is necessary to be careful about the intake of fatty foods, because it also contributes to the occurrence of headaches. Magnesium is one of the important minerals against headaches, but it should be known that the absorption of plant calcium (contains raw sesame) is much better than that of animal calcium.

All in all, headaches and migraines should not be prescribed only in bad weather and when the next headache occurs, simply take an analgesic, but should seek professional help if the headaches recur and do magnetic examinations, consult a neurologist. . In everyday life we ​​need to plan a healthy and proper diet and with more relaxation, accompanied by physical activity and sports (consuming enough fluids to compensate for their lack) to eliminate the causes and symptoms of headaches, concludes Turundzieva.