We are accustomed to “dampen” the headache with pills. If it turns out, of course. But much more productive does not open the next pack of anesthetists, and think about why the head began to hurt. It’s a signal that we are doing something wrong. Including misuse. Yes, surprisingly, malnutrition is one of the reasons why headache and even migraine may occur. And some foods can provoke the disease. Also, the head may be ill due to lack of necessary substances in the body. Let’s consider what products and what problems can cause a headache.
Dehydration
If there is not enough liquid, the vessels are narrowed. So the body tries to maintain the optimum amount of fluid in all organs. Because of spasm of blood vessels, headache occurs. Before taking an analgesic, you can drink a glass of cool water. Perhaps a tablet will not be needed.
Lack of potassium
A small amount of potassium is manifested in muscle pains, arrhythmias, and even in fast fatigue and headache. Sometimes lack of potassium can cause even a migraine. Interestingly, the lack of potassium is directly linked to dehydration, it often occurs when you use insufficient water.
Products containing potassium: potatoes, parsley, apricots, dried apricots, pumpkin, tomatoes, grapes, prunes, apples, melons.
Lack of calcium
Calcium is needed not only for strong bones and teeth. It also plays a big role in providing muscle contractions. Thanks to a sufficient amount of calcium, even those muscles that we can not control, for example, the heart work. It is important for calcium and for the normal functioning of the vessels.
If calcium is not enough, the body can signal the problem with a headache. Usually this is not a localized pain in the temples or occipital part, and the pain in the entire head is aggravated by any movement.
Products containing calcium: sesame, dairy products, almonds, garlic, parsley, hazelnut, and soy.
Provok a headache
Seasoned cheeses. Solid cheeses that have been kept for a while have matured, for example blue cheeses (with mildew), brie and camembert, parmesan and so on, contain tyramine. This substance makes the vessels of the brain first shrink, and then – sharply expand. Also tiramin competes with serotonin and displaces it from the body. Thyramine forms in the process of protein destruction.
Pickles a lot of salt and vinegar is harmful, especially if you are prone to headaches. In addition, preserves contain sulfites, sulfuric acid salts, which can dramatically expand blood vessels.
Alcohol. The sharp contraction of vessels, spasms is one of the most harmful actions of alcohol. In addition, alcoholic beverages also contain tyramine, which causes migraines and dizziness. And red wine, in addition, contains tannins and sulphites, which can provoke (but more often than not – simply strengthen) a headache.
Spicy food. The spices contain capsaicin, which can cause headaches.
Frozen foods. Bad news for ice cream enthusiasts and ice riders: scientists noticed the connection between headache and very cold food. Probably the point is that cold causes a sharp contraction of blood vessels.
Coffee (and other drinks containing caffeine). It should be consumed no more than 200 mg per day. Studies have shown that people who abuse caffeine, drink too much coffee and cola, and often suffer from migraines. By the way, coffee without caffeine also carries a danger, because it contains tannins, harmful in large quantities: they can provoke a headache.
Interestingly, in small quantities, caffeine can relieve headaches. Therefore, it is added to many medicines from headaches. Caffeine helps the body absorb medicines more quickly.
Smoked meats. They contain not only tyramine (especially it concerns smoked and dried sausages), but also taste enhancers that can increase the risk of headache and even trigger it. Glutamate sodium, nitrites, especially in large quantities, are harmful to the body.
Nuts. In most cases, they are useful, but if you are prone to headache attacks, then it’s worth taking caution with nuts. For example, almonds, walnuts and cashews contain sulphites, which are a potential cause of headache.
Baking. In flour contains coumarin, which can provoke migraine. The action of coumarin is enhanced by contact with the disintegrator. In addition, the baking of white flour causes too much leakage of blood sugar.
Helps against headaches
First, drink water and eat products containing calcium, potassium and magnesium. All these three elements are involved in complex chemical reactions and are needed for the qualitative assimilation of each of them.
It is also recommended to pay attention to products rich in vitamin B2 and other vitamins of group B. They improve metabolism in the brain, in particular, help to synthesize nerve cells. Vitamin B2 is found in dairy products, meat, fish.
It is also good to include watermelons, cauliflower, broccoli, eggs and fatty fish in the diet. Also pay attention to grapes, strawberries and greens. Tea with a little ginger also helps with headaches.
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