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Migraine is a chronic neurological complaint characterized by a unilateral throbbing or pulsating headache. Affecting only one half of the head, a typical migraine headache lasts anywhere between two or seventy two hours.
Migraine headaches are often accompanied by increased sensitivity to light or photophobia, vomiting, nausea and phonophobia or heightened sensitivity to sounds.
Medical research has shown that women are more susceptible to migraine headaches than men. The exact factors which can trigger migraine headaches are still unknown.
However, doctors believe that increased activity in the cerebral cortex of the brain along with atypical management of pain neurons, which are located in the trigeminal nucleus of the brain-stem, can activate migraine headaches.
Beneficial Foods for Migraine Relief
Individuals who suffer from regular migraine attacks should incorporate certain kinds of foods to find relief from the repeated bouts of headache. These beneficial foods which are loaded in vitamins and minerals, can help to ease the pain associated with a migraine attack. Given below are list of food items which can provide respite from migraine pain.
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Omega 3 Fatty Acids
One of the best natural ways to find reprieve from the unbearable migraine headachesis to include plenty of fatty fish like herring, trout and sardines into the daily diet.
The Omgea 3 fatty acids, which are present abundantly in fatty fish, assist in lowering the hormone like chemicals called prostaglandins which are responsible for inducing inflammation and pain in the body. To get the best results one must consume at least 6 ounces of fatty fish thrice a week.
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Calcium Rich Foods
Foods which are rich in calcium, if incorporated into the daily diet, can alleviate migraine pain to a certain extent. One of the most plentiful minerals in the human body, calcium is responsible for controlling the enlargement and contraction of blood vessels. Severe contraction of blood vessels is primarily responsible for the excruciating pain associated with migraine attacks.
Green leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli, seaweed and turnip greens are rich sources of naturally occurring calcium. Another excellent food source of calcium which can help to ease migraine headache is salmon.
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Even though dairy products like milk and yoghurt are rich sources of calcium, they should be avoided as milk and milk products are known to exacerbate migraines.
Serotonin Rich Foods
People who suffer from low serotonin levels are twice as likely to suffer from debilitating migraine headaches as others. The human body processes serotonin from foods which are rich in tryptophan – an amino acid.
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In order to maintain normal serotonin levels and to alleviate migraine headaches, one must eat plenty of tryptophan rich foods like wheat germ, almonds, whole grains, eggs and pumpkin seeds.
Foods Rich in Magnesium
The mineral magnesium is extremely essential for the normal functioning of the blood vessels of the body. Consuming magnesium rich foods on a regular basis can help to ease migraine pain to a great extent. Watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, bran, brazil nuts, almonds and dry roasted soybeans contain good amounts of naturally occurring magnesium.
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Foods Rich in Vitamin B2
Another natural way to fight migraine headaches is to eat foods which are rich in vitamin B2. Cooked eggs, broccoli, cheddar cheese and fortified cereals are some of food items which are rich in vitamin B2.
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