Headaches are a common condition that many people deal with daily. Ranging from uncomfortable to downright unbearable, they can disrupt your day-to-day life. Several types of headaches exist, with tension headaches being the most common. Cluster headaches are painful and happen in groups or “clusters,” while migraines are a moderate-to-severe type of headache. Although many medications are targeted at relieving headache symptoms, several effective, natural treatments also exist.
Drink Water
Inadequate hydration may lead you to develop a headache. Studies have demonstrated that chronic dehydration is a common cause of tension headaches and migraines. Thankfully, drinking water has been shown to relieve headache symptoms in most dehydrated individuals within 30 minutes to three hours.
Take Some Magnesium
Magnesium is an important mineral necessary for countless functions in the body, including blood sugar control and nerve transmission Interestingly, magnesium has also been shown to be a safe, effective remedy for headaches.
Limit Alcohol
While having an alcoholic drink may not cause a headache in most people, studies have shown that alcohol can trigger migraines in about one-third of those who experience frequent headaches. Alcohol has also been shown to cause tension and cluster headaches in many people.
Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep deprivation can be detrimental to your health in many ways, and may even cause headaches in some people. For example, one study compared headache frequency and severity in those who got less than six hours of sleep per night and those who slept longer. It found that those who got less sleep had more frequent and severe headaches
Avoid Foods High in Histamine
Histamine is a chemical found naturally in the body that plays a role in the immune, digestive and nervous systems. It’s also found in certain foods like aged cheeses, fermented food, beer, wine, smoked fish, and cured meats.
Use Essential Oils
Essential Oils are highly concentrated liquids that contain aromatic compounds from a variety of plants. They have many therapeutic benefits and are most often used topically, though some can be ingested. Peppermint and lavender essential oils are especially helpful when you have a headache. Applying peppermint essential oil to the temples has been shown to reduce the symptoms of tension headaches
Soothe Pain with a Cold Compress
Using a cold compress may help reduce your headache symptoms. Applying cold or frozen compresses to the neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction, and constricts blood vessels, all of which help reduce headache pain.
Try an Elimination Diet
Studies suggest that food intolerances can trigger headaches in some people. To discover if a certain food is causing frequent headaches, try an elimination diet that removes the foods most related to your headache symptoms.
Drink Caffeinated Tea or Coffee
Sipping on beverages that contain caffeine, such as tea or coffee, may provide relief when you are experiencing a headache. Caffeine improves mood, increases alertness, and constricts blood vessels, all of which can have a positive effect on headache symptoms.
Avoid Nitrates and Nitrites
Nitrates and Nitrites are common food preservatives added to items like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon to keep them fresh by preventing bacterial growth. Foods containing them have been shown to trigger headaches in some people. Nitrites may trigger headaches by causing the expansion of blood vessels.
Get Some Exercise
One of the simplest ways to reduce headache frequency and severity is to engage in Physical Activity.
Many people are negatively impacted by frequent headaches, making it important to find natural and effective treatment options. Yoga, supplements, essential oils, and dietary modifications are all-natural, safe, and effective ways to reduce headache symptoms. While traditional methods like medications are often necessary, there are many natural and effective ways to prevent and treat headaches if you’re looking for a more holistic approach. – From Encompass Health Rehabilitation in Pearland TX
