Dr. Laden Herbal; Nutritionist
Migraines are three times more common in women than in men.
The exact cause of this complication is not yet known, but migraine attacks appear to be related to chemical changes in the body.
Migraine symptoms
Common migraines are accompanied by severe pain and palpitations on one side of the head, usually accompanied by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Because a person’s sensitivity to smell, light and sound may increase, the person should rest in a quiet and dark environment.
Classical migraines are associated with severe headaches, impaired vision, and sometimes a tingling sensation in the face or limbs.
In the first phase of a migraine attack, the blood vessels throughout the body constrict and in the second phase they expand too naturally.
Dilation of blood vessels in the brain causes pain.
Common migraine treatments
Avoiding the factors that trigger migraines; Such as stress, insomnia, excessive sleep, being under intense emotions, skipping meals and certain foods.
Symptoms of an attack can be relieved with painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol.
Using anti-migraine pills can reduce the number of seizures. These drugs help increase the function of a natural chemical called 5-HT.
Decreased levels of this substance have been observed in migraine attacks. Low levels of this substance cause the blood vessels in the brain to dilate.
In many cases, drug vasoconstriction helps control a migraine attack.
Useful foods in relieving migraines
Protein and migraines
Chicken and turkey are high-protein, low-fat foods. Protein foods do not change blood sugar levels.
Lowering blood sugar levels is one of the most effective factors in triggering migraine attacks.
Protein foods such as meat, eggs and legumes should be included in all meals.
Protein snacks can also be very helpful.
Fruits and migraines
Apples, pears, berries, grapes and apricots are some of the fruits that help increase blood sugar regularly.
Therefore, consuming them between main meals prevents severe hypoglycemia.
Soluble fiber and migraines
Oats, barley bread, legumes such as red beans, red and green lentils, and chickpeas contain soluble fiber that helps maintain blood glucose levels.
These foods are also good sources of carbohydrates and legumes are good sources of protein.
Foods to Avoid in Migraines
Some foods contain amino compounds that stimulate the contraction of cerebral arteries.
Tyramine and phenylethylamine are among these compounds.
Combination of dietary factors, lifestyle and many environmental factors can be effective in causing migraine attacks.
Therefore, it is recommended to eliminate the following foods from the diet.
Tyramine and migraine
Alcohol, chocolate, ripe cheese, and other dairy products contain tyramine and other amino acids that cause blood vessels to constrict.
A screening of 500 people found that these substances are one of the main food factors in triggering migraine attacks.
Fermented sausages, avocados and yeast extracts containing tyramine are also included in this category.
Copper and migraine
Wheat kernels, chocolate and sprouts are sources of copper.
Copper is thought to be involved in the metabolism of vasoconstrictor amines, increasing the risk of migraine attacks.
Citrus and migraine
Oranges and grapefruits should be eliminated from the diet; Because citrus fruits increase the absorption of copper in the intestines and thus can be effective in stimulating the migraine attack.
Fats and migraines
Fatty and fried foods, onions and seafood are also effective in causing migraine attacks.
Nitrite and migraine
Sausages, burgers and processed meats are high in nitrite, which can cause migraine attacks in susceptible individuals.
Other measures to relieve migraines
20 grams of fish oil supplement per day is very effective in improving migraine attacks.
Magnesium supplementation can be effective for women who experience headaches and migraines before menstrual periods.
Getting regular meals and snacks is very important in the nutritional care of people with migraines.
Using relaxation exercises such as yoga can be helpful.
Sudden cessation of consumption of caffeinated tea and coffee can cause migraines in some people.
Recording all foods eaten and activities performed 24 hours before the onset of an attack can help diagnose migraine triggers.
Source: Online Life
