Although my days of migraines are long behind me, I will never forget the pain they caused. When they hit, I was incapable of virtually everything. Lying in a dark room with a cold cloth resting on my forehead could only do so much.
It was a long and painful waiting game.
Excessive free radical production and decreased antioxidant protection may be a cause of migraines. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, it makes life very difficult on cells, potentially leading to low energy in the brain and a higher risk of migraines.
Some research has shown associations between the presence of certain antioxidants and migraine frequency and severity. It could be possible that specific antioxidants may help protect against migraines by limiting inflammation and promoting optimal function.
Some foods that may help supply some of these valuable antioxidants include:
- Pork
- Chicken
- Beef
- Trout
- Spinach
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Peanuts
- Pistachios
Implementing those items into your diet regularly may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
Of course, there are no guarantees this will work. Migraine headaches can arise from many causes, and doctors aren’t necessarily sure why people experience them.
There are, however, some recognized migraine triggers. One of them is dietary.
Certain foods, particularly salty and processed foods, have been identified as triggers. Aged cheese, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol may also trigger migraines.
Other potential triggers include:
- Sleep consistency
- Emotional stress
- Changes in weather
- Sensory overload
Some of these potential risk factors can be addressed with lifestyle measures. Finding ways to manage stress, for example, may enhance sleep quality and lower the risk for migraines.
Of course, there are no proven ways to defeat migraines entirely. For some, it could just be a matter of time. I experienced them for years before they just stopped happening without any real lifestyle changes.
However, it is possible that adopting a nutritious diet, stress management, and better sleep may help combat this painful reality.