Migraine is a headache varying in intensity for different individuals and is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days, and the intense pain may hinder your everyday activities as well.
While there isn’t any particular cause for a migraine, there are various triggers like hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, insufficient sleep, and improper diet. Certain medications like sleeping pills, environmental factors like loud noises, flickering screens, and bright lights can also act as triggers. Being aware of your triggers makes it easy to manage the onset of your migraine and get relief faster.
While migraine attacks can be severe and you can easily get a prescription for it, some of you may prefer incorporating natural remedies, including foods that can help alleviate the pain:
- Bananas
Bananas are a great source of vitamin B6, and they also provide you with serotonin. This vitamin is a headache-fighting powerhouse, and serotonin also acts as an antidepressant that lowers the amount of pain felt by the body. Vitamin B6 is also known to fight mental fatigue, making this a superfood when it comes to alleviating migraine. - Ginger
Its many healing properties make ginger a great natural medicine for ailments. For migraines, ginger particularly helps in getting rid of the pain. It has anti-inflammatory properties that block substances called prostaglandins during a migraine, and it is also known to relieve nausea. You can prepare strong ginger tea and sip on it slowly, inhaling some steam as well. You can also opt for dishes that have ginger. - Cherries
Apart from being delicious, these small fruits also have headache-fighting properties. Cherries have a compound called quercetin, which has strong antioxidant, anti-allergy, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to these healing properties, cherries act as a shield against sensitivity and pain in the body. You may either consume them as is or as juice. - Magnesium-rich foods
Some experts suggest that increasing your magnesium intake can relieve your migraines. Some foods that are rich in magnesium are bananas, avocados, almonds, cashews, brown rice, legumes, and dried apricots. Magnesium has properties to relax your blood vessels, making it one of the minerals that help in treating migraines. - Cayenne pepper
This spice, just like ginger, has many healing properties. Capsaicin, the compound that gives it the spicy flavor, is the reason for its healing superpowers. Capsaicin is responsible for dulling one of the neurotransmitters that send out pain signals to the brain. You can take a pinch of cayenne pepper, mix it with warm water, and sip on it at regular intervals. Applying it directly on the skin also helps, but you need to be careful as it may lead to irritation on sensitive skin.
Apart from these foods, ensure that you take enough rest in a room with minimum or no light at all. Keep yourself hydrated, and pamper yourself with a relaxing massage. A healthy and balanced diet, in general, can help you manage your migraines.
Migraines can also be managed with the help of medications. One such medication is Nurtec ODT. Nurtec ODT, also known as rimegepant, is an oral medication that is used to manage acute migraines. It works by blocking the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptors. The medicine is known to treat or prevent migraine headaches for up to 48 hours. Its common side effects include nausea, dyspnea, and severe rash.
QULIPTA (atogepant) is also used for preventing migraine headaches in adults. It is an oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. Studies have shown that CGRP levels rise during migraine attacks, and QULIPTA works by blocking them. It is typically taken once a day with or without food. QULIPTA is available in three strengths: 10 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and fatigue.
