5 Steps to Cure a Headache Without Pain Medicine

Whether they come on every now and again, or you experience them on a regular basis, headaches are never fun to deal with. However help is at hand, we have five steps to help cure your headache without pain medicine.

Identify Your Trigger Foods
The most important step is finding out which foods you consume trigger your headaches. Much like a migraine, certain foods are known to bring a headache on.

The most common culprits are dairy products, chocolate, refined sugar, foods with MSG, gluten and caffeinated drinks. However, onions, citrus fruits, nuts and nut butters (including peanuts – technically legumes), fermented or pickled foods, and cured meats can also cause headaches. Aged cheese, smoked fish, red wine, figs, and some beans are also known as triggers thanks to the amino acid Tyramine.

Try keeping a food diary to identify triggers and also listening to your body, but don’t cut out certain foods because they work for a friend. Everyone is different, and learning your individual triggers can save you a lot of future pain.

Up Your H2O
Not drinking enough water is one of the most common causes of headaches. Many experts believe headaches are caused by the blood vessels in your head becoming narrow in an attempt to regulate your body’s fluid levels. Dehydration caused by alcohol consumption plays a major role in hangover headaches too. Aim to drink 4-6 glasses of water a day, plus herbal teas where you can.

Move More
Getting your blood flowing can help prevent headaches, so it’s important to get up and move around throughout the day. Light stretching, even at your desk, can help too. Stretches will help prevent neck and shoulder pain that can cause a blockage of blood supply to your head and create a nagging headache.

Vitamin Deficiency
Your headaches could actually be a symptom of anemia, which is often caused by a lack of iron, B12 and vitamin C. Make sure your diet is varied and full of all food groups to get the maximum vitamins from your meals. Of course vegetarians and dairy intolerant folk can’t eat everything, so taking vitamin tablets is a smart option.

Poor Digestive Health
Those who suffer from poor digestion and IBS may skip meals in a bid to avoid bloating and nausea could inadvertently be giving themselves a headache, as a drop in blood sugar levels can cause head pain. Try taking a Probiotic to optimize absorption of nutrients in your gut and to aid the breakdown of food to eliminate bloating and symptoms of IBS.

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