If you have migraines, you've probably started trying to create a list of migraine food triggers, but how about food that helps migraines? While individual remedies will vary (just like individual triggers), below are five foods and drinks backed up by scientific research, anecdotal evidence, or both. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about what's recommended for you.
Water: Dehydration is a major migraine trigger (and people who suffer from migraines may be especially sensitive to the effects of dehydration), so drink up if you feel one coming on.
Ginger: Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea and vomiting—two common migraine symptoms. The spicy rhizome might also fight pain, including head pain.
Chile Peppers: Some studies suggest that the capsaicin in hot peppers like jalapenos and habaneros can help fight all kinds of pain, including migraines and other headaches. But be aware that hot peppers also make it onto the list of trigger foods for some migraine sufferers, so some spicy trial and error might be necessary.
Coffee: Caffeinated beverages are a double-edged sword when it comes to migraines: While consuming too much caffeine is a trigger for many people who have migraines, others find that downing a cup of coffee or other caffeinated drink when they feel a migraine coming on can provide almost instant relief. Caffeine can also enhance the effectiveness of pain relievers its taken with (that's why it's one of the ingredients in some over-the-counter migraine medicines).
Pumpkin and Squash Seeds: Next time you're prepping pumpkin and other winter squashes, save and toast the seeds. They're a great source of magnesium, low levels of which have been linked to migraines. And while it's best to keep your magnesium levels up all the time, there's some anecdotal evidence that you can stop a migraine in its tracks by getting a dose of magnesium. Other good sources of the mineral include spinach, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, and beans (though many types of beans make it onto migraine trigger lists).
Rice: Starchy foods may help with the pain and nausea of migraines, according to A Natural Approach to Migraines from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. And while bread and pasta might help in the short-term, wheat is believed to be a trigger for some migraine sufferers, while rice is on the "safe" list.
