Control headache pain the way you control your weight--by watching what you eat and what you crave.
by Megan Othersen Gorman
Scientists still aren't sure what causes migraines. But they do know that people who get them have blood vessels that overreact to various triggers--frequently food--causing constriction and then dilation of the arteries that supply blood to the brain. The result is a pulsing, often incapacitating pain that is sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
The trigger could be a glass of wine, a bite of cheese, even that delicious raisin bread from your local bakery. The chemicals they contain set off a reaction in the supersensitive central nervous system that's behind these debilitating headaches. And since there are no treatments that can desensitize you, your best bet at evading a migraine is to avoid what triggers it. Here's how to eat for maximum relief.
Know what makes you hurt.
Some scientists believe that migraine-triggering foods contain chemicals that constrict arteries, while others believe they set off an allergic reaction. Whatever the mechanism behind it, a food-triggered migraine usually occurs shortly after you eat.
To avoid the pain, you need to know--and skip--the foods that initiate it. To find your worst offenders, keep a diary that lists when your headaches occur, how severe they are, additional symptoms, what you've eaten, sleep patterns, menstrual cycles, and any other pertinent factors, including food cravings. Studies show that if you're just dying for a hot dog, a banana, yogurt, or sweets, it could be a signal that a headache is less than 72 hours away.
Try not to miss a meal.
Fasting or skipping a meal can cause a dip in blood sugar and bring on a headache. To keep your blood sugar constant and minimize the effects of a missed meal, try eating frequent mini-meals and snacks throughout the day.
Information From : http://www.prevention.com
Health, Fitness, Food & Nutrition, Weight Loss