5 Ways to Cope with Migraines
Experiencing recurrent migraine episodes can be frustrating as they end up affecting your daily activities. While medication is an integral part of the migraine treatment process, some home remedies can help relieve your headaches and other symptoms. These could also help prevent any future attacks. Let’s take a look at them:
Take rest
The most underrated yet effective migraine treatment is rest. Just being away from the bright lights and loud noises and lying down in a dark, quiet room can calm your senses.
Use lavender oil
Commonly used for relief from stress and relaxation, some evidence suggests that lavender oil can a great form of migraine treatment. Inhaling it could be an effective and safe way of alleviating the pain. The use of lavender oil in one study showed that participants noted a difference in the frequency and intensity of the attacks in a 3-month period. If you wish, you can also apply diluted lavender oil directly to your temples.
Practice yoga
Simple yoga exercises involving breathing and meditation techniques can enhance blood flow and ease any tension in the muscles. Research has found that people with migraine who participated in a yoga program along with traditional treatment gained better respite from their headaches. In the long run, regular yoga exercises may help alleviate the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks. Also, this alternative migraine treatment can help inhibit anxiety and promote vascular health.
Follow a magnesium-rich diet
A deficiency of magnesium is connected to headaches and migraines. Research has demonstrated that magnesium oxide supplements could help prevent migraine episodes with aura. Additionally, it may prevent migraines related to menstruation. While supplements are an option, you should ideally go for magnesium-rich foods like almonds, cashews, eggs, milk, oatmeal, peanut butter, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and Brazil nuts.
Avoid certain foods
If you are dealing with a migraine attack, the worst thing you could do is consume foods and beverages that are known to act as triggers. These include foods with nitrates (deli meats, bacon, sausage, and hot dogs), chocolate, cheese, alcohol (especially red wine), processed foods, pickles, cultured dairy items, foods with MSG, and cold items (ice cream or iced drinks). To keep the symptoms from aggravating, ensure that you avoid these and stick to foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, plain cereal, plain potato chips or pretzels, unflavored crackers, and quick bread.
A moderate amount of caffeine could help ease headaches in some cases, but getting used to too much caffeine is a cause of concern as it could lead to serious withdrawal symptoms.
