Bananas and Headaches: Debunking the Myth with Food Science
Do bananas cause headaches. Can eating bananas worsen a hangover. How does tyramine in bananas affect migraines. What role does tyramine play in headache symptoms. Are bananas safe for migraine sufferers to consume.
The Banana-Headache Connection: Separating Fact from Fiction
Bananas have long been a staple of breakfast tables and a go-to snack for those seeking quick energy. However, rumors have circulated suggesting that these yellow fruits might be responsible for causing headaches or exacerbating existing ones. This article delves into the science behind this claim, exploring the relationship between bananas, tyramine, and headaches.
What is Tyramine and Why Does It Matter?
Tyramine is an amino acid byproduct of tyrosine, another amino acid found in various foods, including bananas, aged cheeses, and fermented products. As bananas ripen, tyrosine converts to tyramine. But how much tyramine is too much?
According to food science professor Karen Schaich from Rutgers University, the amount of tyramine considered “high” varies significantly across studies, with differences of up to 100 grams. Interestingly, bananas don’t typically feature on lists of foods with the highest tyramine levels. Fermented foods, for instance, generally contain much higher amounts of tyramine than bananas.
The Ripeness Factor: When Do Bananas Contain the Most Tyramine?
The tyramine content in bananas is not constant and depends largely on their ripeness. Bananas contain the highest levels of tyramine when they’re overripe – think banana-bread ready. Professor Schaich notes that many people avoid eating bananas at this stage, which naturally mitigates the potential tyramine-related concerns for most consumers.
The Science Behind Migraines and Tyramine’s Role
To understand how tyramine might affect headaches, it’s crucial to first comprehend the mechanics of migraines. During a migraine, various stimuli can cause blood vessels in the brain to enlarge and press against brain tissue, resulting in a painful headache. This process is known as vasodilation.
Serotonin: The Feel-Good Hormone and Its Connection to Migraines
Serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, plays a significant role in migraine relief. It causes blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction), which can counteract the effects of a migraine. However, excessive vasoconstriction can actually worsen the pain, leading to a throbbing sensation.
Tyramine’s Structural Similarity to Serotonin
Tyramine’s structure is similar to that of serotonin, allowing it to bind to serotonin receptors in the brain and affect the same pathways, including blood vessels. This can lead to vasoconstriction, but if the effect is too strong, it may result in throbbing pain.
It’s important to note that tyramine itself is not a direct migraine inducer. Rather, it may potentially worsen existing migraine symptoms in some individuals. Consuming tyramine-rich foods doesn’t necessarily trigger migraines in most people.
Individual Differences in Tyramine Sensitivity
Professor Schaich emphasizes that everyone processes amino acids differently. Some individuals may be more sensitive to tyramine than others, and those who are sensitive likely already know from past experiences with tyramine-rich foods like bananas or aged cheeses.
Varying Thresholds for Tyramine Sensitivity
The amount of tyramine required to potentially affect migraine symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. For some, a few milligrams might be enough to induce a migraine, while others may require several grams before experiencing any effects.
Bananas and Hangovers: Friend or Foe?
When it comes to hangovers, bananas are often recommended as a helpful remedy due to their complex carbohydrate content. These carbs can help raise blood sugar levels and assist the body in processing alcohol by activating metabolism. Additionally, bananas are generally easy on the stomach, making them a good choice for those feeling queasy.
Are Bananas Safe for Hangover Recovery?
For most people, bananas are perfectly safe and even beneficial for hangover recovery. Professor Schaich advises, “If you’ve never had a migraine, and you’ve never had a response to bananas, then hell – eat bananas for hangovers.” The complex carbohydrates in bananas make them an excellent fruit to include in a hangover recovery breakfast.
Considerations for Migraine Sufferers
Even for those who experience migraines, the effect of bananas can vary. Professor Schaich and her sister, both migraine sufferers, have different dietary approaches to managing their symptoms. While Schaich typically opts for ground beef without a bun, her sister combines protein with carbohydrates for better symptom management.
The Broader Picture: Tyramine in Other Foods
While bananas have been the focus of this discussion, it’s worth noting that many other foods contain tyramine, often in higher concentrations. Understanding these sources can help individuals manage their tyramine intake if they are sensitive to its effects.
Common High-Tyramine Foods
- Aged cheeses (e.g., cheddar, blue cheese, parmesan)
- Fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi)
- Cured meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni)
- Certain types of fish (e.g., pickled herring)
- Some types of beer and wine
- Soy products (e.g., tofu, soy sauce)
It’s important to remember that the tyramine content in these foods can vary based on factors such as preparation methods and storage conditions.
Strategies for Managing Tyramine Intake
For individuals who are sensitive to tyramine or prone to migraines, there are several strategies that can help manage tyramine intake without completely eliminating favorite foods from the diet.
Keeping a Food Diary
Maintaining a food diary can be an effective way to identify potential trigger foods. By recording meals and any subsequent symptoms, individuals can better understand their personal tolerance levels and which foods might be problematic.
Moderation and Timing
For those who enjoy tyramine-containing foods but are concerned about potential effects, moderation and timing can be key. Consuming smaller portions or limiting high-tyramine foods to times when migraine risk is lower (e.g., not during periods of high stress or hormonal changes) may help minimize potential issues.
Consulting with Healthcare Professionals
For individuals with recurring migraines or concerns about tyramine sensitivity, consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance. These experts can help develop a dietary plan that takes into account individual sensitivities while ensuring nutritional needs are met.
The Role of Nutrition in Migraine Management
While the focus of this article has been on bananas and tyramine, it’s important to consider the broader role of nutrition in migraine management. A balanced diet can play a significant part in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines for many individuals.
Key Nutritional Considerations for Migraine Sufferers
- Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for migraine prevention.
- Regular meals: Skipping meals can trigger migraines in some people.
- Balanced macronutrients: Ensuring a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Magnesium-rich foods: Some studies suggest magnesium may help reduce migraine frequency.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These may have anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit migraine sufferers.
By focusing on overall nutritional balance and identifying personal trigger foods, individuals can develop a dietary approach that supports their health while minimizing migraine risk.
Understanding Migraine Triggers Beyond Diet
While diet can play a significant role in migraine management, it’s important to recognize that migraines often have multiple triggers. Understanding these can help individuals develop a comprehensive approach to managing their condition.
Common Non-Dietary Migraine Triggers
- Stress and anxiety
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Environmental factors (e.g., bright lights, loud noises)
- Weather changes
- Certain medications
By identifying and managing these triggers in addition to dietary considerations, individuals may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of their migraines more effectively.
The Future of Migraine Research and Treatment
As our understanding of migraines and their triggers continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for prevention and treatment. This ongoing research may lead to more personalized approaches to migraine management in the future.
Emerging Areas of Migraine Research
- Genetic factors influencing migraine susceptibility
- The role of the gut microbiome in migraine development
- Advanced imaging techniques to better understand migraine physiology
- Novel pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions
- The potential of precision nutrition in migraine management
As this research progresses, it may provide new insights into the complex relationship between diet, including the consumption of foods like bananas, and migraine development.
In conclusion, while bananas do contain tyramine, which has been associated with migraine symptoms in some individuals, the relationship is not straightforward. For most people, bananas are a healthy and nutritious food that can be enjoyed without concern. Those with a known sensitivity to tyramine or a history of migraines may want to monitor their intake and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. As with many aspects of health and nutrition, individual responses can vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. By staying informed and attentive to one’s own body, individuals can make the best decisions for their health and well-being.
Do bananas cause headaches? A food scientist peels away the myth
When hungover, some people might fall back on the classic carb sandwich — a bacon-egg-n-cheese perhaps, maybe with some hot sauce and home fries on the side. Others might choose a sweeter dish to soothe the soul, like pancakes. And then some may simply try a little hair of the dog and order a bloody mary.
While none or all of these breakfast options might make you feel less sorry for yourself, you may be tempted to make your parents proud and add another morning staple: Fruit. And when you need carbs and comfort in equal measure, what fruit is better than a banana?
Do bananas help a hangover?
Rich in complex carbohydrates, bananas raise your blood sugar and help your body process alcohol by activating the metabolism. Bananas also tend to go easy on your tummy if you feel queasy.
For those sensitive to tyramine, the amino acid can intensify migraine symptoms because it contributes to a throbbing sensation in the head.
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But there’s some question as to whether bananas might betray you in your moment of need — perhaps even worsening your hangover tenfold. That’s because bananas contain a particular compound called tyramine that has been linked to migraines. Just like nobody wants to blast heavy metal in their headphones when they wake up hungover with a headache, nobody wants to eat something that will make them feel even worse.
But for several scientific reasons, most people have nothing to worry about. Food science professor Karen Schaich at Rutgers University peels back the myth.
What is tyramine?
Tyramine is an amino acid byproduct of tyrosine, another amino acid that’s found in bananas, aged cheeses, and fermented foods. The latter two contain live microorganisms, which turn tyrosine into tyramine by removing its carboxylic acid group.
As bananas ripen, tyrosine converts to tyramine.
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Bananas contain tyramine, but it’s hard to pinpoint how much tyramine is too much. Schaich points out that across studies, what is considered a high level of tyramine differs by as much as 100 grams. Bananas tend not to feature on lists of the foods with the highest levels of tyramine — for example, fermented foods have much higher amounts of tyramine than bananas over all.
Also, the amount of tyramine you get from a banana depends on what condition it is in when you eat it. Bananas contain the most tyramine when they’re overripe — like, ready-for-banana bread-overripe, which “many people won’t eat, so then it’s not even a problem,” Schaich tells Inverse.
Does tyramine cause migraines?
To understand how tyramine affects migraines, one has to understand migraines.
During a migraine, a stimulus — whether it is a change in weather or bright flashing lights or something else — causes blood vessels in the brain to enlarge and press against brain tissue, causing a painful headache. This is called vasodilation.
One remedy for vasodilation is the feel-good hormone serotonin. Serotonin makes the blood vessels constrict — vasoconstriction — which counteracts the effects of a migraine. But too much vasoconstriction actually worsens the pain, generating a throbbing sensation.
Tyramine, Schaich says, has a similar structure to serotonin, so in a classic bait-and-switch, tyramine is able to bind to serotonin receptors in the brain and affect the same pathways, like blood vessels. Tyramine can thus cause vasoconstriction, but sometimes the effect is too strong, resulting in throbbing pain.
“[Tyramine is] not a migraine inducer by itself,” Schaich tells Inverse. Rather, if one already is suffering a migraine, then too much tyramine may make the condition worse. But eating tyramine-rich foods won’t bring on symptoms.
Schaich also points out that everyone processes amino acids differently. People who are sensitive to tyramine likely already know that they are because they’ve been betrayed by a banana or wedge of brie. She says that for some, a few milligrams may be enough to induce a migraine, and for others, it may take a few grams.
Could bananas make a hangover worse?
Add a hangover into the mix, and you might think bananas spell a double-whammy migraine. However, that’s not the case — unless you are a specific kind of person.
Full of complex carbs, bananas are a great fruit side to have with your hangover recovery breakfast.
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“If you’ve never had a migraine, and you’ve never had a response to bananas, then hell — eat bananas for hangovers,” Schaich says. Also, even if you do get migraines, people metabolize different compounds differently. Take, for example, Schaich and her sister, who both experience migraines. Schaich usually eats ground beef sans bun for her symptoms because her body metabolizes protein better alone. Her sister, however, has to eat protein with a carb in order to metabolize it smoothly.
Ideally, a post-hangover meal will “be metabolized in place of the alcohol,” Schaich says. (Cue the aforementioned bacon-egg-n-cheese.) If you want to try and optimize your food choice, then opting for a plate of something high in the amino acid tryptophan is potentially a great choice because the body metabolizes tryptophan into serotonin, which helps relieve headaches through vasoconstrictions. But even then, beware.
“You can put out a whole smorgasbord of things that have worked for some people, but they’re not going to work for everyone,” Schaich says.
CHECK, PLEASE is an Inverse series that uses biology, chemistry, and physics to debunk the biggest food myths and assumptions.
Now read this: This secret ingredient can elevate your hot chocolate, according to science
12 Foods to Help Get Rid of a Headache or Migraine Attack Naturally
Eating a variety of healthy foods and staying hydrated can go a long way toward preventing or relieving headache.
By Becky UphamMedically Reviewed by Jason Paul Chua, MD, PhD
Reviewed:
Medically Reviewed
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If you’re living with migraine, you probably know that certain foods and drinks can trigger an attack. But even though it’s important to know what to avoid, focusing on the foods to add to your diet matters, too: It may help reduce the number or severity of migraine attacks or other types of headaches.
“Food really is the first medicine,” says Wynne Brown, MD, the medical director of integrative medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “When you’re trying to manage migraine, what you eat — and when you eat — can make all the difference,” she says.
Being open to change in your diet is a good start, says Dr. Brown. “Often, we can get in a rut and eat the same things over and over. By adding different fresh fruits and vegetables to our diet, we can reap benefits in terms of water content as well as vitamins and minerals,” she says.
A diet with a variety of good foods will make a big difference both in migraine management and overall health and may improve imbalances that contribute to headaches, says Brown.
If you’re looking for ways to change your diet to better manage your migraine, here are some expert tips on the foods and drinks to help you on your journey.
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Bananas Give You Energy When You Need It
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Looking for something quick and easy that could help stave off a migraine attack or an episode of hypoglycemia, which could lead to a headache? Reach for a banana rather than highly processed foods like granola bars or candy, suggests Brown.
“Bananas are a great food for quick energy recovery, and they’re high in magnesium, which can be helpful when people have headaches,” she says.
Bananas are about 74 percent water, so there are hydration benefits as well, Brown says.
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Watermelon Provides Fluids to Keep You Hydrated
Mongkol Nitirojsakul/Getty Images
Interesting fact: Watermelon is actually considered a vegetable because of the way it’s grown, although some people would argue it belongs firmly in the fruit category because of its sweet flavor and higher sugar content.
Watermelon also has (surprise!) a lot of water in it. It’s actually 92 percent water, according to the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Getting plenty of water — both by drinking it and by consuming foods that contain lots of water — will help you stay hydrated.
Getting enough fluids is important for all aspects of health, including migraine, says Brown. About one in three people with migraine say dehydration is a trigger, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
“Many fruits and vegetables can have a hydrating effect, and the fresher it is, the higher the water content,” says Brown.
RELATED: 8 Foods High in Water That Can Help Prevent Dehydration
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Seeds and Nuts Provide Magnesium and Fiber
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Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of persistent or cluster headaches, says Sarah Thomsen Ferreira, RD, MPH, a registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Functional Medicine in Ohio.
“Prioritizing ample amounts of magnesium-rich foods daily is one of the best ways to keep these headaches at bay,” Ferreira says.
Flaxseeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are all good sources of magnesium, says Ferreira. Pumpkin seeds are also high in fiber, preventing the constipation that sometimes comes with migraine. Cashews are high in magnesium, too, she says.
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Herbal Teas Have Multiple Headache Benefits
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Tea can help with overall hydration, which in itself can prevent or relieve a headache, and depending on the type of tea, there are other benefits as well, according to Brown.
“Peppermint can be effective in relieving sinus pressure,” says Brown. Sinus congestion and pressure are common symptoms of a sinus headache, brought on by inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
“Peppermint oil is used as an essential oil for headache or migraine. You could put peppermint oil or fresh peppermint in a cup of hot water and inhale the steam and also drink the liquid,” says Brown.
A study published in 2019 in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that a drop of diluted peppermint oil dripped into the nose was effective in decreasing the intensity of headaches caused by migraine in about 42 percent of participants who tried it.
There is some evidence that ginger tea can help with a tension headache, according to Brown.
Also, a study published in Phytotherapy Research found that drinking a half teaspoon of powdered ginger in warm water helped reduce migraine severity.
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Coffee Can Stop a Headache — or Cause One
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Coffee contains caffeine, which is added to some types of headache medications. But you can get too much of a good thing; coffee may lead to “caffeine rebound” or a caffeine withdrawal headache, according to the National Headache Foundation.
A cup of coffee is a quick fix for this type of headache, says Brown. “It’s important to remember that caffeine can stay in your system for up to five hours,” she says. For some people, this may lead to an afternoon headache once their morning cup of coffee wears off, she adds.
If your caffeine consumption is causing withdrawal headaches, you might try cutting down by drinking “half caff” or decaffeinated coffee, suggests Brown. “Even decaf coffee has some caffeine in it,” she adds.
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Chocolate Can Ease a Caffeine Withdrawal Headache
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Everyone wants to hear that chocolate can help a caffeine withdrawal headache, says Brown with a laugh. “Some people believe chocolate is a food group all its own,” she says.
According to ConsumerLab.com, an independent company that tests health and nutrition products, most dark chocolates have about 40 to 50 milligrams of caffeine per 1½ ounce serving, which is about the same amount you would get in a cup of green tea and about half the amount in a cup of regular brewed coffee. So depending on the person, a serving of dark chocolate might be enough to ease a caffeine withdrawal headache.
Dark chocolate is also a good source of magnesium, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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Berries May Relieve Sinus Pressure
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“Eating things that are high in antioxidants can help to relieve sinus pressure over time,” says Brown. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all good choices.
Smaller fruits tend to have more exposure to pesticides, and so Brown recommends getting organic berries whenever possible.
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Mushrooms May Improve Gut Health and Prevent Migraine
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Sometimes people develop headaches because they have either absorption issues in their lower intestine or leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, says Brown. “Adding foods that are high in riboflavin (also known as B2) such as mushrooms, quinoa, nuts, and eggs help with that,” she says.
There is research to suggest that riboflavin may help in preventing migraines. The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society concluded that riboflavin is “probably effective” for preventing migraine headaches.
RELATED: 8 Surprising Health Benefits of B Vitamins
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Yogurt Hydrates and May Improve Gut Health
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Many people with migraine experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation. “Dehydration can contribute to headaches and constipation,” says Brown.
Plain yogurt is a probiotic food that can address both issues by promoting gut health and as a source of hydration, she says.
Brown suggests choosing almond or cashew yogurt. “For some people, dairy products can intensify sinus pressure and headaches,” she says.
RELATED: 9 Ways to Eat More Probiotics Every Day
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Broccoli May Help Prevent Menstrual Migraine
Enrique Díaz/Getty Images
Changes in hormone levels can lead to headaches, especially for women with menstrual migraine or headaches, says Brown. Falling levels of estrogen, which occur just before menstruation begins, can trigger an attack, according to the Migraine Research Foundation.
Women who have this type of migraine would benefit from increasing their intake of cruciferous vegetables, because of their effects on estrogen, Brown says.
Cruciferous vegetables contain hormonally active compounds called phytoestrogens, which can have estrogenic, or estrogen-like, effects in humans — or, conversely, antiestrogenic effects. It’s thought that the antiestrogenic effects of some phytoestrogens may lower a woman’s risk of certain types of cancer by lowering her exposure to her own estrogen.
Some research, cited in a February 2021 review in Climacteric, indicates phytoestrogens improve bone mineral density and markers of cardiovascular risk in post-menopausal women — effects that estrogen would be expected to have in premenopausal women.
There’s also some evidence that phytoestrogens help to prevent menstrual migraine attacks in premenopausal women, according to a review published in Neurological Sciences.
“Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy — those can all be very helpful if you include more of them in your diet,” says Brown.
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Spinach and Swiss Chard Are Sources of Magnesium
Susanne Alfredsson/Getty Images
Spinach, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens are great sources of magnesium, which can decrease or even prevent migraine in some cases, says Brown.
Several studies have found that many people with migraine have low brain magnesium levels, according to the Association of Migraine Disorders, and many people with migraine take magnesium supplements in addition to their migraine medications.
According to remarks made by Belinda Savage-Edwards, MD, a neurologist in Huntsville, Alabama, at the 2021 Migraine World Summit, supplements should supplement the food you eat, not replace it, and a wide variety of healthy foods provide magnesium.
It’s important to check with your doctor before going on any type of supplement for migraine or any other health condition.
RELATED: 8 Foods High in Magnesium
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Black Beans Help Keep Blood Glucose Levels Stable
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Reactive hypoglycemia, meaning a decrease in blood sugar after eating dependent on the type of foods consumed, can lead to headaches, says Ferreira. If your headaches worsen after long periods without food or begin shortly after meals, she suggests switching to carbohydrates that will keep your blood sugar levels more stable.
“Carbohydrate types that can help with more stable blood sugar include black beans, squash, quinoa, or root vegetables,” says Ferreira.
Such foods have a low glycemic load, meaning that a typical portion of the food raises blood glucose levels a small to moderate amount. In contrast, foods such as white rice and highly processed breakfast cereals tend to raise blood glucose levels more and faster.
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Studies by foreign scientists have shown that in 20-50% of cases, adults can avoid or reduce headaches if they refuse to use the so-called trigger (provocative) foods. Just as certain foods cause skin rashes in people with allergies, in migraine sufferers, it affects the condition of the blood vessels and nerves, writes Dr. Peter.
Scientists named a dozen foods, in order of importance, that can trigger headaches: dairy products, chocolate, eggs, citrus fruits, meat (including beef, pork, chicken, turkey), wheat (bread, pasta), nuts, tomatoes, onions , corn, apples, bananas. Drinks and various supplements can also cause migraines. Among them are red wine, caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, cola), monosodium glutamate, aspartame, nitrites.
Foods that almost never cause migraines include rice (especially brown), cooked green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, chard, kale), cooked orange vegetables (carrots or sweet potatoes), cooked yellow vegetables (e.g. squash) ), cooked or dried fruits and berries (cherries, cranberries, pears, prunes), plain or soda water, maple syrup, vanilla extract.
For people suffering from headaches, scientists offer to understand which of the “forbidden” foods cause them. To do this, experts advise first completely eliminating all potential provocateurs from your diet, and then every two days, one by one, enter them into the menu, starting from the end of the list (bananas), and monitor your condition. If a change in diet does not affect the frequency or severity of pain, then you should consult a doctor for additional tests.
Sofia Perova
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She took a banana peel and put it on her head
 
Migraine is a severe, throbbing headache that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and excessive sensitivity to light and sound. According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact causes of migraines have not yet been established. However, patients often themselves notice what exactly provokes their next attack. It can be a variety of factors: from hormonal changes to stress, from blinding bright light to changes in atmospheric pressure during a thunderstorm.
Here are 8 home remedies to help relieve headaches
1. Vicks VapoRab
Some migraine sufferers share on social media their remedies that help them during their attacks. One of them is called Vicks VapoRab ointment. During a headache, the ointment should be applied to the temples and forehead – this relieves pain and relieves tension almost immediately.
There are also cases when other menthol-based ointments helped. One of the bloggers shared her recipe: a homemade mixture of peppermint essential oil and water or coconut oil, also applied to the temples and forehead, helps her.
2. Ice pack with banana peel
At first, this method may seem strange. However, ice wrapped in a banana peel is just a classic calcium-rich cold compress. Doctors recommend applying such a compress to the head and neck to muffle a migraine headache.
3. Olive oil
A recent study found that olive oil, like fish oil, is effective in reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of regular migraine attacks in adults. The reason for this is the high content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the oil, which are an integral part of the hormones that regulate blood clotting and relaxation of the walls of the arteries.
4. Lavender oil
Just two drops of lavender, diluted in a small bowl of boiling water, can alleviate the symptoms of a migraine. Just inhale the vapors of lavender and feel the relief. A 15-minute breath of lavender vapor has been shown to be a safe and effective remedy for migraine pain, according to research. Lavender reduces irritability, stabilizes mood, relaxes muscles and relieves tension.
5.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds have been used as food for medicinal purposes since ancient Egypt. It is used to lower cholesterol levels and cleanse the body, in the treatment of constipation, chest pain, hot flashes and migraines.
Flax seeds are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which improve brain function and reduce the risk of heart disease. Doctors recommend adding flaxseeds to smoothies, salads, oatmeal, or just drinking it with water. Regular consumption of seeds can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
6. Honey
According to recent research, drinking 2 teaspoons of natural honey daily can prevent migraine attacks. Doctors also recommend taking a full tablespoon of honey at the onset of the first signs of a migraine.
7. Peanut butter and ginger
This mixture may seem strange, but some doctors say that this combination of products can also be effective in the fight against migraines. It is recommended to prepare a paste of peanut butter and grated ginger – it must be applied to the whiskey.