How to Get Rid of a Migraines? It can be extremely debilitating, with symptoms that range from mild pain to extreme nausea and dizziness. And when you’re in the throes of one, you just want it to go away as soon as possible. Luckily, there are some natural methods that can help you cope with migraines. Here are 9 natural remedies that have been shown to get rid of a migraine and help your body stay headache-free in the future!
Take care of yourself
Taking care of yourself is important because migraines can be exhausting and if you don’t take care of yourself, your symptoms will likely get worse. The best thing you can do for yourself is to treat your migraine as soon as possible—nip it in the bud before it becomes debilitating or causes any other problems. If left untreated, migraines can cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and even vertigo or seizures.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is incredibly important when you’re fighting off a migraine. You need to be drinking lots of water as dehydration can lead to migraines and chronic migraines, which only make headaches worse. Water also helps reduce stress, an issue that often triggers headaches. The Mayo Clinic notes that drinking eight ounces of water will reduce stress hormone levels by about 25 percent—it really does work! Water also reduces feelings of hunger and can help with constipation and bloating, both issues related to migraines. How to Get Rid of a Migraine? read more.
Consider avoiding red wine
While red wine contains resveratrol and other antioxidants that are great for your heart, it may not be good for your head. Researchers have found that chemicals in red wine called sulfites can trigger migraines in sensitive people. If you’re one of them, it might be best to avoid red wine—or drink it in moderation if you’re going out with friends or have a special occasion. It might seem like downing an alcoholic beverage while suffering from a migraine is counterproductive, but there are some wines that are low-sulfite or low-allergen, so it could help relieve some symptoms without causing them.
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Rest if you can
When it comes to migraines, rest is often one of the first recommendations from doctors—but it’s not always a realistic option. Between work and family obligations, it can be nearly impossible to stop doing what you’re doing and lie down for an hour or two. Still, you should try to lie down for about 15 minutes if you can; resting in any position (sitting up or laying down) may help reduce pain. If you need more time than that, take two! The best thing you can do is try your best.
However long you rest, get comfortable with pillows under your head and feet if possible. You may want (or even need) some cold water on your face as well…
Eat your fruits and veggies
Some research suggests that increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables can help prevent migraines. A handful or two of berries is not only tasty but may also ward off migraines, due to their high levels of antioxidants. Vegetables are great sources as well—not only do they pack vitamins and minerals, but they are also rich in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, both associated with lowering your risk for migraines.
Carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy greens are all healthy and delicious ways to add veggies into your diet. However, be careful if you’re eating your veggies raw; these fruits and veggies are loaded with natural sugars that can trigger headaches in some people.
Check your magnesium levels
As we age, magnesium levels may decline and cause issues like migraine headaches. Magnesium can be taken in pill form or through more natural methods like Epsom salt baths. The sulfate found in Epsom salt is easily absorbed into your skin and relaxing before bed can help you drift off to sleep without as many migraines waking you up. If your magnesium levels are low, consider eating foods with magnesium or taking magnesium supplements for a few weeks before attempting other treatments for your migraine symptoms.
Try magnesium supplements
There is some evidence that magnesium may reduce migraine frequency or severity. In one small trial, 100 percent of participants who took a high dose (350 mg/day) for 30 days had reduced migraine frequency and disability. Another study found that twice-daily doses (totaling 1,000 mg/day) resulted in significant reductions in headache frequency, intensity, and duration.
It’s thought that because magnesium prevents calcium from binding to nerve receptors in blood vessels—which can contribute to headaches—it might be an effective treatment for migraines. However, you should still speak with your doctor before taking magnesium supplements as it might interact with other medications you’re taking (see below).
Listen to music in a dark room
Listening to music in a dark room has been shown to help reduce symptoms of a migraine attack, and even prevent one altogether. Darkening your surroundings blocks light that may be sending stress signals to your brain, slowing down its production of serotonin and preventing an attack from starting. Headphones are especially helpful for anyone who is prone to disturbing those around them during migraine attacks.
Listening to music might also make you feel more relaxed if you’re stressed out about how painful it can be—something else that may trigger a migraine. A British survey found listening to music was even more popular than medication as a way to manage or prevent a migraine.
Practice meditation techniques
Studies have shown that meditation can be an effective treatment for migraine. A 2007 study, published in The Journal of Headache and Pain, found that relaxation techniques such as meditation significantly reduced symptoms in most migraine sufferers. Meditation has also been shown to relieve stress, which is often behind headaches.
There are many different kinds of meditation—find one that works for you and practice it regularly so you develop a consistent routine. You may not want to meditate when you’re experiencing your worst symptoms (and neither should your spouse or kids!), but don’t forget about it completely! Even if you don’t feel like meditating at 3 p.m., take five minutes for yourself at 11 p.m., after everyone else has gone to bed.
So you now know 9 ways of How to Get Rid of a Migraine
