Migraines affect over 30 million people in the US and it is suspected that almost 1 billion people suffer migraines worldwide. Women suffer from migraines three times more than men and research associates this with fluctuating hormonal levels.
Hormonal migraines are linked to falling levels of oestrogen usually at the end of menstruation cycle. Other common triggers for migraines can be stress, blood sugar issues, fatigue and food sensitives. It’s a good idea to keep a food diary and note down what you ate & drank 1-2 days before the migraine.
My Top Tips to reduce migraines
Eat magnesium-rich foods; green leafy veg (kale, spinach, watercress), nuts, beans, chickpeas and bananas. Magnesium works by calming the nervous system, reduces pain and inflammation (Pain Physician, 2016).
Ditch the sugary snacks & drinks and snack on fruit and nuts and drink plenty water.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods before periods such as avocados, salmon, nuts, seeds and plenty green vegetables.
Certain foods could trigger migraines such as chocolate, citrus fruits, red wine, aged cheese, artificial sweeteners, excess caffeine and gluten (Journal of Headache Pain, 2014).