Migraines can come when one least expects them and usually at the worst time. If any of you are like me and frequently suffer from migraines that affect their daily activity there is help that does not involve medication.
I decided to do some research on what can be causing these horrible migraines. Could what I’m eating be causing these migraines? Or maybe stress? It turns out that certain foods can be triggers for migraines, who would have thought? Many food additives are to blame for this like Nitrates,Tyramine, and Monosodium glutamate.
Nitrates can be a huge contributor to migraines. Nitrates are usually added to hot dogs, ham, sausage, bacon, pepperoni basically any deli meat. Aged cheese like blue cheese, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, swiss and muenster can also be a trigger. These aged cheeses contain Tyramine which forms in the cheese as the proteins breakdown. Monosodium glutamate has also been known for causing migraines, which is found in spices, chinese food, canned foods as well other products.
I am happy to say that there is a treatment for migraines that doesn’t even involve swallowing a pill. Eating foods that contain magnesium can help with migraines. There are plenty of foods out there that contain magnesium like spinach, nuts, avocados, yogurt, bananas and even dark chocolate. Seriously who doesn’t love chocolate!
So next time you feel a migraine coming try eating a piece of dark chocolate or some spinach. I guess Popeye was right about eating spinach it makes you strong and can treat a migraine. Even exercise can help a migraine. For me that is the trick. When I feel a migraine coming I get ready and go for a nice 30 minute run and I feel great after. There is no need for expensive over the counter medicine because sometimes they don’t even work. Eating a whole foods diet is essential for prevention of migraines. Eating the proper amount of fruits and vegetables provides us with key nutrients for our bodies and it can even prevent a migraine for coming and ruining your entire day. Next time you feel a migraine coming on lace up your sneakers, or eat some spinach like popeye and you may not be reaching for the nearest pill bottle.
Magnesium rich recipe
Salmon Salad Power Bowl
4oz grilled salmon, chicken, or steak
¾ cup Spinach
½ cup slices zucchini
½ cup raspberries
½ an avocado
2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
Dash of salt and pepper
1 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
1 Tbsp lemon juice
Directions
first, slice your zucchini and squash, sautee in skillet with 1/2 tbsp oil and a little bit of pepper/salt. Also make sure your salmon is already cooked. I cook mine in 1 tbsp oil, lemon, pepper and salt for 10 minutes at 400F or so.
Once the the zucchini and salmon and cooked, go ahead and build your bowl. Spinach first, then veggies, and salmon. Drizzle in your balsamic glaze. Toss all together and place in bowl.
add your raspberries last with a touch of lemon juice on top.