Migraines are very debilitating with symptoms that include pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head and throbbing that travels to the jaw and eyes. The pain can be so intense that it causes nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, fainting, lightheadedness, and sensitivity to light, touch, sound, and smell. Although doctors are unsure of the causes, they appear to be hereditary and related to changes in the brain. You can inherit certain triggers, such as changes in the weather and various food triggers.

Traditional treatments consist of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, nausea medication, and cardiovascular drugs, like beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. However, there are also alternative treatments for migraines that are quite successful. One of the most effective treatments is a migraine diet that incorporates certain foods for headaches.

Here are a few foods for headache relief:

1. Powerful potatoes

When your body is dehydrated it can trigger a migraine. In fact, dehydration can deplete electrolytes like potassium and potatoes are a great source of potassium. In addition, potatoes are about 75 percent water which is very hydrating. Make sure to eat the skin, it is packed with mega nutrients.

2. Yummy yogurt

Foods that are high in calcium, such as yogurt, can help relax your body when you have a headache. In truth, low levels of calcium can actually trigger a migraine. Yogurt is also high in riboflavin (a B complex) which can reduce the number of migraine attacks. However, if yogurt is not something that you enjoy, eggs are a great alternative for B vitamins.

3. More water with watermelon

Eating watermelon is a fantastic way to prevent migraines. This delicious fruit hydrates as well as cools the body. It’s the perfect summer fruit. It is light on the digestion when you don’t feel like eating much. Plus, this hydrating fruit can curb your sweet tooth.

4. Mighty mackerel or salmon

A diet that is high in healthy fats may help relieve chronic migraines. Both mackerel and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower inflammation and eliminate throbbing pain. Other healthy fats that may help with chronic headaches include avocado, olive oil, walnuts, chia seeds, and other fish products, such as sardines and cod liver oil.

5. Magnesium-rich foods to live for

Current studies show that regular magnesium consumption may reduce migraine attacks by more than 4o percent. In fact, a migraine diet high in magnesium might be all that you need for pain relief. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds, wild rice, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat, and mung beans. In fact, just one cup of spinach will provide you with 24 milligrams of magnesium.

6. Watch out for migraine trigger foods

If you often experience migraines there are certain foods that you should avoid. Foods that may trigger a migraine include:

• Gum
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Diet drinks and snacks containing artificial sweetener
• Soy sauce (generally it contains MSG and is high in sodium)
• Food additives like nitrates (in pepperoni, hot dogs, and lunch meats)