In the United States, over 38 million people experience migraines. This represents about 13 percent of the total adult population, and approximately two to three million of these individuals suffer from chronic migraines.
While there are countless pills and medications designed to help get rid of migraines, if you are like many, you may be searching for a more natural remedy. If this is the case, you are in the right place. Learn about some of the most popular and effective natural ways to treat migraines here.
Cool Things Down
Many people claim that if you put an ice pack (or something else that’s cold) on your scalp, neck or forehead, it can help provide significant pain relief. While experts aren’t exactly sure why this is so effective, it may have something to do with reducing the blood flow to the area.
You can also try a frozen gel pack or even a washcloth that has been rinsed with cold water.
Consider a Daith Piercing
Daith piercings are gaining notoriety for how they help migraine sufferers. These are designed to replicate acupuncture and may help to reduce the symptoms you experience.
This remedy is a bit more long-term than others but may be extremely effective. If you want to know more about how it works, read Health Sumo’s guide on daith piercing.
Avoid Eating Certain Foods
You may not realize that your diet plays a huge role in whether or not you experience migraines. There are many foods and beverages that are considered migraine triggers. While this can vary from one person to another, some of the most common trigger foods include:
- Cultured dairy products (i.e. yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, etc.)
- Foods with nitrates such as sausage, bacon, deli meats, hot dogs, etc.
- Dried fruits
- Chocolate
- Beans
- Cheese with naturally-occurring tyramine
- Pickled foods
- Alcohol
- Processed foods
There are some people who agree that small amounts of caffeine can ease migraine pain; however, too much can make the symptoms worse.
Exercise
While this may not be a good idea if you are suffering a migraine right now since it can make things more painful, it is something to keep in mind. When you don’t have a migraine and you feel well, working out regularly can help prevent these headaches.
That’s because exercising causes your body to release endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain fighters. It can also help you to ease stress and sleep better.
Go for the Ginger
Ginger is well known for easing nausea, which is why many pregnant women swear by it. However, it can also help ease nausea caused by migraines. In fact, according to research, using ginger powder can reduce migraine symptoms, duration and severity just as well as the prescription drug sumatriptan, with no side effects.
Magnesium
This is a mineral that occurs naturally in whole grains, nuts, and dark-green vegetables. While it isn’t going to help while you are actually suffering from a migraine, there are some studies that have shown it can help prevent them.
You can also take magnesium in pill form. However, before you do that, be sure to talk to your doctor.
If you suffer from migraines, then chances are, all that’s on your mind is finding relief. While you can opt for chemical medications, there are other options available too. Consider some of the options on this list to help ease your migraine pain and symptoms. You may be surprised as to how well these work. You may even be able to find relief from your migraines once and for all.
Have you suffered with migraines?
Which natural remedies have you used for migraine pain relief?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
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