Dietary habits to prevent headaches HEALTH WISDOM

Of all the people who suffer from headaches, about 70% are women. Many people don’t know that the cause could be something in their diet. Of course, if you have frequent headaches, a lot depends upon your genetic predisposition and family history. Sometimes weather changes, strong odours, perfumes, bright lights and menstrual cycles can trigger a headache. While you cannot control these factors, what you eat is in your control. Ginger helps control prostaglandins, the hormone like substance that controls pain. Take one teaspoon of pickled ginger or just slice an inch of fresh ginger, squeeze some lemon on it with a dash of black salt and chew it slowly. At the first sign of a headache, if you manage to do this, you may prevent a full-blown migraine. Ginger works like asprin leading to reduction in pain. Consume ground flaxseeds every day. Flaxseeds contain alpha linolenic acid, which control prostaglandin synthesis that control pain. Headache sufferers can consume two to four tablespoons of flaxseed powder regularly for two to three months to reduce frequency of headaches. Dry roast the flaxseeds before powdering them. You may add salt and red chilli powder to improve its taste and consume it anytime in the day.

Increase the protein content of your diet by consuming fish, two to three times a day and snacking on paneer, tofu, peanuts, almonds, eggs, etc. in between meals. These food items balance blood sugar and prevent hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which in turn will prevent you from getting a headache.

The mineral magnesium is known to give relief to those who are suffering from headaches (as it gets depleted during stress and stress is a causative factor for headaches in most individuals). You can increase magnesium in your diet by consuming more almonds, brown rice, jowar, finger millet, whole dals, nuts and seeds and leafy vegetables.

You may also need to detoxify your body as an accumulation of toxins precipitates a headache.

PHOTO: ISTOCK Having protein sources of food helps prevent headaches