Migraine and its cure

Migraine is a severe headache that usually occurs on one side of the forehead and gradually spreads all over the head.

The pain can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

It is caused by stress, sleep disorder, hormonal changes, alcohol intake, unhealthy food habits and so on. Also, high pitched sounds or light may cause or increase the pain.

An appropriate diet can help to reduce the headache.

: The patient with migraine should eat on time and should not skip any meal especially breakfast. An empty stomach can trigger the pain.

: Migraine patients should avoid certain foods such as food with sugar content. Chocolates, restaurant food, foods with tasting salt and preservatives, ice cream, chips, pickles, peanut butter, dairy products, citrus fruits and papaya can prompt migraine.

: Too much caffeine, tea or cold water. Coffee at the beginning of the pain may help some patients.

: Vitamin B supplements help to reduce migraine. Food containing niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and magnesium help to reduce pain and stress. Sea fish and salmon contain Omega 3 fatty acid and vitamin B that give relief to migraine pain. Carrots are enriched with beta carotene and sesame, beetroot and green vegetables with calcium.

: Sunbathing for at least 10 minute everyday may be helpful for migraine patients.  Also, raw ginger or ginger tea can reduce pain. Plenty of water and fruits with water improve the condition.

*Lazina Islam Chowdhury is a nutritionist. This piece originally published in Prothom Alo print edition has been rewritten in English by Farjana Liakat