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Recommended Foods and Drinks to Relieve Headaches

Recommended Foods and Drinks to Relieve Headaches
Illustration of a Headache. Credit: Freepik.

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Headaches are a frequent issue that many people experience at some point. These can be triggered by various factors such as stress, dehydration, poor diet, or other underlying health issues. However, certain foods and beverages are known to help alleviate the pain of headaches and migraines.

 

Foods and Drinks to Relieve Headaches

Water

Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches. A study shows that drinking more water daily can help decrease both the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches.

To avoid dehydration, carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. In addition to plain water, infused water with slices of fruit is also an excellent choice for staying hydrated and preventing headaches.

Caffeinated Beverage

One cause of headaches is the dilation of blood vessels. Caffeine, a natural vasoconstrictor, helps narrow these blood vessels, making caffeine-containing drinks helpful in reducing headache symptoms.

Coffee, green tea, black tea, energy drinks, and chocolate all contain caffeine and can aid in headache relief. However, it is essential to recognize that caffeine affects people differently. If you find that caffeinated beverages worsen your headaches, it's best to avoid them.

Herbal Tea

Certain herbal teas have been found to help alleviate headaches, depending on the specific herb used. Peppermint tea, for example, can ease sinus pressure and inflammation that cause headaches. Other herbal teas that are beneficial include chamomile tea and ginger tea.

Orange Juice

Orange juice, which is rich in magnesium, can help relieve headaches and migraines. Fresh, homemade orange juice without added sugar is a great option.

However, in some cases, orange juice may trigger headaches, especially in individuals who are sensitive to citrus. If your headache worsens after drinking orange juice, consider replacing it with another type of fruit juice. 

Watermelon

Watermelon is not only refreshing but also contains a high amount of water. Eating watermelon as a snack or drinking its juice helps keep the body hydrated, thus reducing the risk of dehydration-related headaches.

Banana

Bananas are an excellent food choice for alleviating migraine headaches or headaches caused by low blood sugar. They are rich in magnesium, which helps restore energy and relieve pain. Additionally, the high water content in bananas supports hydration.

Broccoli

Women who suffer from headaches due to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can benefit from consuming cruciferous vegetables like broccoli. These vegetables contain phytoestrogens, which can help reduce the occurrence of migraines in premenopausal women.

In addition to broccoli, other cruciferous vegetables like bok choy and cabbage are also helpful in preventing headaches.

Grains

Magnesium deficiency is another common cause of headaches. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake from grains is an effective way to prevent headaches. Foods such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are rich in magnesium and can be included in your diet.

 

While these foods and drinks are known to help relieve headaches, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits, proper dosages, and potential side effects.

If these remedies don’t provide relief, it may be time to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. You can also use the consultation feature on the Ai Care application, available for download from the App Store or Play Store.

 

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!

 

Writer : Ratih AI Care
Editor :
  • dr Hanifa Rahma
Last Updated : Thursday, 17 April 2025 | 13:44

Ferchak, D. (2024). Foods and Drinks That May Help Manage Migraine.  Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/what-to-eat-when-you-have-a-migraine#takeaway

Johnson, J. (2021). What foods and drinks can help relieve a headache?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-for-headaches

Cherney, K. (2024). What to Drink for Headache and Migraine Relief. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/drinks-for-headaches-and-migraine

Upham, B. (2023). 12 Foods to Help Get Rid of a Headache or Migraine Attack Naturally. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/migraine/foods-to-help-get-rid-of-a-headache-or-migraine-attack-naturally/