Food For... Dealing With Headaches

What you eat can play a huge role in the incidence and symptoms of head pain

- Nikki Spencer

Headaches are horrid and always seem to hit at the worst moment, and while triggers can include everything from stress and hormones to the weather, food and drink can also have a big impact.

‘It is so important you eat regularly and stay hydrated,’ explains nutritional therapist Jenny Tschiesche. ‘Dehydration is one of the main causes of headaches, so do drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day. Also, make sure you eat a balance of protein and fibre at each meal to help balance your blood-sugar levels.’

If you suffer from frequent headaches, Jenny suggests cutting down on chocolate, red wine, cheese, coffee, wheat, citrus fruit, peanuts, artificial sweeteners and corn. It sounds like a lengthy list, but these are all known to be headache triggers. However, when a headache does hit, there are plenty of foods that can help get rid of it, pronto.

Meet the experts

Jenny Tschiesche, nutritional therapist and founder of lunchboxdoctor.com

Emily Hyland, nutrition and health coach (omnomhealth. co.uk)

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, and are great for headaches, reveals nutrition and health coach Emily Hyland.

‘Dehydration is a major headache trigger as it lowers our potassium levels. Sweet potatoes have high levels of potassium, which helps to balance electrolytes and aid with headache relief,’ she explains.

‘Orange sweet potatoes are also brimming with beta carotene, the antioxidant responsible for their colour, which the body converts into vitamin A needed for healthy skin, immunity and eyesight.’