Whether young or old, nearly everyone has experienced a headache at some time in their life. This minor head pain usually lasts for a short period of time and is relieved with an over the counter pain reliever. A migraine headache is a more severe head pain that is localized to one side of the head. They are caused by a temporary change in the brain’s nerve conduction and the pain is created by inflammatory changes in nerve cells.

Researchers have found a link between migraines and food and suggest that some foods can relieve and even help prevent migraines:

1. Vegetables
The first things to add to your daily diet are plenty of yellow, orange, and green vegetables. Eating vegetables is always good for overall health and studies have noticed that eating sweet potatoes, summer squash, carrots, and spinach can greatly help migraine headaches. These are considered pain-safe foods that are not migraine triggers and they act as a defense against migraine headaches.

2. Carbonated water
Carbonated tap water, or spring water is also a good, natural migraine treatment. The body functions best when you drink an ample amount of water and drinking water that is free of any added preservatives or chemicals is better for those who suffer with migraine headaches.

3. Brown rice
Brown rice is the best form of rice that acts as a defense against migraines. It is not viewed as a trigger for migraines, or any other health condition, although the carbohydrates may need to be avoided by diabetics.

4. Coffee
Coffee is a good stimulant, and it is also good for easing migraine headaches. It can be served either black, or with natural flavors or sweeteners. This would include maple syrup, or vanilla extract which are also pain safe.

5. Other pain-safe foods
Other sources of pain-safe foods that can help migraines are cooked or dried fruit, such as cherries or cranberries. Avoid citrus fruits as these have been known to trigger a migraine headache. Eating a healthy diet is always important, but it is more beneficial if you suffer from migraines. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is known to decrease the frequency of migraines. This vitamin is found in animal products, such as salmon and red meats. It also has been found in mushrooms and grains. Foods that are high in sodium and foods that contain the additive monosodium glutamate which should be avoided because they are known to cause migraines. Artificial sweeteners have also been found to cause the painful disorder.

If you experience frequent headaches that cause you to be sensitive to light, but are not sure if they are migraines, see you doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Learn all you can about the foods that you consume. What triggers migraine headaches and what is beneficial for helping to decrease the frequency and intensity. Keeping a food diary will help pinpoint the triggers that may cause you to have a migraine and make it easier to know which foods to avoid and which are pain-free.