What juice is good for headaches?
Headaches can be debilitating and stop you in your tracks. While pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help, some people prefer more natural remedies. Drinking the right juices may provide relief from headaches and migraines. Certain juices contain ingredients that can reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and relieve pressure. Read on to learn which juices may help headaches.
The Causes of Headaches
Before exploring which juices may help with headaches, it’s important to understand what causes them in the first place. Headaches can occur for many reasons:
- Stress and anxiety
- Dehydration
- Hormone fluctuations
- Low blood sugar
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Tight neck/shoulder muscles
- Food sensitivities
- Fatigue
- Head injuries
Some headaches like migraines also appear to have a genetic component. Specific triggers can vary greatly from person to person. Keeping a headache diary to identify potential triggers is recommended.
How Juices May Help Headaches
The nutrients, anti-inflammatories, and hydration from juices may provide headache relief in several ways:
- Hydration – Dehydration is a common headache trigger. Juices provide fluid and electrolytes.
- Magnesium – Magnesium deficiency frequently contributes to headaches. Juices like cherry, beet, and spinach contain magnesium.
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory that may relieve pressure. Oranges, kiwis, berries, tomatoes, and broccoli have high amounts.
- Potassium – Potassium balances fluids and helps blood vessels relax. Bananas, coconut water, spinach, and avocado supply potassium.
- B-vitamins – B-vitamin deficiency can trigger headaches in some people. Vegetables, fruits, and herbs provide B-vitamins.
- Ginger – Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may inhibit headache pathways.
- Feverfew – Feverfew is an herb used to prevent and treat migraines. It can be juiced or taken as a supplement.
The combination of nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories in fresh juices may target headaches from multiple angles. However, not all juices may be advisable…
Juices to Avoid for Headaches
While most juices provide hydration and nutrients, some ingredients may actually trigger or worsen headaches in sensitive people. It’s best to avoid:
- Citrus – Citrus fruits contain tyramine that can cause blood vessels to constrict.
- Bananas – Bananas are high in tyramine and natural sugars that may be problematic.
- Pineapple – Contains histamine that causes blood vessel swelling.
- Sour cherries – High in histamine if you have food sensitivities.
- Grapefruit – Contains octopamine that may trigger headache pain.
- Apple – Apples have high amounts of natural sugar that can spike and crash blood sugar levels.
- Dried fruits – More concentrated sugars without the juice content.
- Nitrate-containing – Beets, celery, carrots, and spinach contain nitrates that some are sensitive to.
Pay attention to your own headache triggers and avoid any individual ingredients that seem to make your headaches worse.
The Best Juices for Headaches
These juices provide a healthy blend of nutrients, magnesium, potassium, B-vitamins, vitamin C, ginger, and fluids that may ease headache discomfort and address potential nutritional triggers:
Juice | Main Ingredients | Headache Benefits |
---|---|---|
Kale and Cucumber Juice | Kale, cucumber, lemon, ginger | Vitamins C and K, magnesium, potassium, ginger |
Cherry Pineapple Juice | Cherries, pineapple, lemon | Anti-inflammatory, vitamin C |
Beet and Carrot Juice | Beets, carrots, lemon | Magnesium, potassium, vitamin C |
Orange Juice | Oranges, ginger | Vitamin C, hydration, ginger |
Green Juice | Spinach, kale, celery, cucumber, lemon | Magnesium, potassium, vitamin K |
Tailor your own juice combos using ingredients that don’t trigger your headaches. Prioritize magnesium-rich leafy greens, potassium-filled bananas and coconut water, vitamin C from citrus fruits and veggies, hydrating cucumber, anti-inflammatory ginger, and limited amounts of beet, carrot, and apple juice.
Other Tips for Headache Relief from Juices
Besides drinking juices for the nutrients, there are some other things you can try:
- Drink juices slowly – Gulping any liquid can trigger headaches.
- Use a straw – This prevents bending your neck back to drink.
- Apply cold compresses – Place a cold cloth on your forehead or neck to reduce pressure.
- Practice yoga – Gentle stretches open tense muscles that contribute to headaches.
- Take a nap – Rest in a dark room after drinking juice to allow it time to work.
- Keep a consistent schedule – Fluctuating meal times can trigger blood sugar changes.
Supplements for Headaches
While juices provide fluid, electrolytes, and antioxidants from whole foods, supplements can deliver therapeutic doses of specific vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that also help headaches. The top supplements for headache relief include:
Supplement | Dosage | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Magnesium | 400-600 mg daily | Relaxes blood vessels, improves nerve function |
Riboflavin (B2) | 400 mg daily | Migraine prevention, increases blood flow |
Coenzyme Q10 | 100-200 mg daily | Lowers inflammation, increases oxygen |
Butterbur | 50-150 mg twice daily | Blocks inflammatory compounds |
Feverfew | 50-100 mg daily | Prevents release of inflammatory substances |
Work with your doctor to determine which supplements may help your specific headache symptoms and causes.
When to See a Doctor
While juices, lifestyle changes, and supplements can aid many headaches, it’s important to see a doctor for:
- Sudden, severe headaches
- Headaches after a head injury
- Headaches that worsen with rest
- Headaches that disrupt sleep
- Headaches with fever, neck pain or neurological changes
- New headache patterns after age 50
- Chronic headaches that are unresponsive to treatment
Seeking medical care can help identify any underlying conditions causing headaches and help create an effective treatment plan.
The Bottom Line
Enjoying juices high in magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, B-vitamins, and ginger may ease headache symptoms by addressing deficiencies, reducing inflammation, relaxing blood vessels, and properly hydrating. Pay attention to your own headache triggers and avoid problematic ingredients. Combining juices with lifestyle changes, supplements, and professional medical care as needed can provide comprehensive headache relief.