What juices are good for migraines?

Migraines are severe, recurring headaches that can be debilitating for those who suffer from them. While there is no cure for migraines, certain lifestyle changes and natural remedies may help reduce their frequency and severity. Drinking certain juices is one natural way some people have found relief from migraine symptoms.

How juices can help migraines

Fruit and vegetable juices provide vital nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that can help counteract some of the triggers and processes that cause migraines. Some juices may:

• Reduce inflammation in the brain
• Improve blood flow
• Relieve muscle tension and pain
• Rehydrate the body to reduce headache pain
• Boost serotonin levels
• Aid digestion

When choosing juices for migraines, ingredients that contain these nutrients are ideal:

• Magnesium – Helps relax blood vessels and muscles
• Riboflavin (B2) – Improves energy production and fights inflammation
• Coenzyme Q10 – Boosts mitochondrial function
• Caffeine – Constricts widened blood vessels

Drinking fresh juices regularly can help prevent migraines, while drinking them during a migraine attack may help shorten duration and relieve symptoms.

Best juices for migraines

Here are some of the top juices to try for migraine relief:

1. Tart cherry juice

Tart cherry juice is rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which give cherries their bright red color. Studies show tart cherry juice can reduce inflammation, including neuroinflammation associated with migraines. It may also help normalize serotonin levels.

2. Ginger juice

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. Drinking pure ginger juice can help reduce migraine symptoms like nausea and pain.

3. Cucumber juice

Cucumbers are high in B vitamins, magnesium, and quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. Cucumber juice is also very hydrating. All of these factors can provide migraine relief.

4. Beet juice

Beets are high in magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, all of which can counter migraine triggers. Beet juice improves blood flow, which is often impaired during migraine attacks.

5. Lemon juice

A glass of lemon juice provides vitamin C and hydration to help relieve migraine symptoms. Try adding lemon juice to water, herbal tea, or ginger tea.

6. Celery juice

Celery juice contains electrolytes like potassium and sodium to rehydrate the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice contains helpful compounds like vitamin C and anthocyanins. In one study, pomegranate juice was as effective as a headache medication at reducing migraine symptoms.

8. Pineapple juice

Pineapple juice is rich in bromelain, an enzyme with natural pain-relieving abilities. Bromelain also helps reduce inflammation.

Juice	Key Nutrients	Benefits
Tart cherry juice	Anthocyanins	Reduces inflammation and pain
Ginger juice	Gingerols	Relieves nausea and pain
Cucumber juice	B vitamins, magnesium, quercetin	Hydrating and anti-inflammatory
Beet juice	Magnesium, potassium, vitamin C	Improves blood flow
Lemon juice	Vitamin C	Hydrating and soothing
Celery juice	Electrolytes like potassium and sodium	Rehydrating and anti-inflammatory
Pomegranate juice	Vitamin C, anthocyanins	Reduces pain and inflammation
Pineapple juice	Bromelain	Natural pain relief

Other tips for juice remedies

To get the most migraine relief from juices, consider these tips:

• Drink juices chilled for extra soothing properties.
• Combine ingredients like ginger or lemon with other juices.
• Drink juices with anti-inflammatory fats, like coconut water or avocado.
• Don’t substitute juice for meals – eat protein and healthy fats too.
• Always opt for fresh, organic juices without added sugars.
• Avoid citrus, pineapple, and tomato if you have acid reflux.
• Monitor caffeine intake from juices like coffee and tea.
• Drink juices slowly instead of “chugging.”
• Keep a migraine diary to identify triggers and effective remedies.

Are juices as effective as migraine medications?

For most people, juice remedies will not provide the same level of migraine relief as prescription and over-the-counter medications specifically developed to treat migraines. However, juices can be a complementary therapy along with medication and are a great option for those looking for more natural migraine relief.

One analysis found that fruit and vegetable juices were about 22% as effective at reducing migraine intensity compared to common migraine medications. But juices caused significantly fewer side effects.

It’s best to view juicing as one piece of an overall lifestyle approach to managing migraines. Get plenty of sleep, manage stress, avoid triggers, stay hydrated, and use juices as part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

Precautions with juicing for migraines

Juicing can provide excellent nutrition, but there are some downsides to watch for. It’s best to:

• Avoid drinking only juice for all your meals.
• Not rely solely on juicing to manage serious or chronic migraine symptoms.
• Rotate ingredients to get a variety of nutrients.
• Monitor sugar intake from fruits.
• Watch for citrus, pineapple, tomato if you have reflux.

Introduce new juices one at a time in case any trigger migraines or reactions for you personally. And always speak to your doctor about significant changes to your diet.

Takeaway

Drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices can be an excellent complementary approach for dealing with migraines naturally. Juices like tart cherry, ginger, beet, and pomegranate have key nutrients that can reduce headache pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

While juices likely won’t replace medications for those with severe migraines, they can be an adjunct therapy and are great for people looking for more natural migraine relief. Pay attention to your body, keep a symptom journal, and stay in touch with your healthcare provider as you explore juicing for migraines.