People who suffer from migraines understand the debilitating condition it can put you in. According to experts, the actual pain in migraine is as much as that of an injury. Although medications can help both treat and prevent migraines, many people may not benefit. It’s also important to take good care of yourself and understand how to deal with migraine headaches when they occur naturally.

There are some lifestyle choices that help promote overall good health and can reduce the number of migraines you have and reduce migraine pain.

Various experts swear by the use of extra virgin olive oil – a Mediterranean diet star that has a huge range of health benefits when consumed regularly. Extra virgin olive oil, rich in healthy fats, reduces the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

How does extra virgin olive oil help reduce migraine attacks?

According to experts, olive oil contains oleocanthal – a powerful polyene which is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties that helps in providing pain relief when suffering from migraine. Studies show that oleocanthal acts in a similar way to ibuprofen to suppress components of a pain pathway known as the prostaglandin system.

Doctors say the best way to test for oleocanthal is to sip the oil slowly and see how intensely it stings in the throat. Once you have found the right oil, it is recommended to drink about 20 ml or a tablespoon every morning on an empty stomach and wait for 20 minutes before eating or drinking anything.

This process allows the oleocanthal to be absorbed into the bloodstream to work its magic, resulting in a number of health benefits.

Magnesium works like magic

Extra virgin olive oil is also rich in magnesium – a mineral that is essential for migraine pain relief and prevention. It reduces the levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide involved in the development of migraine. Magnesium also regulates blood flow and reduces neurogenic inflammation.

Other Natural Ways to Reduce Migraine Pain

Apart from extra-virgin olive oil, some other ways that can help reduce pain naturally include:

turn off the lights

Whenever you have a migraine attack, make sure to turn off lights and sounds and rest in a dark, quiet room. Try sleeping to get relief from pain.

try temperature therapy

You can apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck – as they help numb the area to reduce pain or relax tense muscles.

Sip a caffeinated drink

To get relief from migraine pain in the initial stages, try drinking tea or coffee in small quantities. Be careful, however, as drinking too much caffeine can lead to withdrawal headaches later on.

don’t skip meals

It is important to eat in moderation when you have a migraine attack. Do not skip your meals as fasting increases the risk of migraine.

Exercise

During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals in your brain. These chemicals also help reduce anxiety and depression – the two main conditions that can make migraines worse.

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