What should you eat if you have a headache in cold weather?

I often have headaches when the weather changes and turns cold. What foods should I eat to improve this condition and be good for my health? (Cam My, Hanoi )

Reply:

Headaches are more likely to occur or worsen in cold weather due to vasoconstriction leading to poor blood circulation to the brain.

A good diet for blood circulation needs to be full of energy, vitamins, minerals; rich in potassium, fiber; low in sodium; low in saturated fatty acids and total fat.

You should eat foods rich in fiber such as brown rice, germinated brown rice, and cereals. Eat lots of green vegetables and ripe fruits to provide more potassium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Prioritize ripe fruits in pieces or segments to increase fiber; limit juicing, blending, and squeezing.

You should choose lean, low-fat meats; foods rich in omega 3 such as salmon, mackerel several times a week. Do not eat fat, animal organs, processed foods such as canned fish, canned meat, pickles, salty braised dishes, and too much dipping sauce.

Foods rich in iron and vitamins that support blood production such as lean poultry, livestock, and seafood. Beans rich in B vitamins, fruits, and green vegetables rich in vitamin C help absorb iron and should also be increased in the cold season.

You can use foods and drinks that have sedative properties such as lotus seeds and lotus hearts. Natural essences from blueberries and ginkgo biloba help increase blood flow to the brain, improve nerve connections, reduce headaches and insomnia. Do not drink alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.

Besides a nutritious diet, you need to drink enough water, get enough sleep, and do some gentle exercises like yoga to help improve brain circulation, reduce speed and workload, and reduce pressure.

If the headache persists or worsens, you should see a neurologist for a direct examination, testing, and diagnostic imaging. From there, the doctor will have an appropriate treatment plan.

Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

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