Headache pain is very common, and hydration is important. Depending on the headache type and the type of drink you choose, it may help manage the pain.
It’s important to note that drinks are not a replacement for medical treatment. If you experience frequent headaches, it’s a good idea to get advice from a medical professional.
Drinks that may help a headache
Nearly 98% of all headaches are the result of a headache disorder. For example, the neurological disorder migraine often causes headache pain on one side of the head, with it affecting 12% of people living in the United States.
Some drinks may help you manage symptoms. Additionally, depending on what’s causing your headaches, it may help prevent them.
Water
Your body is made up of about 60% water. Hydrating is essential for keeping your cells and soft tissues healthy.
Not drinking enough water causes dehydration. You might become dehydrated because you forget to drink throughout the day. But dehydration can also happen when you lose more water than you take in, like during vigorous exercise.
A 2020 study involving 256 women found that those who consumed more water were significantly less likely to experience migraine disability and pain. Headache frequency and duration were also lessened.
It then stands to reason that dehydration can cause headaches or worsen conditions like tension headaches or migraine.
Green tea
If you regularly consume caffeine but are trying to cut back, you may experience headaches if you don’t gradually reduce your daily intake.
Green tea, also called Camellia sinensis, can be a good alternative to your morning coffee since it’s low in caffeine but still provides an energy boost. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), green tea contains between 30 and 50 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, whereas coffee contains 80–100 mg per 8-ounce (oz) serving.
Evidence suggests that green tea may help reduce hormonal headaches.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), green tea may have health benefits, including helping with headache symptoms, but large-scale studies have not yet provided confirmation of this. More research is needed.
Ginger tea
Sipping on ginger root tea is another option for soothing headaches. It’s well known for its anti-nausea properties, but it may also help reduce inflammation.
A study from 2022 notes that while consuming 500 mg of ginger per day may not reduce the frequency of migraine episodes, it may help lessen their severity and duration.
You can buy ready-to-brew ginger tea from your local grocery store or online. You can also try slicing fresh ginger root and steeping it in hot water for a fresher taste.
Fruit teas
If you have difficulty remembering to drink water throughout the day because you don’t like the taste, try warm or cold fruit teas.
Infusing water with fruit can give it a burst of flavor and provide you with various antioxidants that you wouldn’t otherwise get from drinking water alone.
Decaffeinated coffee
Drinking too much caffeine can trigger headaches in some people. It’s also important to slowly reduce your caffeine intake to prevent withdrawal headaches. Decaffeinated coffee can help you with this.
That said, decaf coffee can still contain as much as 15 mg of caffeine in an 8-oz cup, so it’s still not a good idea to drink decaf coffee too soon before bed.
Juices
Magnesium plays a vital role in how your nerves and muscles function and your overall heart health. A lack of magnesium can cause tension headaches and migraine episodes.
According to a 2020 review, a decline in magnesium levels can increase your risk of experiencing migraine attacks. Additionally, receiving a 1-mg infusion of magnesium can help reduce migraine pain by 50%.
Grapefruit juice contains one of the highest concentrations of magnesium of all fruits. According to the FDA, 100 milliliters of grapefruit juice contain 13 mg of magnesium.
Keep in mind that some medications, including blood pressure and cholesterol drugs, come with a grapefruit warning and may interact with grapefruit juice.
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Not everyone will find these drinks effective for relieving headache pain. Other natural headache relief options include:
- Try stress management techniques: Stress can trigger tension headaches and migraine episodes. Finding ways to reduce your stress levels can help you manage your headaches. Some tips for relieving stress include regular physical activity like exercising or massage therapy.
- Limit alcohol: Alcohol can trigger migraine attacks in around one-third of people with regular headaches. Try reducing or avoiding alcohol to see if it reduces how often you experience headaches.
- Get quality sleep: Poor quality sleep can increase your risk of experiencing headaches. It’s important to aim for 7–9 hours a night, per the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Sleep Society.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help you manage headaches or migraine episodes as they happen. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe preventive medications, such as antidepressants or muscle relaxants.
OTC medications for treating headaches include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and the following nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
It’s important to note that taking headache medications too frequently can result in medication-overuse headaches.
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Summary
Headache pain has various causes. While there is no cure for some headache disorders like migraine, you may be able to reduce the intensity of headaches with certain drinks.
If you notice that certain beverages trigger headaches, it may be helpful to stop drinking them.
Beverages like water, fruit juice, or green tea are not a replacement for medical treatment.
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, it’s important that you consult a medical professional. They can help identify the cause of your headaches and find a treatment that works best for you.
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