“'In headaches and in worry Vaguely life leaks away, And Time will have his fancy
To-morrow or to-day.” W. H. Auden

Relief from Menopause Migraines

Headache Fighting Foods:

In the world of diet-headache-migraine cures, the best advice is simply to eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh, non-processed foods. That includes a variety of grains, fruits and vegetables. But here are a few specific foods that you may want to introduce into your diet. These are believed by many to have the diet headache migraine connection, and may cut down on your pain: Peppermint, Cayenne pepper, Ginger Fish and fish oil, Foods rich in calcium (such as spinach, broccoli and kale).

Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Pasta Sauce recipe - 125 calories

Ingredients *500 g fresh spinach, chopped *120 g ricotta cheese *1 teaspoon olive oil *15 g pine nuts, toasted *1 small onion, finely chopped *1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated *1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped *salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste *1 garlic clove, minced (optional) *1 teaspoon vegetable stock, powdered (optional)

• Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the onion on low heat until soft (but not browned).
• Add the spinach, thyme and garlic (if using).
• Continue to cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes (until the spinach leaves have wilted).
• Add the ricotta cheese and mix, using a wooden spoon, until it forms a smooth sauce.
• Season with nutmeg, salt, freshly ground pepper and powdered vegetable stock (optional) to taste.
• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and serve immediately on your favorite pasta.

Servings:4

Migraine Tips

For people susceptible to migraine triggers, the best way to prevent a headache is to avoid the triggers to begin with. Follow these tips:

• Watch what you eat and drink. If you get a headache, write down any food or drink you had before getting it. If you see a pattern over time, eliminate that item!
• Eat regularly. Skipping meals can trigger migraines in some people.
• Curb the caffeine. Excess caffeine (in any food or drink) can cause migraines. But be careful: Cutting back abruptly may also cause migraines.
• Be careful with exercise. Although doctors advise getting regular exercise to stay healthy, exercise can trigger headaches. You may need to take an anti-inflammatory drug to prevent exercise migraines.
• Get regular sleep. Changes in your normal sleep habits can cause migraines. Being overly tired can also trigger migraines.
• Learn to cope with stress. Emotional upsets and stressful events are common migraine triggers. Anxiety, worry, fatigue, and excitement can intensify a migraine's severity. Learn to cope with stress better - through counseling, biofeedback, relaxation training, and possibly taking an antidepressant.