Most people who live with migraine know to avoid certain drinks that may trigger their attacks. However, some drinks may actually help you manage symptoms and reduce the chance of attacks. It’s worth adding a few to your routine, especially in conjunction with other migraine management methods.
Remember, people experience migraine differently, so some drinks may work while others don’t. Experiment and record your observations in a migraine journal so you can learn what’s best for you.
What to drink for migraine
The following drinks may be beneficial for people who live with migraine:
1. Water
One of the best drinks for migraine is simple water. Dehydration is a migraine trigger for at least 33% of people who live with migraine, and even mild dehydration can be an issue. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, and drink extra when you’re in hot temperatures, while exercising and when you are sick.
If you dislike the taste of plain water, try adding fruit or vegetables, like sliced cucumbers, chopped strawberries or blueberries.
2. Coconut water
Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain fluid levels in your body. Your electrolyte levels may become unbalanced after intense sweating or when you’re sick. This can lead to dehydration, which often exacerbates migraine. Electrolyte drinks can help you quickly replenish electrolytes when you’re dehydrated and reduce the chance of a migraine attack.
While sports drinks are an option, one of the best electrolyte drinks for migraine is coconut water. It typically contains less added sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can trigger migraine for some.
3. Decaffeinated coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, which some people say helps relieve their migraine pain. For others, caffeine can trigger migraine attacks. Too much coffee consumption also puts you at risk of developing a migraine headache due to caffeine withdrawal.
If you love the taste of coffee but find that it is a migraine trigger, consider decaffeinated coffee instead. It contains almost no caffeine and has plenty of antioxidants, which may help prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If you regularly drink coffee, make sure to gradually decrease your intake to minimize the chance of withdrawal symptoms.
4. Tea
Various teas may also help you alleviate migraine pain and discomfort, including:
- Green tea: Green tea has a much lower caffeine content than regular coffee, making it a great alternative if small amounts of caffeine bring you relief. It also contains antioxidants and provides multiple health benefits.
- Ginger tea: Ginger is known to alleviate nausea, which is a common migraine symptom.
- Turmeric tea: Turmeric tea contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. More research is needed to determine curcumin’s potential role in pain relief, but current findings look promising.
5. Green smoothies
Green smoothies contain leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale and collards. These vegetables are high in vitamin B9 (folate) and magnesium, which may be beneficial for people with migraine. People with migraine are also known to have lower magnesium levels, and increasing your magnesium intake may help reduce deficiencies linked with migraine with aura.
Some smoothie ingredients even have anti-inflammatory effects that may be helpful for managing some symptoms.
6. Fruit juice
Another way to help prevent nutritional deficiency that could worsen your migraine symptoms is to drink fruit juice, like orange, grape or grapefruit. Choose 100% fruit juice made directly from fruit, as it often has a higher nutrient content and less added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Some people find that citrus fruits actually trigger migraine attacks due to their high acidity and tyramine content. If citrus is a known problem for you, stick to pear, apple and similar juices.
7. Almond milk
Researchers aren’t yet sure what the link is between dairy and migraine, but some studies have found that dairy makes migraine worse. Instead of using milk, try an alternative like almond milk. Almond milk is dairy-free, has a light flavor and is full of healthy nutrients that support overall well-being, including magnesium.
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Potential drinks to avoid if you have migraine
While some drinks can help with migraine, others can make it worse. Track what ingredients trigger your migraine symptoms and be sure to avoid them. You might need to read labels carefully or ask for a list of nutritional information when dining out. If you’re not sure what irritates your symptoms, the following are frequently linked with migraine attacks:
- Alcohol: Alcohol is a common migraine culprit, especially red wine, brandy, beer and whiskey. Vodka is the least likely alcohol to trigger migraine. Alcohol also causes dehydration. If you plan to drink alcohol, be sure to eat a nutritious meal first and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Caffeine: Caffeine overconsumption and withdrawal are known to cause migraine symptoms. Caffeinated beverages include coffee, energy drinks, tea, sodas and even hot chocolate.
- Dairy: Some people find that some dairy products are a migraine trigger: mainly milk, milkshakes and yogurt drinks.
- Soda: Sodas that contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame and saccharin, can trigger migraine. Non-diet flavors without caffeine may be OK, but it depends on your unique tolerance. Try substituting soda with naturally flavored sparkling water if you crave something bubbly and refreshing.
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The CEFALY device attaches to an adhesive electrode on your forehead to deliver small electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is the primary pathway for migraine pain, and by stimulating it, you can reduce migraine pain and have more pain-free days. The best part? It’s noninvasive and doesn’t require a prescription to use.
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