5 healthy and tasty migraine-friendly smoothies
Migraines are chronic headaches with no cure. They can, at best, be managed with certain medications, healthy lifestyle changes, and natural remedies, including substitutes or supplements in daily foods. There are several healthy recipes that are potent enough to reduce the risk of flare-ups. But we’ve picked out five simple smoothies that can help provide quick relief made with various ingredients. These drinks can be made in a matter of minutes using just a blender.
Green drink
A deficiency of some vitamins can worsen migraine attacks. So, nutritionists recommend adding more greens to daily foods. It is possible to make a green smoothie with everyday ingredients like kale, celery, cucumber, spinach, and a handful of assorted berries to supplement vitamin B9 (commonly known as folates) and antioxidants. Blend these fresh veggies with some ice, fresh-cut ginger, and add lemon juice to balance the flavors nicely.
Banana, spinach, and oats smoothie
Banana is rich in potassium, spinach contains magnesium, and oats are a rich cholesterol-friendly ingredient that adds some thickness to the smoothie. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk to add more flavor and balance the textures to make the drink more palatable. Those who don’t like bananas can substitute using avocados without compromising the potency of this migraine-friendly smoothie.
Watermelon
Dehydration is also one of the common triggers of a migraine. But instead of plain water, a fruit smoothie would be more suitable to rehydrate in a short period. Watermelon is one of the best ingredients to make fresh juices and smoothies. Add a couple of cucumber slices to the drink, and for sweetness, use a few teaspoons of honey. Garnish with some mint to add more flavor and relish this potent migraine buster drink whenever the symptoms flare up.
Assorted berry smoothie
Berries are rich in antioxidants that help relieve oxidative stress caused to the tissues and cells. Blueberries, cherries, and strawberries are excellent options to mix with coconut or almond milk. Prepare a drink with either or all ingredients to provide quick relief from short bursts of migraine. Adding oats to the mix will also give it a better consistency.
Orange smoothie
Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C that helps boost immunity and provide energy to counter any inflammation that might trigger migraines. To make an orange smoothie, extract the juice of four fresh oranges and mix well with coconut milk. Add a tablespoon of ground linseed (flaxseeds), as it is a really good supplement rich in proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and lignans. Blend well to achieve desired consistency.
Note that it is advisable to consult with a certified nutritionist before exploring these options to understand if any food allergies that need to be addressed first. Some ingredients used in these recipes may result in an intolerance so always check with a qualified doctor.