Unveiling the Veil of Pain: The Historical Odyssey of Migraine in Women

Embarking on an exploration of the annals of medical history, we uncover narratives rich in suffering, resilience, and unwavering perseverance. Among these intricate tales lies the saga of migraine, a neurological affliction that has cast its shadow over humanity for centuries. However, within the tapestry of this narrative, a distinct thread emerges—one that intertwines intimately with the experiences of women throughout the ages. As we honor Women’s History Month, it is imperative to delve into the unique journey of women in their relentless battle against this debilitating condition.

Ancient Notions and Early Understandings about Migraine

The origins of migraine trace back to the mists of antiquity, where glimpses of its presence are found within the texts of ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. In these early chronicles, migraine often lurked in the realm of the supernatural, attributed to celestial whims or divine retribution. The ancient Greeks, for instance, wove tales of migraine stemming from imbalances in bodily humors (fluids), while Egyptian papyri prescribed enigmatic treatments infused with incantations and herbal lore.

From Hysteria to Hormones: Migraine in the Middle Ages and Renaissance

Throughout the tumultuous Middle Ages and the Renaissance, migraine persisted as an enigmatic specter, entwined with prevailing beliefs surrounding women’s physiology and mental well-being. It was an era influenced by the notion of “hysteria” suggesting that women’s erratic behaviors and physical maladies were manifestations of a wandering womb. Migraine, with its constellation of symptoms including nausea and heightened sensitivity to stimuli, only served to bolster these entrenched beliefs.

The Renaissance introduced an age of enlightenment, yet migraine remained veiled in mystery. Despite growing advancements in medical knowledge, treatments for migraine ranged from the crude—such as bloodletting—to the herbal, with outcomes often disappointingly meager. It wasn’t until the 17th century that the term “migraine” itself began to gain traction, borrowed from the Greek “hemicrania,” denoting pain localized to one side of the head.

The Victorian Struggle of Women with Migraine Headaches

he Victorian era was characterized by its strict societal norms and rigid gender roles, which often imposed significant challenges on women’s lives. Amidst the backdrop of corsets, tea parties, and social hierarchies, there existed a silent yet pervasive struggle endured by many Victorian women – migraine headaches. While migraines are difficult to manage in any era, the constraints of Victorian society amplified the burden for women, rendering even mundane tasks a formidable ordeal.

Household Duties: In an era where domesticity was considered the cornerstone of womanhood, the relentless demands of household chores posed a formidable challenge for women suffering from migraine headaches. From scrubbing floors to cooking meals over open flames, the physical exertion required to maintain a Victorian household was immense. For women plagued by throbbing head pain, the mere thought of engaging in such tasks would have been a daunting prospect.

Social Expectations: Victorian society placed great emphasis on propriety and decorum, particularly within the sphere of social gatherings. Women were expected to fulfill the role of gracious hostesses, attending tea parties, balls, and other social events with impeccable composure. However, for those grappling with the debilitating effects of migraine headaches, the prospect of socializing in crowded, noisy environments would have been overwhelming. The bright lights, chatter, and perfumes permeating such gatherings could easily trigger or exacerbate migraine symptoms, leaving women feeling isolated and misunderstood.

Educational Pursuits: Access to education for women in the Victorian era was limited, yet for those fortunate enough to pursue scholarly endeavors, migraine headaches presented a formidable obstacle. The rigorous academic demands placed upon students, coupled with the expectation of intellectual engagement, would have posed a significant challenge for women grappling with the cognitive impairments often associated with migraines. Reading, writing, and attending lectures while battling nausea, photophobia, and throbbing head pain would have required a Herculean effort.

Employment Opportunities: While some Victorian women sought employment outside the home, their options were often limited to roles deemed suitable for the “weaker sex.” Occupations such as domestic service, teaching, or factory work offered little respite for those suffering from migraine headaches. The physically demanding nature of many jobs, coupled with the expectation of unwavering productivity, would have rendered employment a daunting prospect for women struggling to cope with chronic pain.

Medical Treatment: In an era where medical knowledge was rudimentary and treatments often ineffective, seeking relief from migraine headaches posed a formidable challenge for Victorian women. Remedies ranged from herbal concoctions to dubious elixirs, with little scientific basis or understanding of the underlying pathology. The stigma surrounding mental health and women’s bodily ailments further compounded the issue, leaving many sufferers to endure their pain in silence, without access to adequate medical care or understanding.

Social Stigma: Perhaps one of the most insidious aspects of living with migraine headaches in the Victorian era was the pervasive social stigma attached to invisible illnesses. Women who sought respite from their symptoms were often dismissed as hysterical or emotionally unstable, their suffering trivialized or outright ignored. The lack of empathy and understanding surrounding migraine headaches perpetuated a culture of silence and shame, leaving many women to suffer in isolation, without the support or validation they so desperately needed.

Enlightenment and Modern Medicine: Scientific Progress and Gendered Experiences

The dawn of the Enlightenment era witnessed remarkable strides in scientific inquiry, including the nascent exploration of migraine. Pioneering physicians like Thomas Willis contributed seminal insights to the classification and elucidation of the condition. However, entrenched societal attitudes toward women’s health continued to cast a long shadow over medical discourse.

As the 19th century unfolded into the early 20th century, migraine gradually gained recognition as a bona fide medical disorder. Yet, gender bias persisted, coloring both the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Women’s experiences of migraine were often dismissed or pathologized, attributed to notions of “female weakness” or emotional instability. This period offered a ray of hope as we saw the introduction of medications such as ergotamine (a vasoconstrictor) emerge to prevent and alleviate migraine symptoms. Hormonal factors in migraine occurrence, such as menstrual migraine was also becoming recognized at this time.

Advancements and Advocacy in the Modern Era

The latter half of the 20th century ushered in an era of unprecedented progress in migraine research and therapeutics. Insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of migraine paved the way for many acute and preventive therapies as well as lifestyle and nutritional interventions. At the same time, the voices of women began to reverberate ever louder in the corridors of migraine advocacy and awareness. Advocacy organizations and grassroots initiatives spearheaded by patients played a pivotal role in dismantling stigma, fostering solidarity within the community, and galvanizing research endeavors.

Takeaway: Throughout history women faced formidable challenges grappling with migraine headaches, and exacerbating the physical, emotional, and social burdens imposed by this debilitating condition. Societal constraints compounded the already arduous task of managing chronic pain. As we reflect on this historical era, it serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude exhibited by women in the face of adversity, and the pressing need for greater empathy, understanding, and support for those living with invisible illnesses.

Healthy Sleep Habits to Avoid Migraines

How many times have you gone to bed making a mental list of everything you had to do the next day: waking up at 6:00 am to make breakfast, taking the kids to school, attending back-to-back meetings at work, running back home to make it to your kid’s baseball game, etc., only to wake up with a pounding headache?

Morning migraines are more common than people realize. According to the National Sleep Foundation, almost fifty percent of all migraines occur between four and nine o’clock in the morning, ruining your day before it even starts. Time after time, researchers have found links between sleep and migraines, particularly lack of sleep as a frequent migraine trigger.

But improving your sleeping habits is not as easy as it sounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three adults doesn’t get enough sleep, and migraine sufferers are even more likely to experience sleep disturbances.

The problem with our sleeping habits, experts explain, is that we aren’t consistent with them. The vast majority of people either don’t have or don’t stick to a sleep routine. A lack of routine leaves individuals with an erratic sleep schedule that the body cannot adapt to. Fortunately, with a little planning and persistence that can change.

These are five easy steps that you can do to get a better night’s sleep and improve your morning migraines:

Limit Your Caffeine Consumption

Everybody knows that drinking coffee right before bed is a one-way ticket to a sleepless night. But did you know that drinking that 5:00 pm espresso might also be tampering with your sleeping schedule? Caffeine is a stimulant, which is a type of drug characterized by increased activity in the central nervous system and the brain.

The short-term effects of caffeine are usually felt pretty quickly. Five to thirty minutes after drinking a cup of coffee or an energy drink, you’ll feel more energized and alert. But its long-term effects last longer, as caffeine’s half-life is about five hours.

The half-life of a substance is the time your body takes to reduce it to half of its original concentration. Since a regular 8 oz cup of brewed coffee can have up to 100 mg of caffeine, when you drink a cup at 5:00 pm you will still have around 50 mg of in your system by the time you go to bed. If you have trouble sleeping at night, limit yourself to no more than two cups of coffee per day and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages after 4:00 pm

Create the Perfect Sleep Environment

From the moment you climb inside your bed to the moment you wake up the next morning, you spend 9 to 10 hours inside your sleeping environment. That’s over 3,000 hours over the course of a year and nearly one-third of your entire life! So, if your bedroom is uncomfortable and messy, your sleep quality will decline.

If you want to get the best night’s sleep possible and improve your morning migraines, you must see your sleeping environment as a sanctuary. The concept of a sleeping environment can vary from person to person. While for many of us our bedroom is the place where we rest each night, people who travel frequently may spend more time sleeping on hotel beds than on their own bed. But regardless of where you rest your head each night when you optimize that place for sleep, you lower your chances of waking up with a migraine. These are three essential factors to consider for improving your sleeping environment:

Lighting

Everybody has an internal clock, called a circadian rhythm, that manages their sleep/wake cycles. In humans, the circadian rhythm is controlled by a group of neurons located in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is in constant communication with the eyes. Every day as the sun sets and it gets dark outside, the hypothalamus starts getting ready for sleep.

The problem is that artificial light can alter your circadian rhythm. Research has shown that taking your electronics to bed or sleeping with the TV on can signal your hypothalamus that is not bedtime yet. Avoid disrupting your internal clock by making sure your bedroom is as dark as possible when you are trying to doze off.

Temperature

How many times have you woken up in the middle of the night because you were either too hot or too cold? Temperature plays a fundamental role in your sleep patterns, with a cooler bedroom being preferred for optimal rest. Research suggests that the ideal temperature for sleep should be around 60 to 67 degrees, but remember to wear socks as cold feet tend to be very disruptive for sleep.

Noise

Any loud or sudden noises that jar you awake have negative effects on your sleeping patterns and increase your likelihood of waking up with a migraine. If you live near a busy street or in a noisy neighborhood, consider investing in a pair of high-quality earplugs or a white noise machine. Research shows that constant white noise can induce sleep and block out background sounds.

Consider a Natural Sleeping Aid

Some nights, no matter what we do, we just can’t sleep. But before you give up on the inevitability of waking up with a migraine, consider taking a natural supplement to help you reset your internal clock and ease you back to sleep. There are many research-backed, non-habit forming natural ingredients that can facilitate sleep including; valerian extract, melatonin, magnesium, zizyphus jujube extract and glycine.

Medical providers have known for over a century that there is an association between poor sleep and the frequency and intensity of migraine and other pain syndromes. When it comes to sleep, small adjustments can lead to big rewards. Sleep influences all aspects of life. Establishing or reestablishing healthy sleep patterns will help control migraines as well as support overall health and longevity.

Learn more about sleep and the risk of chronic disease as well as natural options for promoting deep sleep. Download Sleep/Insomnia White Paper.

Migraines & Mood Could Lead to Depression & Anxiety

Migraine is very disabling, which takes a toll on mood which can lead to depression and anxiety.

As if living with the debilitating pain and other disturbing symptoms of chronic migraine wasn’t enough, combine it with a psychiatric disorder and quality of life drastically declines for many migraineurs. Comorbidity means two chronic diseases or conditions existing simultaneously in a patient. Chronic migraine is often comorbid with psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and bipolar disorder. However, migraineurs have a reported 2- to 4-fold increase in lifetime risk of developing a major depressive disorder.

People with migraine may be at even higher risk of anxiety. A 2017 study found that, compared with those without migraine, individuals with migraine were 25 times more likely to feel nervous or anxious on a daily basis. Also, people who experience migraine earlier in life are more likely to develop depression, and vice versa, over the course of their lifetime. Migraine sufferers who also experience depression should know the signs of both ailments since each might be at a higher risk for the other condition.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

According to the DSM-IV, a manual used to diagnose mental disorders, depression occurs when you have at least five of the following nine symptoms at the same time:

a depressed mood during most of the day, particularly in the morning
fatigue or loss of energy almost every day
feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day
impaired concentration, indecisiveness
insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) almost every day
markedly diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities nearly every day
recurring thoughts of death or suicide (not just fearing death)
a sense of restlessness — known as psychomotor agitation — or being slowed down – retardation
significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month)

WHAT IS A MIGRAINE?

Migraine is a common, multifactorial, disabling, recurrent, hereditary neurovascular headache disorder. (2)

The frequency and intensity of migraines can vary among sufferers but commonly is characterized by

a throbbing headache often localized to one side of the head
intense head pain usually gradual in onset, then progressively more painful.
sometimes accompanied by a pronounced sensitivity to light and sound or nausea and vomiting.
a dull, deep and steady pain or throbbing and pulsating if severe
can occur any time of the day, though it often starts in the morning.
pain in the temples or behind one eye or ear, although any part of the head can be involved.
may be accompanied by a variety of sensory warning signs or symptoms, such as flashes of light, blind spots, temporary loss of vision, or tingling in your hand or face (MIGRAINE WITH AURA)
pain lasting a few hours or up to one or two days,
occurrence varies – once or twice a week, or only once or twice a year

It is suggested that migraines and depression are bidirectional, meaning that people who experience migraine earlier in life are more likely to develop depression, and vice versa, over the course of their lifetime.

Because of the migraine-depression connection, I wanted to bring up a topic I covered in an earlier MigreLief Blog Post – the danger migraineurs face when attempting to treat both depression and migraine headaches at the same time with prescription drugs.

WARNING: ANTI-DEPRESSANTS AND MIGRAINE DRUGS – POSSIBLY A LETHAL COMBINATION!

Migraine sufferers should be aware of the dangers of combining some anti-depressants with prescription migraine medications. Unfortunately, the mechanism of action of many antidepressants is to increase serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter) levels in the brain. Triptan drugs like Imitrex, which are used to reduce or end the pain of a migraine attack also work by stimulating serotonin receptors.

This combination of antidepressants and triptan migraine drugs, can lead to too much serotonin in the brain. This is not good and can result in a potentially life-threatening condition known as “serotonin syndrome.”

In some people, just the use of triptans drugs such as Imitrex or Zomig alone can result in unhealthy levels of serotonin, leading to serotonin syndrome. This risk increases substantially if these people are also taking an antidepressant like Pristiq or any other of several antidepressants known either as SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRI (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors).

The symptoms of “Serotonin Syndrome” are:

Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
Agitation or restlessness
Confusion
Dilated pupils
Loss of muscle control or twitching muscles
Heavy sweating
Diarrhea
Headache
Goosebumps
Shivering

In severe cases of serotonin syndrome life-threatening symptoms can occur:

High Fever
Seizures
Irregular heartbeat
Unconsciousness

Sad moods are not among the typical migraine triggers, but some migraineurs notice that they experience sad moods before migraines occur—especially premenstrual migraines. There appears to be increasing evidence that there are a number of links between migraine and depression. As researchers explore these links, findings may eventually lead to insights about the etiology—and potentially even treatment, of the two conditions. People with migraines and comorbid psychiatric or mood disorders often need treatments that address both conditions, as well as management of sleep, stress, nutrition and lifestyle issues.

If you and your physician decide to use a combination of anti-depressant and migraine drugs, you must be monitored very closely for any of these signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome. When it comes to migraine and depression, never underestimate the power of nutrition. If you are not familiar with the MigreLief line of nutritional support for migraines sufferers for over 25 years, visit MigreLief.com for more information.

For positive mood support, consider an effective combination supplement containing the following ingredients: saffron, rhodiola, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and methyl-folate at the dosages proven effective in human clinical studies. Learn more.

Saffron is an impressive botanical known in traditional medicine and backed by growing science for its’ neuroprotective effect and mood balance.

Rhodiola has multiple science-backed benefits, including support for sufferers of mood imbalances and fatigue.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, an important “messenger” in the body needed for healthy nerve and brain function, as well as having a significant role in emotional mood and well-being.

Folate (methylfolate) is a naturally occurring B vitamin needed to sustain healthy levels of three important neurotransmitters in the body: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine (known as the natural feel-good chemical in the brain). Serotonin helps regulate mood, occasional anxiety, and other functions, while norepinephrine helps mobilize the brain for action and can improve energy and attentiveness. Experts have suggested that supplementing with less than 1mg of folic acid can be useful in managing mood imbalances.

What else can you do?

There are also a few other effective lifestyle choices you can make to support a healthy, positive mood. Studies have shown that individuals who have no exercise in their lives are 44% more likely to experience low moods compared to those who get even 1 or 2 hours of exercise a week. And if that exercise is outdoors, all the better because sun exposure allows the body to produce vitamin D, which is great for your mood. Also known to be helpful are 20 minutes of meditation during the day, cognitive behavioral therapy, and diet changes—especially limiting sugar, alcohol, and gluten. And check any meds you are taking for potential side effects to make sure they are not contributing to how you are feeling.

To the Best of Health

Curt Hendrix, M.S., C.C.N., C.N.S.

For more health tips, help for migraine headaches, coupons and more, visit MigreLief.com and subscribe to our newsletter!

Groundhog Day: 6 More Weeks of Winter Migraines Not in the Forecast

Groundhog Day 2024- Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his lair and did not see his shadow, predicting their will not be 6 more weeks of winter. This is particularly good news for those who are challenged by winter migraines and headaches.

The reasons why migraines can increase with changes in the weather are not clear. Some researchers suggest that changes in oxygen levels, temperature, barometric pressure, and even humidity may affect blood vessels associated with migraine occurrence in some sufferers.

It is also thought that migraines may increase with depression and that depression rates increase in the winter. A current hypothesis being researches is that vitamin D deficiency may be involved both in depression and migraines.

Vitamin D levels seem to drop as migraine frequency increases. A study presented at one of the National Headache Society meetings stated that close to 42% of chronic migraine sufferers are deficient in vitamin D.

This percentage may actually be much higher if you use the optimal vitamin D level of 50 ng/ml as the goal, instead of the 25 ng/ml level used by most physicians.

Also, since we tend to get less exposure to sunlight during the winter months, vitamin D levels may drop even further.

Since Vitamin D is associated with many health benefits in addition to bone health, taking at least 1000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily is beneficial. Optimally, when your doctor checks your vitamin D levels you’ll be in the 50-70 ng/ml range.

Staying warm and hydrated during the winter months may help with migraines. Make sure your head, neck, and hands are covered.

Irregular sleep patterns are also associated with migraines. In addition, try to keep the humidity in your bedroom up; dry air can affect breathing and oxygen levels, which may trigger migraines in some people.

Finally, for those of you who experience chronic migraines, consider MigreLief’s daily nutritional support containing magnesium, riboflavin, and Puracol® feverfew; ingredients shown to be very beneficial for chronic migraine sufferers. For “as-needed” nutritional support, consider MigreLief-NOW.

More information on Groundhog Day:

Groundhog Day is a popular day celebrated in North America where the end of winter is predicted based on seeing whether or not a groundhog sees his shadow when he emerges from his den. If the animal sees its shadow—i.e., if the weather is sunny, 6 more weeks of winter is expected, if no shadow i.e., if the weather is cloudy, winter is over.

Groundhog day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition or holiday of Candlemas. According to an old English rhyme:

“If Candlemas Day is clear and bright
Winter will have another bite.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter is gone and will not come again.”

In Germany, people would apparently test this theory by checking if a hedgehog or a badger saw its shadow when waked. When German immigrants came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, they brought their tradition with them but the people doing the predicting decided to go with groundhogs (also called woodchucks) instead. Every year on Feb 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog, will be coaxed from his burrow in western Pennsylvania early in the morning, if it’s sunny and Phil sees his shadow, the scared groundhog will return to his burrow and the U.S. will endure six more weeks of winter.

10 Healthy Drinks for Migraine Relief + Healthy Recipes

If you’re one of the 39 million Americans that suffer from migraine, you know how debilitating attacks can be. Between the throbbing headache and medley of other bothersome symptoms, migraine can severely affect your daily functioning. Migraine attacks often strike out of nowhere, wrecking your plans, and making you feel miserable in the process. That’s why when it comes to migraine, prevention is the secret sauce. Diet, lifestyle, and nutritional support can provide massive relief from migraine symptoms and even dial down the frequency of future attacks.

Certain drinks may even help soothe migraine attacks. What’s more, these drinks have little to no side effects, unlike many migraine medications. So the next time your head starts pounding, reach for a glass of one of these ten drinks for potential migraine relief.

10 Best Drinks for Migraine Relief

1 – Water

You knew this one was coming, right? While water might not be the most exciting drink option, it’s crucial for migraine prevention. Dehydration is one of the most common migraine triggers.¹ So staying well hydrated is key to keeping migraine attacks at bay. Everyone’s daily water needs will vary depending on their diet, weight, and activity level. But drinking half your body weight in ounces of water is a good place to start.

If drinking enough water is a struggle for you, try these tips:

Drink two large 16 oz glasses of water right when you wake up.
Set a timer on your phone with reminders to drink up every hour.
Purchase a fun water bottle and carry it wherever you go.
Infuse water with berries, cucumber slices, or mint to make drinking water more enticing.

2 – Coconut Water

If you suspect dehydration triggered your migraine attack, try some coconut water. It’s packed with key electrolytes and other nutrients to help you rehydrate.

Plus, coconut water makes an excellent swap for sugary sports drinks such as Gatorade. Sports drinks are often packed with artificial colors and flavors that can trigger migraine. So opt for a natural electrolyte boost from coconut water instead.

3 – Almond Milk

Almonds are rich in magnesium, an important mineral that’s often low in people with migraine. Research shows magnesium may relieve migraine headaches and even prevent future migraine attacks.² Almond milk makes an easy swap for cow’s milk and serves as a delicious base for smoothies.

4 – Green Tea

If you’re weaning off caffeine and need a healthy alternative to your morning java, sip on some green tea. Green tea only has 30-50 mg of caffeine, while the average cup of joe clocks in at 80-100 mg. Green tea is also packed with antioxidants to help your body fend off harmful free radicals.

Keep in mind, caffeine is a known migraine trigger. Yet for some people, it can relieve migraine pain in small amounts.³ Remember – everyone has their own unique triggers. So if you’re extremely sensitive to caffeine, pass on the green tea, or choose a caffeine-free version.

5 – Peppermint Tea

If migraine attacks trigger tummy troubles, try sipping on some peppermint tea. It’s been used as a folk remedy for nausea for hundreds of years. One study showed peppermint eased IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain.⁴ Animal studies suggest peppermint offers pain-relieving effects as well.⁵

Another plus to peppermint tea is that it’s caffeine-free. So you can enjoy it any time of day without worrying about it spoiling your sleep. However, hold off on peppermint if you struggle with acid reflux. For certain folks, it may trigger heartburn.

6 – Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is another go-to remedy for migraine nausea. This spicy root has been used as a safe and effective treatment for nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, pregnancy, and yes…migraine.⁶⁷⁸Ginger also boasts potent anti-inflammatory effects. One study showed ginger eased migraine symptoms just as well as the popular medication Sumatriptan, without any negative side effects.⁹

Ginger tea is easy to prepare. Simply slice up an inch or two and boil in a few cups of water for 10 minutes. Ginger tea is delicious on its own or with a squeeze of lemon and a bit of honey.

Ingredients:

4-6 thin slices of raw ginger
1 1/2 – 2 cups of water for steeping
juice from 1/2 lime, or to taste (may use lemon instead of lime)
1-2 tbsp honey or agave nectar, or to taste

For variety, mix your favorite ingredients into the basic ginger tea recipe, for example, fresh mint leaves. You can also add just a few slices of ginger to a variety of teas; black, white, green, cinnamon, or chamomile tea. Note: Store fresh ginger in a cool, dark, dry place. Do not keep them in the refrigerator, even after cutting them, or they will shrivel up.

7 – Feverfew Tea

Feverfew is a perennial plant with small daisy-like flowers with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows feverfew may reduce migraine frequency and ease symptoms of migraine attack including pain, nausea, and light sensitivity.¹⁰

To make your own soothing migraine tonic, simply steep feverfew leaves in a cup of hot water for five minutes. You can also add in a spoonful of honey or a splash of almond milk for more flavor and benefits.

8 – Green Juices & Green Smoothies

Nutritional deficiencies can trigger migraine attacks. That’s why optimizing your diet is the ultimate migraine prevention tool. And green juices and smoothies provide an easy way to get the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep migraine at bay.

Green juices and smoothies are packed with foods rich in folate, such as leafy greens and bananas. Studies show that folate influences the frequency of migraine attacks.¹¹

For extra migraine support, try making smoothies with almond milk or coconut water. If you need some inspiration, try this refreshing green juice for migraine headache help. And stay tuned for even more recipes in a later section.

9 – Warm Lemon Water with Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is famously used for pain and inflammation thanks to its compound capsaicin. Capsaicin blocks one of the neurotransmitters that send pain signals to your brain.

But drinking cayenne water on its own can be intense. Many people opt to add some fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor and add a potent dose of vitamin C. The citric acid in lemon juice also stokes your digestive fire, which can get sluggish during migraine attacks.¹² Keep in mind, drinking cold water can dampen those digestive benefits. So try drinking lemon water warm, or room temperature at the very least.

The next time you feel a migraine coming on, combine:

16 oz of warm water
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
The juice of half a lemon

10 – Golden Milk

Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic drink that’s made waves in the wellness space in recent years. It’s made with a combo of turmeric, milk, and other spices. But turmeric is the shining star of the show. It contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies show curcumin supplementation decreases migraine symptoms and the frequency of attacks.¹³ To reap the most curcumin benefits, always add a pinch of pepper. Pepper contains piperine, a compound that increases curcumin absorption by as much as 2,000%!¹⁴

3 Healthy & Delicious Migraine Drink Recipes

The drinks above are a great start for helping you sip your way to migraine relief. Yet, if you want an added boost, try the three tasty recipes below. They each include a combo of several superfoods known to ease migraine attacks.

Golden Milk with Ginger and Honey
For powerful anti-inflammatory support, sip on a warm mug of Golden Milk. It’s packed with antioxidants and minerals that support a robust immune system.

Ingredients (serves 2):
2 ½ cups almond milk
1 tsp ground turmeric
1-inch fresh ginger, sliced
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Small pinch pepper
1 tbsp honey

Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a simmer, whisking frequently.
Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Strain and serve warm or store in mason jars to enjoy later.

Green Tea Lemonade w/Fresh Mint
Whether you’re looking for migraine relief or a refreshing drink to cool off on a hot summer day, this Green Tea Lemonade will hit the spot. Fresh mint is added for extra flavor and migraine support.

Ingredients (serves 6):
3 bags of green tea
2 cups boiling water
Juice and zest of 3 lemons
3 tbsp honey (or stevia to taste)
4 cups cold water
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Lemon slices (optional for garnish)

Directions:
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add tea bags. Steep for 3 min.
Remove tea bags and add honey (or stevia), lemon juice, and zest. Stir well.
Add 4 cups of cold water and stir some more.
Serve over ice garnished with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices.

The Ultimate Migraine Smoothie

This smoothie is not only delicious but packed with ingredients to tame migraine symptoms. Here’s why this smoothie is the ultimate migraine prevention tool:

Ultra-hydrating featuring electrolyte-rich coconut water and cucumber, which has a 96% water content!
Excellent source of magnesium, thanks to the combo of spinach, banana, and berries.
Eases digestive upset that often comes with migraine with fresh ginger.
Includes healthy fats and protein courtesy of chia seeds and hemp hearts to lower the glycemic index. This is key as blood sugar imbalances can trigger migraine attacks.

Ingredients:
1 handful spinach
1 cup mixed berries
1 frozen banana
½ inch piece of ginger
½ cucumber, chopped
1 cup coconut water
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp hemp hearts

Note: Feel free to swap the chia seeds and hemp hearts out for a scoop of protein powder!

Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a high-powered blender.
Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

Takeaways

Migraine attacks can severely disrupt your life and make simple everyday tasks challenging. That’s why prevention is the best course of action for managing migraine. Lifestyle habits and eating a healthy diet free of migraine food triggers are good places to start. Yet certain drinks may offer impressive migraine relief as well. Teas, green juices, and smoothies can supply the essential vitamins and nutrients to tame future attacks or prevent them altogether. But remember – everyone has their own unique migraine triggers. What works for one person may aggravate another. So while the drinks we’ve covered will offer relief for many, you know your body best.

If you notice one of these drinks for migraine trigger you, make a note in your migraine diary. And if certain drinks offer major relief, be sure to add those to your migraine toolkit for the future!

Looking for more tools to add to your migraine toolkit? Check out Migrelief. It includes a unique combo of Magnesium, Riboflavin, and Puracol Feverfew and has been helping people with migraine get their lives back for over 25 years!

To the best of health!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8280611/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507271/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468766/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100754/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16767798/
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Can Weather Changes Trigger Migraines?

Maybe it’s the delicious food, the joy of sharing a dinner with close friends and family, or the beautiful foliage decorating the trees, but something about fall makes it a favorite season for many. Unfortunately, for many migraineurs, seasonal changes can also mean painful migraine attacks.

Can Weather Trigger Migraines?

You probably know that many factors can trigger a migraine. Certain types of foods, strong smells, bright lights, and stress are among the most common migraine triggers in adults. But many people with migraines report that different weather patterns like extreme heat, cold temperatures, storms and even high winds are also frequent triggers.

Several research studies have investigated the relationship between migraines and the weather, but with many of the findings contradicting one another, it has been hard for experts to determine if such connection does exist. For example, in a study published in 1980, researchers asked 75 individuals with frequent headaches to keep a daily log with their headache triggers, severity, and other factors. After one month of data, their results suggested that neither weather or barometric changes were associated with the onset or severity of a headache.

Conversely, a study published in the Journal of Head and Face Pain in 2004 investigated the correlations between several weather-related factors, including temperature, barometric pressure changes, wind, snow, humidity, rain, clouds, and others. The authors found that there were significant correlations between several weather variables and headaches, especially to temperature and humidity changes. In regard to what type of weather might trigger a migraine, they pointed out that “…with the gamut of known possible migraine triggers, patients might be susceptible to weather in their own ways.”

Which kind of weather triggers migraines?

Pinpointing a specific weather event or temperature that triggers a migraine can be complicated. Migraine triggers have been shown to vary from person to person, so what sets off a headache in one individual might not be an issue for another one. Such variations also make it difficult for researchers to study these connections successfully.

According to the American Academy of Neurology, these are some of the weather-specific triggers migraineurs have reported:

High humidity
High winds
Sunlight
Barometric pressure changes
Temperature changes (excessive heat or excessive cold)
Lightning (stormy weather)

For some people, weather changes may cause imbalances in brain chemicals, including serotonin, which can prompt a migraine. Weather-related triggers also may worsen a headache caused by other triggers.

Barometric Pressure Migraines and Headaches

Air pressure is closely related to the weather. Barometric changes are a key trigger for many migraine sufferers. For some people, it’s a sudden drop in pressure and for others, it’s a rise in pressure. Barometric pressure refers to the pressure in the air or the amount of force that is being applied to your body from the air. For example, when the outside air pressure drops, it creates a pressure difference between the air in our sinuses and outside and can cause head pain. This is similar to what some people experience when flying on an airplane.

Barometric pressure does not have to change drastically to cause a migraine or headache. If you suffer barometric pressure migraines, consider buying a barometer to help you prepare for and predict the barometric pressure changes that affect you the most. A good barometer is the Ambient Weather WX-228TBH or B10225C.

How can you control and prevent weather-related migraines?

Some triggers – like food choices and certain lifestyle factors – can be easier to avoid than others. Unfortunately, the weather is one of those factors that’s impossible to control. If you think that particular weather or temperature changes might cause you to have more migraines than usual, it’s essential to learn to recognize them.

If you already keep a trigger tracker, add information about the weather, like temperature, cloud coverage (sunny, cloudy, etc.), rain, snow, etc. If you don’t keep one, consider starting one to understand more about your own triggers. Knowing your triggers and being prepared is the most important step to control your migraines… so they don’t control you.

More tips to keep the next storm from taking over your head:

Stay Indoors – You can’t control the temperature outside, but if extreme temps always set off an attack, stay indoors where you can keep an eye on the thermostat. If you need to go out, make sure to bundle up if it’s too cold or wear light fabrics if it’s hot.

Keep Your Medications Nearby – Weather changes can occur rapidly and without warning, so don’t be caught off-guard by a storm, or a heatwave or pressure change. Consider leaving extra meds wherever you spend the most time (i.e., your desk at work or your car).

Keep MigreLief-NOW on Hand at All Times – Consider this fast-acting nutritional formula for on-the-spot neurological comfort when you need it the most. MigreLief-NOW is a combination of Magnesium, Cerevasc Ginger, and the herbs Boswellia and Puracol Feverfew.

Drink Plenty of Water – Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day to stay well hydrated.

Get Plenty of Sleep – 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is key to health and longevity and has great benefits for headache or migraine sufferers. Deep sleep is where all the healing and rejuvenating occurs in our body.

Monitor the Weather Frequently –The best way of being prepared for any kind of weather is by checking the forecast often. There are hundreds of free and paid apps that range from your run-of-the-mill temperature readings to interactive maps, allergy and pollen information, air quality, and more. Knowing what the day’s going to be like allows you to plan ahead, take your preventive medication, wear more appropriate clothing, or ultimately decide to stay indoors.

A Thanksgiving Message from the MigreLief Team at Akeso Health Sciences

All of us at Akeso Health Sciences would like to wish our MigreLief fans, a wonderful and migraine-free Thanksgiving. We are thankful that MigreLief is making a difference in your lives and we appreciate the stories you have shared and the gratitude you have expressed. Many of you have told us you “pay it forward” by telling other migraine sufferers and your healthcare providers about MigreLief. You have no doubt made the difference in a migraine sufferer’s life.

Your heart-warming feedback together with the growing support from the healthcare community inspires us to work even harder to increase awareness of the MigreLief option for both children and adults.

We want to thank our healthcare professionals as well for recommending MigreLief to your chronic migraine patients. We know how busy you are and are grateful that you have taken the time to let us know we are making a difference in your practice and in the lives of your patients.

All of you are truly appreciated and fuel our efforts to empower migraine sufferers worldwide with our nutritional alternative.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

In Good Health,

Curt Hendrix, MS, CCN, CNS, and the MigreLief Team at Akeso Health Sciences.

Avoid Common Thanksgiving Migraine Triggers

Common Thanksgiving Migraine Triggers and How to Avoid Them!

The last few months of the year should be filled with joy and happiness, delicious food, family gatherings, and cozy weather, reminding us of what’s really important in life. But when you suffer from migraines, it’s easy to miss out on the fun and festivity.

For migraineurs, many of the things that people love the most about the holidays – comfort food, scented candles, decorative lights, etc. – can also set off a migraine attack. The good news is that knowing what might trigger an attack can give you an upper hand to help fend off your migraines this holiday season.

There are three major migraine triggers to look out for during Thanksgiving:

Stress

Most migraine sufferers know that it’s not uncommon to get a headache at the end of a particularly tough day. In fact, according to the American Headache Society, 4 out of 5 migraineurs recognize stress as a trigger. Experts are still not entirely sure why stress triggers migraines. However, some hypothesize that it might have something to do with the hormones that the body secretes when it’s under stress.

If stress is a big trigger for you, it is essential to avoid taking on too many roles for Thanksgiving and make sure to ask for help. Cooking dinner for guests without help, volunteering to bring too many dishes to the party, or even traveling during the days leading up to Thanksgiving are all common stressors during the holidays.

Food & Drink Triggers

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that revolves around food – every November, people suddenly start craving turkey, gravy, and everything pumpkin spice. However, when you suffer from chronic migraines, it’s important to pay attention to what and how much you eat and drink.

Here are frequent migraine triggers that may be lurking on the Thanksgiving table this year:

Caffeine
Alcohol
Chocolate
Spicy foods
Cured meats
Aged cheese
Salt
Pickled foods

Weather Changes

Do your migraines usually occur at the same time each year? If they do, you might be sensitive to temperature and pressure changes. Weather and temperature affect everybody differently; in some people, certain barometric changes can cause chemical imbalances that affect how the brain responds to pain signals. In other cases, bright lights, extreme cold, and dryness or humidity can trigger or worsen migraines.

To avoid weather-related migraine attacks this Thanksgiving, keep an eye on the weather forecast so you’re not caught off-guard and can prepare ahead. For example, plan to stay indoors during extremely cold or windy days; drink plenty of water to keep your sinuses moisturized; and use warm clothing even if you’re going to be outside for a short time.

3 Tips for getting through Thanksgiving migraine-free

In addition to keeping an eye out for any potential triggers, the following tips can help you stay migraine-free during Thanksgiving.

Remember Holidays Past

Did you get a pounding headache or migraine last Thanksgiving? Try to remember what you did, ate and drank that day, so you can avoid it this year. Maybe it was all that cheese you ate or the extra glass or two of wine. Perhaps you know that a family member’s perfume always triggers a migraine, in which case you can politely ask them to refrain from using it this year. Whatever the case may be, use the previous year’s pain to your advantage this year, and plan accordingly.

Delegate

If you are hosting this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, it’s crucial to start delegating tasks early on. Asking friends and family members to bring along a food contribution will keep you from stressing out and potentially getting a migraine on the day of the dinner. Also, remember to ask for help whenever you need it. If you feel a migraine coming up, don’t be afraid to leave someone in charge and take a break before it turns into a full-blown attack.

Keep Your Medications Handy

Whether you’re traveling or spending Thanksgiving at home, stock up on your preventive and abortive migraine medications before Thanksgiving if you’re running low. A daily nutritional supplement like MigreLief can be of great help during the holiday season; just choose one of the three MigreLief’s everyday formulas, and take one tablet twice a day for daily maintenance. In addition, many people keep MigreLief-NOW on hand, as an “as-needed” alternative when fast-acting support is needed!

Wishing you a wonderful migraine-free Thanksgiving holiday!

Pumpkin Spice Bedtime Drink (Vegan)

Warm up before bedtime with this delicious, hot drink.

INGREDIENTS
2½ cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
2 tbsp maple syrup
¼ tsp cinnamon
optional: vegan whipped cream + walnuts for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk together all the ingredients on medium-low heat in a small saucepan until the drink is perfectly hot and no lumps remain. Serve hot!

Fruit Infused Water | Stay Hydrated and Beat the Heat

Summer is in full swing and with rising temperatures comes the need for everyone, especially migraineurs to stay well hydrated. Helping to prevent migraines is only one of the benefits to drinking plenty of water. Water helps with controlling calories, energizing muscles, and keeping your skin looking good. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water helps keep your body temperature normal, lubricates and cushions joints, protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and gets rid of wastes through urination and perspiration.

Your body needs more water in hotter climates, on hotter days, and when you’re more physically active. If you think you’re not getting enough water, carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. Choose water over other beverages when eating out and freeze water in a freezer safe bottle for icy cold water all day long. To jazz it up a bit, make your own fruit infused water.

Fruit Infused Water
Making your own fruit-infused waters is a great alternative to drinking sugary sports drinks and sodas with additives and dyes. Fruit infused water doesn’t really require a specific recipe. You can experiment by making small or large batches and adding as much or as little fruit as you would like to increase flavor and sweetness. Let your concoction stand for 2 to 8 hours then enjoy! Popular fruits: raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, mango, pineapple, oranges, lemons, limes, and cucumbers. Popular herbs: mint, basil and rosemary. Slice strawberries but keep other berries whole and press lightly with a spoon to release some of the flavors. Add your favorite ingredients to a 1/2 gallon pitcher of water, cover and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. Or make by the glass.

Star Spangled Fruit Infused Water – Red, White & Blueberry

Ingredients: 1 pint of blueberries, 1 pint of strawberries, and a pineapple.
Cut pineapple with star cookie cutter and combine in a pitcher with strawberries and blueberries for star-spangled beverage. You can infuse water or mix fruit with white sangria or lemonade for a festive punch.

Mango-Ginger Water

This is a delicious drink that boosts your metabolism, acts a natural pain reliever for migraines to menstrual cramps, aides in digestion and boosts your memory.
Ingredients: 1 inch Ginger Root, peeled and sliced + 1 cup Frozen Mango (or fresh)
Drop into a pitcher of water and cover with 3 cups of ice. The ice is important to hold down the ingredients to help infuse the water. Chill 1-3 hours and enjoy!

OTHER GREAT FRUIT AND HERB COMBINATIONS FOR FLAVORFUL WATER

Ginger-Lemon-Mint Water
1 lemon slice, 2 sprigs mint, slice of fresh ginger (2 oz)

Strawberry-Lemon-Basil Water
4-6 strawberries, 1/2 lemon sliced, and a small handful of basil, scrunched.

Blueberry Orange Water
2 mandarin oranges, cut into wedges, handful of blueberries.
Squeeze in the juice of one mandarin orange and muddle the blueberries to intensify flavor.

Raspberry-Lemon
1 cup of raspberries and 1/2 lemon sliced.

Mango-Pineapple
1 cup cubed mango and 1 cup cubed pineapple.

Cucumber-Lemon
Cucumber slices and lemon wedges.

Rosemary-Grapefruit Water
1/2 grapefruit sliced, several springs of rosemary.

Lemon-Jalapeno-Cilantro Water
1 lime sliced, 1 halved jalapeno, and fresh cilantro to taste.
Cover and let sit over night in the refrigerator.

Watermelon-Mint-Lime Water
1 lime sliced, 2 sprigs mint, 1 cup watermelon chunks.

Watermelon-Mint Water
1 cup watermelon chunks and 2 sprigs mint.

Many stores carry various “Infusion Water Bottles” but any container may be used.

Enjoy the 4th: Don’t Let a Migraine Rain on Your Parade

The 4th of July is fun for most everyone but certain aspects of what we do on the 4th can bring on a migraine attack.
Taking these precautions can help you enjoy the celebration.

Don’t stress: If you’re in charge of the festivities, make it easy on yourself. Plan a casual day, out of the heat as much as possible. Ask people to bring a dish to share. Don’t plan too many activities; remember to make it about people, not a performance.

Avoid food triggers: Barbequed meats, cheeses, chips, dips, pickles & olives, meat tenderizers and lots of sugary stuff – the chemicals found in these ingredients have all been associated with migraines. If you are going to a celebration where you might not have your choice of foods, take along foods that you know are safe for you. If you have suffered migraines for a long time, you likely know what foods trigger them. If you’re not really sure what foods trigger your migraines, some safe bets are burgers without tenderizers prepared with basic seasonings like salt and pepper, grilled chicken and vegetables or fruit salads. At the dessert table, a sugar cookie, slice of watermelon or frozen fruit pop may satisfy your sweet-tooth and will likely not lead to a food-triggered headache.

Enjoy these healthy cake recipes with summertime berries.

Don’t skip meals. By skipping a meal your blood sugar levels may drop to a level that causes your body to release hormones that are compensating for depleted glucose levels, this in turn can cause an increase in blood pressure and can narrow your arteries. The result can be headaches and migraines.

Hydrate! Keep yourself well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, tea or coffee. If iced drinks are a trigger for you, be sure to ask for your tea without it. Avoid sodas all together, both regular and diet.

Avoid alcohol: Heat, crowds, and other triggers are bad enough, so don’t add alcohol to the mix as it can make you much more sensitive to all of it. Stick with water, fruit juice, coffee, or if available, beverages sweetened with stevia or erythritol.

Tamp down lights and sound: Take along ear protection if you are triggered by loud noises. You can buy the little foam earplugs at most stores. Consider wearing sunglasses when you watch the fireworks as bright, strobing or blinking lights can be a major migraine trigger.

Be prepared. Keep MigreLief-Now on hand at all times in case of an emergency and take at the first sign of discomfort. (Kids age 2-Adult)

Hopefully, these hints will make your day a true celebration instead of just a headache in the making. Be safe, enjoy and may you stay independent of migraines on Independence Day.

5 Water-Rich Foods to Stay Hydrated in the Heat

Being hydrated is extremely important for your health. When you don’t drink enough water, your body cannot function properly, causing you to experience a host of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.

Dehydration happens when a person loses more fluid than they take in, either through natural processes like sweating and urination, when you have a fever or after a vomiting or diarrhea bout. It is more likely to occur when the weather is warm or during periods of profuse sweating, like during exercise or when you spend too much time sitting in the sun.

Dehydration is one of the most common migraines and headache triggers. Many migraineurs and chronic headache sufferers report that, for them, even the slightest hint of dehydration can spiral into a full-fledge migraine attack within minutes. Fortunately, it is also one of the most easily prevented triggers.

Staying adequately hydrated is something we should strive for year-round. Here are five water-rich foods that will help you stay hydrated during summer and beyond:

Watermelon

Water content: 92%
Nothing says summer like eating an ice-cold watermelon wedge sitting by the pool or at the beach. This delicious fruit is almost entirely made of water, and it is very healthy, too. A one-cup (155 grams) serving of watermelon contains about 120 milliliters (or half a cup) of water. And as far as fruits go, it is also one of the lowest in calories, with only 46 calories per cup. Watermelons also have a number of migraine-friendly nutrients, like vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium, making it the ideal on-the-go snack for migraineurs with food sensitivities.

Cucumber

Water content: 96.7%
Although technically a fruit, cucumbers are often regarded as one of the most hydrating and refreshing vegetables there is. They are also one of the most ancient plant foods ever recorded. Cave excavations and anthropological studies have shown that humans have been growing these water-laden veggies more than 3,000 years for food and medicinal purposes. Often considered to be a “diet food,” cucumbers are loaded with vitamins and minerals that may offer several health benefits. There is evidence that cucumbers may support:

Hydration
Bone health
Cardiovascular health

Lettuce

Water Content: 96%
We haven’t been fair to lettuce. Fresh, crisp, and crunchy, there is almost no dish that doesn’t go well with a refreshing salad on the side. There are five main types of lettuce: leaf, romaine, crisphead, butterhead, and stem, and each provides different levels of nutrition. Generally speaking, lettuce is very low in calories (only ten calories per cup) but high in fiber, and it also has small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and K, zinc, and potassium.

Celery

Water content: 94%
Some people love it, some hate it, but there’s no denying that these crunchy stalks offer more than a handful of health benefits for very few calories. Just a serving of celery provides almost a third of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, a nutrient closely related to bone health. A cup of celery also has nearly as much potassium as a small banana and packs close to half a cup of water. However, that same cup of celery only contains about 15 calories.

Tip: Don’t toss the leaves! Most of the calcium, vitamin C, and potassium in celery comes from them. Celery leaves don’t store well, so choose stalks with bright, crisp leaves to make sure they are as fresh as possible and eat them right away.

Tomatoes

Water content: 94%
Like cucumbers, despite botanically being a fruit, tomatoes are considered a vegetable by most. They are an important source of several key nutrients, including folate, vitamin C, and potassium. But that’s not where their impressive nutritional profile ends. Tomatoes have a water content of nearly 95%, making them one of the most hydrating non-starchy vegetables. They are also packed with an extraordinary antioxidant called lycopene.

Lycopene is a red pigment and antioxidant known for its health benefits. Studies have shown that lycopene’s antioxidant properties can help regulate free radicals in the body, promote heart health, and may even slow down the progression of some types of cancer.

Used in many cuisines around the world, there are countless ways to prepare and eat tomatoes. Raw, baked, and fried are the most popular ways to make them, but if you are in the mood for something new, try:

Stuffing them: with cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs.
Grilling them: by themselves or in skewers.
Pickling them: in boiled pickling brine.
Boiling them: to make sweet or savory tomato jam.