Best Natural Remedies for Headaches While Fasting

Your body takes time to adapt to this new lifestyle change and can have side effects such as frequent headaches. 

There are many causes of these headaches including;

• Dehydration 

• Disturbed Sleep Pattern 

• Smoking/Caffeine Withdrawl 

• Nutrient Deficiency 

• Not eating well 

There are many natural ways through which you can reduce your headaches. Some of them are discussed below. 

1. Drink Plenty of Water 

In Ramadan, our water intake is reduced which leads to dehydration. Since you can not drink water during the day, you should try and compensate by drinking it in your pre-dawn meal, also known as Suhoor, and after Iftar. Try to avoid sugary and carbonated drinks as they can make you more thirsty. Drink at least 8 glasses of water between Iftar and Suhoor. Drink 2 at Iftar, 4 before sleeping, and 2 at Suhoor again. This way you will not be dehydrated and it will reduce your headaches. 

2. Get Enough Sleep 

Our sleep schedules get disturbed during Ramadan. Since Suhoor time is quite early, people tend to stay awake till then and sleep after Suhoor. After that, they have to wake up again in 2-3 hours to get to work. Not getting adequate sleep can be the reason for your headaches. You should make a healthy sleep schedule and also learn the importance of nighttime sleep. Instead of staying awake till sehri, you should rest and sleep for at least 5-6 hours before your pre-dawn meal.

3. Try Essential Oils 

Essential oils are known to have therapeutic benefits and can soothe nausea and headaches. Lavender and peppermint oils can help with migraines. Apply them directly to your wrists or temples of your head for a soothing effect. 

4. Cold Compress 

Applying cold compresses such as ice packs or cold wet towels decreases inflammation and constricts blood vessels. It temporarily restricts the blood flow to the pain nerves, numbing headache pain. Keep in mind to place a cloth between your skin and the cold compress as placing the ice pack directly can harm you. 

5. Yoga 

Doing yoga helps in relieving your stress, makes you calm, and improves overall health. It can also help in reducing your headaches. A research investigating the effects of yoga therapy on people with chronic migraines found that the frequency of headaches was reduced in people who did yoga than those who did not. 

6. Ginger 

Ginger contains anti-inflammatory substances that help to reduce nausea, vomiting, and headaches. A 2021 study found that ginger helps in lowering the pain of people with migraine headaches. 

Instead of taking ginger directly, you can also take ginger tea after iftar. It will also keep you hydrated and fresh. 

7. Head Massages 

Head massages are one of the best natural remedies for headaches. If they are done properly, they improve blood circulation, reducing the intensity and duration of the headache. They stimulate pressure points on the scalp, which can ease tension headaches and migraines by reducing muscle tightness and encouraging relaxation. Additionally, massages help lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, which contribute to overall well-being and pain relief. 

How to Prevent Headaches in Ramadan?

The best effort to reduce the possibility of getting a fasting headache is by trying to practice the following steps of prevention:

• Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor. 

• Fix your sleeping schedule and get 7-8 hours of sleep regularly. 

• Do not skip suhoor as it can cause severe headaches during the day. It is the most important meal of the day and you should try to incorporate healthy food into it. 

• If you are a smoker or addicted to caffeine, you might face withdrawals. To overcome them, try to reduce the intake of caffeine and the number of cigarettes 2 weeks before Ramadan so your body does not feel much change while fasting. 

• Eat moderately during iftar. 

Conclusion 

Incorporating simple yet effective remedies can significantly reduce headaches while fasting. Staying hydrated, consuming nutrient-rich pre-dawn meals, managing caffeine withdrawal, and ensuring proper rest all play a crucial role in preventing discomfort. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, light stretching, and head massages can further ease tension. By listening to your body and making mindful adjustments, you can enjoy a smoother fasting experience with minimal headaches, allowing you to focus on the spiritual and health benefits of fasting.