Reach for one of these healthy ingredients the next time your head is pounding

When a headache strikes, you may run through your usual routine: Turn out the lights, lie down and pop a pain pill. But did you know that certain foods may ease, and even prevent, headaches? Add these soothing foods to your shopping list and find out for yourself.

1. Baked Potato

The side you love with dinner could help soothe your aching head, especially if your headache is alcohol-related, says Erin Palinski, RD, a registered dietician in private practice in New Jersey. “Since alcohol is a diuretic, it can not only cause dehydration, but also cause you to lose electrolytes such as potassium,” she says. “Eating potassium-rich foods can help to alleviate hangover-related headaches.” Surprisingly, a baked potato (with the skin) is one of the most impressive sources of potassium, containing a whopping 721 mg. By comparison, a banana serves up 467 mg.

2. Watermelon

Dehydration is a major cause of headaches, explains Stella Metsovas, BS, CN, a nutritionist in private practice in Laguna Beach, California. So instead of popping a pain pill next time your head throbs, consider reaching for water-rich foods, like watermelon. “The natural water contained in both fruits and vegetables contains essential minerals, like magnesium, that are key in headache prevention,” she says. Try this tasty, hydrating watermelon smoothie: In a blender, combine 2 cups seeded watermelon chunks, 1 cup cracked ice, ½ cup plain yogurt, a drizzle of honey and ½ tsp grated ginger. Blend and enjoy. (Bonus: The ginger can help ease headache-induced nausea symptoms!) Other foods with high water content include berries, cucumber, melon, soups, oatmeal, tomatoes and lettuce.

3. Coffee

Java has been a folk remedy for headaches for centuries, but does it really work? Yes, but in moderation, says Palinski. “Alcohol can cause blood vessels to expand, exasperating headaches,” she explains. “Since the caffeine in coffee is a vasoconstrictor, it can help alleviate a headache by helping to reduce the size of the blood vessels.” But hold off on the triple venti. Too much coffee could make matters worse. “Caffeine is also a diuretic, which can increase dehydration and increase the severity of a headache,” adds Palinski. “The bottom line: One cup of coffee may be helpful for decreasing hangover-related headaches, but drinking coffee throughout the day would not be the best choice for curing a headache.”

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