Migraine Awareness Week commenced this Sunday to raise awareness of the condition and highlight the impact on those who live with it. Whilst most people understand the importance of staying hydrated, many don’t realise that dehydration is a key migraine trigger. For some, even the slightest hint of dehydration can be the fast track to unbearable head pain.

Yet, solely drinking plain water isn’t always the solution to keeping optimally hydrated – especially after any vigorous type of exercise. The reason being, when we sweat, we lose essential electrolytes that need restoring to maintain our fluid balance and blood pressure. These electrolytes are body salts and minerals known as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. They play a fundamental role in rehydration, hence why athletes and sports professionals choose electrolyte-rich drinks to aid their recovery after competing.

Sports aside, isotonic drinks are ideal for preventing the onset of migraine headaches caused by an imbalance of electrolytes. When you start taking measures to drink enough fluids, migraines triggered by dehydration can be avoided. Although you may think that water is the only way to ‘fully’ hydrate, there are other delicious ways to ensure your hydration levels are topped up. We’ve gathered some of our favourites here.

Flavoured Hydration Drinks

Flavoured hydration drinks, like iPRO Hydrate, are a fruity alternative to plain water with added electrolytes, essential vitamins, and overall nutritional goodness. If you’re not a keen water drinker, why not try our zingy Citrus Blend flavour, or our fruity Orange & Pineapple, Mango, and Berry Mix!

Eat More Hydrating Fruits

Biting into some juicy fruits are a sweet way to contribute to your fluid needs whilst boosting your vitamin intake with a serving of antioxidants. It's worth noting that eating fruits high in antioxidants can help to relieve sinus pressure caused by migraines over time (source: everydayhealth.com). Plus, the naturally-occurring electrolytes found in some fruits like bananas can help direct water around your body cells faster for optimal hydration.

Water-Rich Vegetables for Dinner

Fruits are known for their delicious juiciness, but did you know vegetables contain more than 90% water content. That means eating vegetables are, astonishingly, more hydrating than eating fruits. It won’t come as a surprise that cucumber and lettuce are among the most hydrating vegetables. For extra hydration next dinnertime, try switching from steamed vegetables to water-rich salads.

Sip On Smoothies

Smoothies allow you to combine different fruits into one beverage, providing several nutritional and hydrational benefits all at once. If you don’t have the time to eat whole fruits like plums, apricots, and bananas, try blending some juicy fruits into a tasty smoothie that you can drink on the go.

Add Fruit to Water

Research commissioned by beverage brand Robinsons showed that almost half of the nation dislikes drinking water, with 52% citing the reason as boring taste (source: grocerytrader.co.uk). Infusing water with fruit undoubtedly adds nutritional benefits that you otherwise would not have gotten with plain water. However, the real benefit of flavouring water with fresh fruit is to lighten the appeal of drinking water altogether!

Outsmart dehydration with the iPRO Hydrate range for less than £1 a bottle at www.iPRO.Direct.