Migraine? Drink More

New York Times reports that in a study (also published in Neurology), scientists recruited migraine sufferers and divided them into two groups. Those in the first group were given a placebo medication to take regularly. The others were told to drink 1.5 liters of water, or about six cups, in addition to their usual daily intake. 

At the end of two weeks, the researchers found that those in the water group had increased their fluid intake by just four cups a day. But on average they experienced 21 fewer hours of pain during the study period than those in the placebo group, and a decrease in the intensity of their headaches.

To stay adequately hydrated, health officials recommend that men drink about 13 cups of liquid a day — from water, juice and other sources — and that women drink about 9 cups.