Cravings and Chemicals in Food Could be Causing Your Migraines
This is the testimonial of one woman who found her migraines were caused by the chemicals in ingredients in food. She’s not suggesting that this is the root cause for everyone but I thought her story was interesting enough to share.
If you cannot see the video above, click on http://naturalmigrainereliefnow.com/blog/2009/09/cravings-and-c…your-migraines/
Whatever your situation, it does make a case to consider eating organic to improve one’s own general wellbeing.
Does Chocolate Relieve Migraine Headaches?
In an earlier post I had written about a tasty ingredient which helps to relieve migraines. The issue is quite complicated as this next article shows us that there is no such thing as a blanket solution for everyone.
Can a tasty treat like chocolate really make migraines better? Find out what a new study shows and why migraine relief may be as close as your next candy bar.
Migraine headaches are one of the most common causes of missed days from work and school. Many people find these headaches to be so painful that their only recourse is to seek the solace of a dark room. Not only are they painful, but the symptoms can drag on for hours or even days without treatment. Although there are medications to help migraine headaches as well as reduce their frequency, these drugs often have side effects and some drugs can even cause rebound headaches and withdrawal symptoms. What if there was a natural way to relieve migraines without the need for prescription medications
Chocolate to Relieve Migraine Headaches?: A Study
A new study presented at the International Headache Society’s meeting shows that cocoa may have the potential to relieve migraine headaches naturally. According to a study conducted on rats, cocoa may be effective in reducing the inflammatory response associated with migraine headaches. The exact cause of migraines isn’t completely understood, but there are a variety of theories. It’s believed that irritation of the trigeminal nerve leads to an inflammatory response that triggers release of brain biochemicals known as neuropeptides which leads to headache pain. In rats, cocoa appears to block this inflammatory response that leads to painful migraine headaches.
In reality, the cause of migraine headaches is more complicated than this since other factors seem to be important – particularly serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite, and sleep. Levels of serotonin drop at the onset of a migraine headache which serves as a trigger for release of the neuropeptides that cause pain. Because serotonin plays a key role in bringing on migraine headaches, anti-depressants that alter serotonin levels are sometimes used to prevent migraine headaches.
Chocolate: Does It Trigger or Help Migraine Headaches?
Interestingly, chocolate can be a migraine headache trigger for some people. Migraines can be brought on by certain foods such as red wine, certain cheese, beer, and yes, chocolate. It’s unclear what component of chocolate is actually triggering the headache, but it goes to show how complicated the issue of cocoa and migraine may be. Some component of cocoa or chocolate could trigger migraines, while another may relieve the symptoms.
Cocoa to Help Migraine Headaches: The Bottom Line
It’s too early to recommend cocoa as a natural way to relieve migraine headaches, particularly when it seems to trigger migraines in some people. More research is needed to determine exactly what component of cocoa is beneficial. What does the future hold for chocolate and migraines? Hopefully, further studies will reveal the answer.
By Kristie Leong MD
http://healthmad.com
Supplements: a natural alternative to migraine relief?
If you suffer from migraine headaches, you know how debilitating and painful they can be and the search for natural relief may not always be obvious. Often times, migraines cause so much pain that people become physically ill and suffer additional symptoms such as stomach ache and blurred vision. The symptoms can be so bad that people miss work, leave family events, or become unable to function.
So, what can you do to relieve such horrible pain?
Many people treat migraine headaches with prescription medications. These medications can be effective, but they are not without some serious side effects. Some of these prescription medications are taken orally, while others are inhaled by nasal spray into the nose. Either way, some of the more common side effects include tingling at the site, unusual taste, or dizziness. If you happen to suffer from the more serious side effects, these can include high blood pressure and elevated risk of heart disease.
Because of the serious nature of the side effects, and because migraine sufferers need relief quickly and on a regular basis, natural and alternative and natural remedies are becoming a more popular way to treat migraine headaches. Before we take a look at some of the best supplements to treat migraines, let’s look at the nature of the migraine headache. It is easier to understand your treatment plan if you understand the nature of the headaches themselves.
Most people consider the term ‘migraine’ synonymous with ‘migraine headaches’, but migraines are actually a condition that has headache as one of its many symptoms. Because the headache is the most painful, most obvious symptom of a migraine, people tend to think that a migraine and a migraine headache are the same thing. Migraines are actually a neurological syndrome. The headache is the worst part, perhaps, but the syndrome can also be characterized by nausea and unusual visions that according to some sufferers can almost be hallucinatory in nature. Oddly enough, the very fact that a migraine is coming on is sometimes signified by an ‘aura’, described by most as an almost out-of-body sense that the awful headache is about to occur. Then, when it does, it is sometimes accompanied by odd visions or senses as well.
Once the headache sets in, and even after the person feels physically ill, he or she may also suffer from increased sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds, preferring to remain in total silence and darkness until the headache subsides. The problem is, migraines often last for quite some time. The average migraine lasts for about four hours, although chronic sufferers can experience migraine symptoms for up to seventy-two hours sometimes! They will feel a severe and painful throbbing in the temple region, usually on one side, for the duration of the migraine. These are the individuals who need the most help.
So what help is out there? To begin with, there are some dietary changes that may help, but not for everyone. One of the most common changes to try first is to get rid of all gluten (wheat) in the diet. Other common triggers include foods such as hot dogs, wine, chocolate and cheese. This may help some people and not others, since there are so many triggers for migraine and not all of them have to do with diet. Some other triggers include the weather, sleep changes, and even stress; certainly, it is better for these people to explore supplements since they can do nothing to change the weather!
One supplement that has been shown to be effective in relieving migraines is Feverfew. Feverfew is an herb that you can buy in your local vitamin store or on the internet, and it is good for prevention of migraine as well as treatment of the symptoms once the headache has onset. Especially good for the treatment of symptoms is the combination of this herbal supplement with a natural caffeine source, such as guarana.
Ginger has long been used as a digestive aid and as a treatment for nausea, but there is also some evidence that it is helpful for migraines. You can eat ginger, of course, but if you don’t like the taste you can also find ginger capsules or ginger tea that has other flavors included in it.
Sometimes migraines come about because of fatigue or irregular sleep patterns. If this is the case for you, you may want to try taking melatonin before bed. Melatonin is produced naturally in the body, but the production of it slows as we age. If you supplement with it, your body’s sleep cycles will become more regular and you may find it helps prevent the migraines from coming back.
B vitamins such as vitamin B12 and riboflavin have also been known to help, as well as magnesium. These are such commonly used supplements that you should be able to take a multi-vitamin and mineral tablet and get your requirements.
Rather than suffer these debilitating headaches or resign yourself to taking prescriptions for the rest of your life, try these healthier alternatives. You just may get the relief you have long been seeking.
Does White Flour Trigger Migraines?
Does white flour triggers migraine headaches and how can you find natural relief from the pain of migraines? It’s an important question which will need more investigation so I’ll keep searching for any research or studies that throw light on the subject.
I did come across this video which explains what white flour contains… it’s not pretty.
So there you have it – the dirt on white flour! I’m thinking it may be a good idea to cut down on it or run for the hills if I’m ever offered a piece of bread in future.
And on the subject of avoidance, I know some people who avoid yeast as it triggers their migraines which means they won’t touch bread, pizza, beer or cake, others avoid cheese, bananas, fish and red wine (Sigh! Not much of a life, methinks).
What foods are you allergic or intolerant to?
Symptoms of Tension vs. Migraine Headache
Do you have a tension headache or a migraine? Do you know the difference? When do auras occur and what might they mean?
If this video has been useful, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a comment below. Thank you!
This Ingredient can Drastically Reduce Migraines
A new animal study presented at the International Headache Society’s 14th International Congress provided evidence that Theobroma cacao may be an appropriate dietary supplement for those suffering with migraine headaches. The ingredient is thought to repress inflammatory responses in the brain that are associated with pain.
Approximately 30 million Americans suffer with migraine headaches. A migraine is a severe, painful headache that can last for hours or even days. During the headache, the temporal artery enlarges, producing a release of chemicals that cause inflammation and pain.
Theobroma cacoa is the botanical name for the cocoa plant, and it has long been used in folk medicine as an antiseptic and diuretic. The seeds are used to make chocolate – which is often indicted as a trigger food for migraine headaches because of its caffeine and tyramine content, ingredients thought to restrict blood flow.
Pure cocoa alone has been shown in some studies to have other positive effects on health, including improving hypertension and glucose metabolism. Cocoa also contains phenylethylamine, which has anti-depressant properties and can cause the brain to release chemicals that fight pain.
Dietary intervention is one of the methods of treatment for migraine headaches, as some foods are thought to be trigger foods for attacks. The foods thought to exacerbate symptoms are cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, meats with high nitrate content (ie: hot dogs), MSG, aspartame, and alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, avoiding these trigger foods does not always prevent migraine headaches from occurring.
According to WebMD, food triggers often act in combination with other factors such as stress and hormonal changes. The amount of food eaten that can trigger an attack is also a consideration. Small amounts may not cause a migraine, but eating large quantities can induce symptoms.
Another natural treatment for migraine headaches is exercise. A study published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, researchers found that the frequency of headaches decreased with a regular aerobic exercise program. Headache intensity and amount of medications taken also decreased. Exercise reduces stress, which is often a factor in migraine headaches.
Medical experts will not likely soon promote eating chocolate as a method to reduce the pain of headaches, as most chocolate products are low in actual cocoa and the processing of cocoa into chocolate reduces its beneficial phytochemical properties. However, there are currently manufacturers of cocoa extract dietary supplements, which are often not regulated and may not be as beneficial to health.
Sources: Medical News Today and WebMD.
A most unusual and simple way to zap your headaches and more!
Acupressure is so easy to do and this type of acupressure you can do anywhere. Don’t confuse simplicity with ineffectiveness though. I’ve tried it and it does work. It stimulates your stomach as well so that anyone also suffering from abdominal migraines will feel the benefit.
Migraine Auras – Unpleasant or Beautiful?
An aura is a warning sign that a migraine is about to begin. Recognizing auras is the first step to treating a migraine. Find out from this video the different kinds of migraine auras people have and what celebrities have them and how auras inspired them to do their best work!
Fresh Ginger for Migraine Relief
It has been long known by many that ginger is excellent at soothing an irritated stomach and works well to alleviate motion sickness but according to a study done at the Odense University in Denmark, researchers discovered that ginger works the same way that aspirin does by blocking prostaglandins (A chemical that causes inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain). It reduces the stickiness of blood (platelet aggregation).
At the beginning signs of a migraine, taking a ½ to 1 tsp of ginger in warm or room temperature water, can greatly reduce or even eliminate the pain. It has a strong peppery taste but is not intolerable. For those that are allergic to aspirin or who don’t want to take drugs for every little pain, ginger may be able to help you.
Other benefits of ginger are;
- it stimulates the digestive system and can move undigested food and gas through the intestines (this is good news for seniors because they often have digestive difficulties that make them feel sluggish and tired).
- Japanese studies have indicated that ginger works very well for reducing the pain of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
- can help in the healing of stomach ulcers.
- can aid in reducing nausea, particularly helpful for chemotherapy patients.
- reduces platelets in blood vessels and thins the blood to reduce the chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
- helps to sooth menstrual cramps.
- Is very helpful in minimizing the effects of colds or the flu
If you are not familiar with how to buy fresh ginger at your supermarket, look for a firm root that does not have any discoloration in the flesh. If you see browning in the flesh or cracks and splits, then it is on its way out. It is interesting to note that the ginger you buy in most supermarkets has a dry brown skin that is hard to peel. Fresh ginger just pulled out of the ground does not have dry skin at all and is very easy to peel, but, it’s difficult to find that kind of freshness at any grocery store.
Fresh ginger is best, but powdered will work if that is all you have on hand. To keep fresh ginger readily available, one of my favorite chefs had a great tip. Peel off the skin of firm fresh ginger, place it in a freezer bag and freeze, and it will be ready to grate anytime you need it. Frozen ginger is also much easier to grate than fresh.
There are many great recipes but here are a couple of simple ones to start with, especially if you are trying to stave off a headache or quell nausea etc.
Recipe for ginger tea;
Add one oz of grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp of ground) to 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 5 to 6 mins, then strain. Add the juice of ½ a lemon and 2 tsps of Blue Agave (A low glycemic syrup) or sweetener of your choice. Enjoy!
Quick and easy homemade ginger ale;
Place ½ tsp of ginger and 2 tsps of Blue Agave (or sweetener of your choice) in a glass. Slowly add carbonated water to ¾ of a glass. Add lemon juice and stir. Enjoy! Note: make this only when you are going to drink it right away because ginger will reduce the carbonation level of the water.
There are many recipes online if you want to incorporate ginger into your diet on a regular basis. Find out what you and your family like and enjoy!
Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
Stomach Ache? It Might be Abdominal Migraine.
Anyone who has ever had a migraine will say they do not just happen in the head. The headache is usually the worst and most painful part of a migraine, but there’s more. Most migraineurs (people who suffer from migraines) will talk about photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), phonosensitivity (sensitivity to sound), scent sensitivity, gastric pain, cramping, and vomiting.
Sometimes the abdominal symptoms show up without the other typical migraine symptoms. When they do, a patient is said to be experiencing an abdominal migraine. An abdominal migraine is pain, usually varying from mild to medium, in the abdomen. The pain is either along the midline or unspecified and is frequently accompanied by abdominal tenderness, cramp-like spasms, nausea, bloating, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Since abdomen pain can be caused by a wide variety of conditions other causes need to be ruled out before a diagnosis can be made. In a classic abdominal migraine, no gastric cause for the pain can be identified. Migraineurs need to let their doctors know about their migraines when they experience unspecified abdominal pain so that the doctor knows abdominal migraine may be a possibility.
Abdominal migraines are most common in children. Children who experience abdominal migraines frequently grow up to be migraineurs. While abdominal migraine is not unheard of in adults, it is rare. Like most other types of migraine, it is also more common in females than in males.
While the exact cause of abdominal migraines is unknown, it is highly likely to be related to serotonin deficiency. Serotonin deficiency has been linked in several studies to migraines, and 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gastric system. Serotonin deficiency causes cascading waves of nerve reaction in the brain when triggering a migraine and a similar process may be in effect in the abdomen.
So what to do when you have a stomach ache? This video gives some tips:
Also have a look at what is going on in your life and if you are experiencing a bit of stress as the mind and stomach are sister organs. Release those emotions and watch your stomach relax as well. Releasing can be done through a variety of ways: meditation, yoga, EFT and taking a consciousness training course www.avatarepc.com all of which I would highly recommend.
