Migraines can affect every area of your life and the pain is intense whether in your head, temples or eyes or in your stomach. For parents, it’s heart-wrenching to see their child in convulsions because they have abdominal pain which often just comes on out of the blue.
Often, doctors are stumped as to their cause as this video explains:
I found it interesting that seratonin was identified the main focus of the video and how it affects anxiety and depression. Nobody knows which comes first and we are back at the chicken and the egg conundrum. What is your child worried about on a regular basis? How can you help them release that worry?
In any case, we know that serotonin levels are affected by diet and to ensure you and your child eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and protein. Research suggests that eating a diet rich in carbohydrates and low in protein will increase serotonin by secreting insulin, which helps in amino acid competition. All bad for generating negative emotions which can then trigger migraines in your gut.
So we know that diet is important. What else can we do to lower abdominal migraines? The video suggests cognitive behavioural therapy, and I think there are easier ways still to lower levels of serotonin. Some might even seem deceptively simple. Here’s my 7 steps and Your Assignment to do with your child!
Make time to do at least one of these things each day:
1. Take a brisk walk of 20 minutes and while you are walking, notice at least 5 things that you’ve never noticed before (this is such an interesting exercise if you do it in a familiar setting such as your own neighbourhood).
2. Call that person you have been meaning to talk to for a while and let them know how much they mean to you.
3. Start a gratitude journal and write down 10 things you are grateful for each day. Encourage your child to do the same – encourage them draw what they love every day.
4. Write down in great detail what your ideal life would look like in one year’s time if (you or) your child didn’t have migraines. What would you do, feel, see in the morning, afternoon and evening? Read it every day (for added benefit: to each other).
5. Laugh at least once a day and get your stomach cells energised in a positive way. Make it your business to make your child laugh with you!
6. Do something fun with your child every day.
7. Kiss and hug. Enjoy, Give kisses and hugs often!
Here’s to you an your children and teenagers’ migraine-free life!
Lots of love,
Sile
Hey, I am checking this blog using the phone and this appears to be kind of odd. Thought you’d wish to know. This is a great write-up nevertheless, did not mess that up.
- David
Hi David,
Thanks for your comment. I’ve changed the format so that people can read it better from wherever they find themselves.
Peace,
Sile