Migraine Headaches

Headaches are common, but what about the ones that seem to come on strong and hang on? Is it just a headache, or is it a migraine? Here's how you can tell the difference. Migraines are painful throbbing or pounding vascular headaches, occurring on one of the head or the other, that last for hours and sometimes days. Light, noise and movement often intensify the pain. Migraines affect 15-20% of men and 25-30% of women sometime in their life.
Researchers have found that in susceptible individuals, triggers case blood vessels in the head to tighten and then expand causing nerve irritation, which results in a migraine headache.
Triggers may include: food allergies, abnormal serotonin levels, alcohol, chemicals and food additives, withdrawal from caffeine, stress and emotional changes, hormonal imbalances and changes, as well as sleep problems. Neurovegatative parasympathetic and alpha-sympathetic hyper function with insufficient beta-sympathetic activity is also implicated. Dr. Duraffourd and Dr. Lapraz refer to migraines as "asthma of the brain."
Typical treatment for migraine headaches include analgesics(pain relievers), non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, serotonin agonist drugs, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. These options fail to address the underlying cause and have the potential to cause serious side effects.
Simple changes in your lifestyle can reduce your chances for getting migraine headaches. Such changes include:
*Eat a predominately vegetarian diet based on veggies, fruits, whole grains (especially rice) and legumes. Include fish, onions and garlic in the diet.
*Avoid vasoactive compound containing foods such as chocolate, cheese beer and wine (often these are triggers for a migraine headache).
*Avoid caffeine
*Drink plenty of fluids (again, this can be a trigger for a migraine headache). Purified water and herbal teas like chamomile are good options.
*Eliminate food with additives like: artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated fats, sulfites, nitrates/nitrites and artificial sweeteners.
*Limit refined carbohydrates aka sugar, white flour and white rice.
*Engage in aerobic exercise at least 20 minutes three times a day.
*Reduce your stress.

Some treatments include nutritional supplements that may be beneficial, many of which we have available online or in our Healing Foods Shoppe like Ortho Flex Extra in an essential oil, lotion or bath crystal. Or a massage therapy session,available here with our licensed massage therapist.

NOTE: Individual's under a physician's care should seek the advice of their physician before taking nutritional supplements or beginning a new exercise program. The nutritional suggestions are not offered to treat, mitigate or cure disease and should not be used as a substitute for medical care. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us to set up an appointment with one of our medical professionals today.