Suffering From Migraines?
Are you one of the 28 million people that suffer from migraines? Migraines are one of the most severe types of headache that may or may not be accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, and other symptoms. 17% of women & 6% of men are victims to these dreaded – throbbing headaches.
Migraines often occur in people that fall between the ages of 25-35 and tend to decline with age. Some suffer with migraines once a week while others may only get hit with them once or twice a year. Unfortunally, migraines often run in families.
So Why Do Women Suffer More From Migraines Than Men?
Levels of hormone estrogen just may be the reason. Women typically get migraines around the time of menustruation, when estrogen levels are low.
Migraines usually have 5 phases:
1. A day or so before the migraine hits, you may experience changes in mood, memory, and/or one or all five senses. Some experience speech problems.
2. Just before the throbbing headache begins, some people see flashes of light or light patterns. Some people also may experience numbness of the hands or mouth. This is called an aura, much like the auras that affect many people with epilepsy before a seizure. When a migraine is preceded by an aura it is called a classic migraine. Common migraines happen without experiencing the aura effect.
3. The headache starts in, severe, throbbing pain. It may be only on one side or the other of the head or on both sides. The pain may even move from side to side. Nausea may set in. Your neck & scalp may be tender. Most people report being very sensitive to light.
4. At this stage, the headache dissipates. However, the nausea may linger for a while.
5. People have reported feeling exhausted and may simply want to sleep.
What Triggers Mirgraines?
The truth is that there is any number of things that can bring on a migraine. Triggers can range from allergies, constipation, stress, too much or too little sleep, liver malfunction, hormonal changes, sun glare, flashing lights, lack of exercise, dental problems and low blood sugar.
Recommendations That May Help Prevent Migraines
*A diet that consist of simple carbohydrates and high in protein.
*Incorporate foods like….parsley, almond milk, almonds, watercress, fennel, garlic, cherries and fresh pineapple into your diet.
*Remove foods that contain amino acid tyramine, including aged meats, avocados, bananas, beer, cabbage, canned fish, dairy products, eggplant, hard cheeses, potatoes, raspberries, red plums, tomatoes, wine and yeast from your diet.
You may also benefit from removing alcholic beverages, aspirin, chocolate, MSG and nitrites (which is preservatives found in hot dogs and luncheon meats).
*Exercise
*Massage your neck and the back of your head daily.
*Avoid fried, fatty & greasy foods. Try to avoid salt and acid-forming foods such as cereal, bread, grains and meat.
*To help keep blood sugar levels balanced, eat small portions at meal times and nutritious snacks between meals. Do not skip meals.
*Get regular check ups with your dentist to address any tooth or gum problems, especially if you are grinding your teeth.
*Do not smoke
*Avoid loud noises, strong orders and high altitudes.
Herbs To Help PREVENT Migraines
Use a Combination of:
Wood Betony – The glycosides of Wood Betony have recognizable hypotensive activity. A substance that is hypotensive (such as Wood Betony) relaxes nervous tension as well as opens up constrictive blood vessels that are the basis for the headaches.
Fenugreek – So many people suffer from migraines that are brought on by sinus problems. Fenugreek dissolves mucus. It loosens and expels mucus and phlegm that accumulates in the bronchial tubes and soothes the mucous membranes and treats lung infections. It helps to prevent headaches and migraines when combined with wood betony and thyme.
Thyme – Removes mucus from the head, lungs and respiratory passages. Thyme tea can be used as a remedy for shortness of breath.
