The word "migraine" comes from words meaning "half the head". Migraine is defined as a regular throbbing sensation at the front or side of the head. Migraines also called vascular headaches because they result from blood vessel spasms. It is simply the name we call a set of symptoms that are common in groups of people. World Health Organistaion (WHO) recently listed migraine as one of the 20 most disabling lifetime conditions.
Migraines can be severely debilitating. Studies show that certain foods can affect the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Free nutritional advice is widely available across the internet - but how do you know if any of the tips and suggestions are right for you? Speaking with a nutritionist should ensure that whatever you do is right for you, personally. A nutritionist should be able to construct a diet plan that helps manage migraine symptoms and improve the quality of a sufferer's life.
Scientists have now located a number of genes connected to migraine, strongly suggesting that it is a hereditary condition. There are a number of factors thought to be responsible for triggering migraine attacks. These include anxiety, stress, excitement, depression, lack of sleep, fatigue, bad posture, long-distance travelling, hormonal changes - e.g. menopause.
According to the Headache Center of Atlanta, migraines are triggered by stress (80 per cent of adults), hormones (65 per cent), odors (44 per cent), lights (38 per cent), smoke (36 per cent), heat (30 per cent), food (27 per cent) and other disruptions.
The following supplement programme is often effective for the drug-free management of migraines: vitamin C, pyridoxine, magnesium, niacin, vitamin E. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid may reduce the frequency, severity and disability of migraines, according to new research. Ginger can be helpful when nausea accompanies a migraine. Niacin can trigger a migraine.
Although study found that riboflavin in doses that would need to be prescribed by a doctor helped migraine relief, it still helped ward them off. Riboflavin is found in foods like milk, meat, nuts and green veggies. Take Vitamin B12 every day. Drink hot tea when you feel a migraine coming. When you make the hot tea, add honey for best results. Mint tea works wonders! Take vitamins every day for best results. Vitamins will help you stay healthy and migraine-free.
Magnesium deficiency is strongly associated with migraine headaches. Multiple studies have shown the positive effects of supplemental magnesium on reducing frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Be careful not to over-supplement with magnesium, because it can cause other minerals to be stripe from the body. Magnesium is best supplemented with using green, leafy vegetables, cashews and walnuts.
As obvious as it sounds; many headaches are caused by dehydration. If you know how to catch migraines early, drinking water immediately can actually stop a migraine. Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease migraine frequency, duration and severity. Omega-3 fatty acids do decrease inflammation and relax blood vessels. A few daily recommendations are flax seeds, and fish oil supplements.
There are several things a migraine sufferer can do after the onset of a migraine to help ease the pain. Have a drink of water or natural juice, especially tomato juice. Have some food, or a nutritious drink, if you have not eaten for a while. Hydrotherapy is easy, and it works. Contrast showers (hot and cold) help with many ailments sometimes. New research shows that aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, and cycling) can have a therapeutic effect on symptoms, when you exercise; your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Use relaxation exercises, such as meditation, breathing, yoga, and prayer.
This article is a general guide and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you suffer from migraine. Remember that migraines can be overcome. Keep trying remedies until you find the one that works for you. Each remedy helps different people. The key is finding the one that will relieve your migraine. Do not give up!
The writer is a nutritionist. Email: fahmidahashem60@gmail.com
Correlation between migraines and nutrition
Fahmida Hashem | Published: March 08, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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