Health Topics > Stress > headacheandmigraine

HEADACHE and MIGRAINE

HEADACHE

Headaches are a common problem and are generally transient and eased by a mild analgesic such as tablets containing a combination of paracetamol or aspirin with codeine. More than 90% of all headaches are classified as tension headaches, which occur when the muscles in the back of your neck and/or scalp tighten.  Sometimes they can be relieved by lying down at the first hint of a headache in a dark room, drinking cool water and placing a cold pack over the head and face. 

What are the causes of headaches?

The causes of headaches are almost too numerous to mention. 
 
Causes may include, to name a few;
  • Dehydration
  • Hormonal imbalances such as PMS, peri-menopause, side effects of the oral contraceptive pill or HRT.
  • Liver dysfunction
  • High blood pressure
  • Sinus, dental and ear infections
  • Blood sugar problems
  • Exposure to chemical toxins

It is important to see your doctor for tests to exclude serious causes of headaches, particularly if the headaches are constant, severe or frequent in nature.

What tests may be required?

  • CAT scans of the head and neck
  • Blood tests to check your immune system, liver and kidney function, hormonal levels and a full blood count.
  • General physical examination
  • Check up with a neurologist (in cases of severe chronic headaches).

MIGRAINE

Migraine headaches - perhaps the most painul of all headaches - are a particular type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain in the whole head, or one side of the head.  It can be preceded by neurological symptoms such as visual problems, weakness of limbs or facial muscles. 
 
Migraine is often associated with nausea and sensitivity to light (photophobia).  The pain can be very severe and frightening and sometimes analgesia must be given in injection form. There are also specific medications that can be taken to prevent or abort an acute migraine, and the newest class of these drugs is known as the serotonin agonist drugs.

General treatment

  • It is best to avoid common trigger foods such as: chocolate, dairy products, wheat, preservatives, MSG, sugar, nuts, pickles, yeast or fermented foods, tobacco and alcohol. 
  • Consult with a nutritionist to ensure you are eating the correct diet for you.  People who get migraines often suffer with food allergies or intolerances.  If you need help with this, and would like one of Dr Cabot's online practitioners to advise you, click on GOLD MEMBERSHIP.
  • Try to include more raw foods, particularly radishes, celery and foods high in omega-3 oils such as oily fish.  Cold pressed flaxseed oil or salmon oil may help. 
  • Maintain stable blood sugar levels by eating regular protein from eggs, seafood, protein powder and legumes, nuts and seeds.  Increase your water intake throughout the day.
  • All migraine sufferers should ensure a good intake of water with the aim of drinking two litres daily.  This will help improve the circulation of blood to the brain.  Dehydration will increase the frequency and severity of headaches. 
  • Chiropractic therapy can be beneficial for many headache sufferers.
  • Consult with your healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist.

Raw juicing 

See - "Raw Juices Can Save Your Life" – for juicing recipes on page 102 to help with headache and migraine.  Aim to raw juice three times weekly, dilute with water if desired.
 

Recommended books

-- "MAGNESIUM The Miracle Mineral - You won't believe the difference it makes to your health!"
 

Recommended supplements

Liver tonic powder or capsules

  •  Take 1 teaspoon twice daily or 2 capsules twice daily with food.  All migraine headaches are usually associated with nausea and vomiting, it is also important to improve the function of the liver. 

Magnesium tablets or powder

  • Take 1 teaspoon daily in water or raw juice or 2 tablets twice daily to get the headaches under control.  Magnesium plays an essential role in maintaining and promoting efficient muscle function and nerve transmission.  It is a potent muscle relaxant and is therefore useful in muscle spasms, twitches, cramping, headache and relief of pain.  Magnesium at 400 mg daily may be helpful in reducing frequency and severity of many types of headaches.

Flaxseed oil capsules

  • Take 1 - 2 capsules before meals twice daily - flaxseed helps exert an anti-inflammatory effect and may be helpful in reducing the inflammatory component of headaches.

© Copyright 2010