If you are a migraine sufferer, you don’t need to be told that migraines are often accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, along with other symptoms – and all ending with throbbing, intense pain which is generally on one side of the head. You may also experience the aura associated with migraine – like a warning signal prior to the actual migraine beginning. An aura can include flashing lights, wavy lines, tingling and visual disturbances as well as other symptoms. Some of us also have problems with the minds, such as an inability to focus and a feeling of “fuzziness.”
Although we all have a slightly unique set of symptoms and pain levels, whatever the degree and extent of your symptoms and pain, you are fully aware of how debilitating migraines are and how they affect your lifestyle and ability to function properly.
In the prevention of migraines, it’s important to know your triggers, so that you can learn what to avoid to minimize the frequency of your migraines. Although some triggers are unique to you, there are some more generalized things that can trigger a migraine.
As you know, I am a great believer in using holistic and natural ways to handle migraines. In large part, that’s because I have found them to be very successful in my own life. I want to share a few of these things with you so that you can incorporate them into your daily life to help prevent your migraines.
Water and Migraines.
Not to sound like a broken record, but I cannot stress enough how important hydration is in relation to migraines. Dehydration is a major trigger for migraines. Not only have I found this to be true in my own life, but research also suggests that there is a link between migraines and hydration. I know it’s hard when you’re in the throes of a migraine to drink water, but it will help if make an effort to do so. However, the best course of action is to keep yourself hydrated on a daily basis to minimize the likelihood of migraines occurring.
Tip: You know you should be drinking more water but you don’t like the taste…try sparking flavored water, or try putting a gallon jug of water into the refrigerator and add your favorite fruits to flavor the water and make it tasty.
Caffeine and Migraines.
If I wake up in the morning with a headache, I can generally drink a small amount of coffee and that, along with maybe a slice of toast, will help reduce the migraine pain.
Caffeine helps to reduce inflammation which can bring pain relief. It constricts the cranial blood vessels and therefore can help alleviate pain where there is vessel dilation as with migraines.
- Caffeine helps reduce inflammation, and that can bring relief from pain;
- Caffeine constricts the cranial blood vessels and can help alleviate pain especially in migraine headaches where there is vessel dilation;
- Caffeine is a key active ingredient in many headache medications;
- Caffeine increases the potency of other medications and how quickly it works; and
- When caffeine is taken along with other medications, for example when used with an anti-inflammatory drug, it will enhance the absorption of that other medication in the body.
Note: Remember that an excess of caffeine in and of itself can be a cause of migraines, so use in moderation.
Ginger and Migraines.
Ginger is definitely a great anti-inflammatory, and as I have suggested before, it is great to add fresh ginger to smoothies, and even to make fresh ginger tea to help with inflammation, nausea and headaches.
In addition to the benefits ginger can give to migraine sufferers, ginger also is rich in potassium, manganese and silicon, all of which promote heart function, immunity and healthy skin respectively. Ginger also contains Vitamins A, C, E, B, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, zinc, calcium and beta-carotene. As well as being a great anti-inflammatory for migraines, it actually can also reduce inflammation-related pain caused by menstruation.
The following ginger ale recipe is from Curejoy.com and may be worth a try!
Ginger Ale:
Boil 2 cups of water and add 1 finely chopped ginger to it.
Simmer this mix for 5 minutes.
Take it off the heat, strain and mix ginger juice and sparkling water in a 1:3 ratio.
Use a desired amount of raw honey, stevia or lemon juice to sweeten, add a few ice cubes and enjoy.
Yoga and Migraines.
It has been said that with the consistent practice of some Yoga poses, you can initially lessen the triggers and ultimately alleviate migraines. Also, you have probably heard that Yoga helps relieve stress – which, as you know, is a major trigger for migraines.
Specific yoga poses can target tension and stress and can help boost circulation and improve blood flow to your brain. This may lessen any pain or throbbing sensations that you’re having
[Check out some Yoga poses by Jill Paschal – www.jillpaschalyoga.com.]
Magnesium and Migraines.
Magnesium is something I take on a daily basis. I don’t take too much in the way of supplementation, but this is one I do take regularly. Also, if I know there is a barometric pressure or weather change on the way, I will take an extra magnesium tablet to help ward off any effect the weather may have on me.
There are many different types of magnesium. Make sure you choose one that absorbs well into your system. For better absorption, you can even try a lotion or oil form of magnesium.
According to research, magnesium is thought to affect changes in the blood vessels in the brain. Again, since blood vessels dilate with a migraine, this can help with the prevention of migraines and can also be used as a treatment of acute migraines.
Research further claims that magnesium is thought to be especially helpful for menstrual migraines, and goes on to state that magnesium may be a safer choice than powerful prescription medications. This is great news for those who prefer more natural alternatives to help with migraines.
There are many other natural remedies and holistic methods for migraine relief. We are just touching the tip of the iceberg with these few ways to help with migraine relief. Try some of these and comment below on how they work for you.
P.S. Why not join my Migraine Support Group on Facebook and join with those who understand you. >>JOIN HERE<<