Ways to Pull The Plug on Your Migraine
My doctor explained to me that a migraine is like a speeding train. He also advised me that certain medicines which are prescribed for migraines have been known to increase the chance of heart attack. So to prevent a headache you have to slow it down before it gets started. Here are some ways you may be able to stop the run away train and feel better faster.
One of the most common reasons medical help is sought is for the treatment of a headache.
Of the many different types of headaches the migraine is one of the most debilitating. Not only that but women suffer from them much more so than men. In the past decade the amount of sufferers seeking treatment has increased 60% – Staying Well by Harvey B. Simon, M.D. with over 42 million doctor visits a year in America alone.
Know the triggers.
Women are more sensitive to certain common triggers so it is beneficial to arm ourselves with more information. The trigger is something which has been known to alter the blood flow in the brain. This action is what causes the pressure and the resulting headache/migraine. If we can avoid the triggers or causes we can avoid the dreaded headache.
Keep a food journal.
One proactive way would be to keep a food journal. Read labels. Do not simply know what the food is but what is in the food. Be on guard for certain known triggers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrite and nitrate. Not all foods work the same on all people so it is important to know which ones are your own personal triggers and to avoid them if at all possible. Before ordering out ask your waitress whether the food you are considering has the dreaded ingredients. Choose wisely and your head will thank you.
Common triggers are:
Drug/ Chemical Triggers
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Anti-asthma medication
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Birth control pills
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Histamines
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Diuretics
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Nitroglycerin
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Reserpine
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Hydralazine
Physical Migraine Triggers
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Head Trauma
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Not Eating at regular times
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Intense physical play or work
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Irregular sleep patterns
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Sleeping too much or too little
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Fatigue
Food Triggers
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Alcohol
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Meats with sodium nitrates/nitrites (hot dogs, deli meats)
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Dairy Products
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Aspartame
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Chocolate
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Caffeine (including those beverages like coffee, tea, soda)
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MSG (mono sodium glutamate) an additive found in some processed meats, soups and salad dressings. MSG can also be called for in some recipes.
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Citrus foods
Hormonal Triggers
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Prior to menstruation and Menstruation
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Psychological Migraine Triggers
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Worry
- Stress
Natural Alternatives
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An ice pack applied at the onset can sometimes bring about pay relief by constricting the blood vessels in the head and reducing painful swelling.
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Relax. Sometimes too much work or too much tension is the cause and time out can help.
Liked it
CHAN LEE PENG | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
A thorough write and helpful tips to live with migraine, which deserve everyone’s attention. liked it.
Judy Sheldon | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Thanks, Chan, I\’ve been a long time sufferer of migraines and know how debilitating they can be.
Goodselfme | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
I am thankful for a smart friend like you who is willing to share her knowledge with me about this terrible headache. thank you!
PARAM | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Nice Share.
Mr Ghaz | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Great share. very useful tips on migraine, thanks for sharing
Uma Shankari | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for this excellent compilation. Feverfew. Didn’t know. Have to find out more and find out from where to get this.
BC Doan | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Wonderful article, Judy! I like natural remedies most..
Anuradha Ramkumar | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Excellent compilation. I’ll pass this on to my friend.
Darlene McFarlane | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
We can always count on you to give the whole story. All migraine sufferers should be able to benefit from this article.
Judy Sheldon | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Roberta, you are too kind. I wish I was smarter. I research so that one day maybe I will be. lol
PSingh, Have I told you how much I love your avatar? Thanks for the comment.
Mr Ghaz, your comment is much appreciated.
Uma, You can buy feverfew in capsule form.
Icy, BC, I do too! Thanks for your support!
Anurdha, I hope it helps your friend. Migraines are no joke!
Darlene, I try to get enough information to be beneficial. I hate when I read something that leaves me hanging. lol I wanted to add your link about the many names MSG can be disguised as, but forgot to look for it at the last moment. If you can forward it to me I will add it. It would be good information to include.
Thanks and God bless.
Emmie | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
This is a great post. Migraines are horrible and unfortunately there isn’t an awful lot that can be done about them.
Emmie
Judy Sheldon | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Emmie, you’re right they are horrible. That’s why it’s best to prevent them.
giftarist | Aug 8, 2010 | Reply
Excellent write, friend. A very complete article.
maranatha | Aug 9, 2010 | Reply
Well done, my friend. I have found mint, menthol, and camphor oils to be very effective in removing the problem before a migraine begins. A few drops on a moist compress, applied to the neck and face work wonders. so does a few drops sprinkled on your pillow. If a full-blown migraine takes hold, though, the only thing that helps me is an utter lack of sound or light.
papaleng | Aug 9, 2010 | Reply
Another outstanding write, my time is not wasted reading your very informative post.
Judy Sheldon | Aug 10, 2010 | Reply
Giftartist, thank you for your kind support!
Maranatha, those are excellent tips particularly if there is any congestion associated with the head ache. I used to be able to sleep mine off, but they became more intense. For the most part I can avoid the triggers and everything is fine.
Papaleng, thanks for your kind words.
Lex92 | Aug 11, 2010 | Reply
Migranies are terrible, but I think this will help make then not as bad if I pay attention to what triggers them
Judy Sheldon | Aug 12, 2010 | Reply
Alexa, if you know your triggers it makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for the visit!
Great Idea | Aug 13, 2010 | Reply
You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Ways to Pull The Plug on Your Migraine. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.
GodsGrace | Aug 15, 2010 | Reply
Wonderful responses on great work
Judy Sheldon | Aug 15, 2010 | Reply
God’s Grace, love your tag! Where would we be if not for His grace? Thanks for your support and God bless!
Diamond Channing | Aug 18, 2010 | Reply
well written with lots of helpful tips. A+!
Judy Sheldon | Aug 19, 2010 | Reply
Thanks, Great Idea and luv2write. Your support is appreciated.
Jenny Heart | Aug 20, 2010 | Reply
I need to show this article to my sister. She will benefit from this valuable information.
Judy Sheldon | Aug 20, 2010 | Reply
Jenny, that would be great if it could help her. Thanks so much for your visit.
Take care & God bless.
Melody SJAL | Sep 20, 2010 | Reply
Most of my migraines are triggered by menstruation, stress, and inadequate sleep. Good info shared, thanjs, Judy.