Migraine

a naturopathic prescription for the signs and symptoms

• Migraines can be most distressing. Sufferers often know what the triggers are (stress, certain foods, hunger, lack of sleep, glare, perfumes etc) or what eases an acute attack (lying down in a dark room, ice packs to the head, etc) but often don't know longer term strategies.
• Alternative modalities such as Chiropractic, Biofeedback, Acupuncture, Homoeopathy and Myotherapy, offer and provide relief.
• Do you really know your trigger foods? Those with amines. Those with food additives such as monosodium glutumate (MSG), aspartame (artificial sweetener), sodium nitrate, and nitrites (preservatives found in smoked and processed meats such as hot dogs)? Please don't eat hotdogs! There is nothing commendable about them - other foods taste better and are more nutritious.
• Citrus, tomatoes and chocolate are foods most commonly linked to migraine. See Food Intolerance. Other implicated foods include avocados, pineapples, pickled herring, beans, peas, lentils, shrimp, caffeine, coconut, pork, cheese and alcohol - particularly red wine.
• Isolating which food may be aggravating the problem is difficult, as there may be other factors. A naturopath will assist you in going through an elimination diet, probably starting with cutting out the foods you crave or eat a lot of! Once you have reduced your incidence and intensity of headaches, the suspected foods are gradually reintroduced as a challenge.
• Severely limiting your fat intake has shown to be beneficial. Replace your saturated fats with good oils.
• Once again - fresh is best. By eating fresh foods and vegetables you are avoiding so many preservatives, additives, dyes, and artificial substances.
• Rub essential oils of Peppermint, Lavender or Marjoram onto the forehead or neck. Tiger Balm helps some.
• Select a supplement from the following recommendations for your country (clicking the hyperlink refers you to a suitable supplier). Look for products with the following ingredients: melatonin, fish oils, feverfew, Gingko biloba, ginger, vitamin C, vitamin B6, chromium, choline, l-tryptophan and niacin and magnesium.

If the migraines persist, you need to make an appointment to consult a professional health practitioner.

Naturopaths consider WHY a person has migraines and then treat accordingly.

David Wilson, Naturopath

See also Food Intolerance

Keep me informed about any news concerning migraines.