Migraines can lead to excruciating pain and painkillers are not always effective. A natural holistic approach without drugs can help in reducing the frequency and severity of attacks by using diet, relaxation and exercise.
Migraine Information, Symptoms and Causes
It has been estimated more than 10% of the UK population suffers from regular migraines. Migraines usually occur on one side of the head and it can be accompanied by flashing lights, partial blindness and symptoms such as photosensitivity, nausea, vomiting and tingling sensations. Dehydration, lack of sleep, stress and weather changes can also trigger attacks.
One potential cause of migraine is the medication used to treat attacks. In some cases, stopping medication may bring relief in the long term, and the sufferer can either stop medication immediately or wean off slowly. Before any reduction in medication, it is helpful to address dietary imbalances and lifestyle. Dr Gillian McKeith suggests a link to food intolerances, internal toxicity and the menstrual cycle.
Food and Vitamins to Prevent Migraine Headaches
The most common food triggers for an attack are chocolate, cheese, peanuts, coffee, corn, wheat and citrus fruits. It is advised to avoid or reduce consumption of refined sugars, food additives, alcohol, meat and full fat dairy. It is essential to drink at least six glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration. Foods that can help to prevent headaches include:
- turmeric, ginger and fresh pineapple for their anti-inflammatory properties
- seeds such as flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds for keeping bowels regular and preventing toxicity in the body
- green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans and pulses to reduce headaches related to magnesium deficiency
- vervain tea to relieve premenstrual migraines and common headaches
Neurologist and migraine specialist Sarah DeRossett recommends magnesium in treating attacks and believes it to “have the most robust effect in preventing migraines." She also says, "I advise vitamin B2 if a patient has a predisposition to diarrhea." Magnesium supplements take time to work and DeRossett says magnesium needs to be taken for three months to take effect. The correct dosage is also important and 500 mg magnesium and 400 mg riboflavin (vitamin B2) is advised.
Natural Migraine Relief
Treatments that reduce stress are beneficial in preventing migraines, and certain essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus are promoted for relaxation. Use a ceramic burner to inhale the steam of the oils to calm the mind and body. Massaging the back, neck and head with oil helps de-stress the muscles and will provide relief from any nausea and accompanying symptoms.
Yoga is regarded as being effective in reducing stress, and alleviates headaches by relaxing the mind. The exercises are a preventative approach rather than a tool for severe attacks. Acupressure may also help to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks by stimulating the body's own healing.
An awareness of triggers is important in treating migraine attacks as well as avoiding stress. A combination of healthy diet, exercise and relaxation is effective in preventing and easing the symptoms of headaches.
Sources:
McKeith, Gillian 500 of the Most Important Health Tips You’ll Ever Need Cico Books, 2001.
WebMD.com Prevention: The Future of Migraine Therapy (Accessed July 1, 2010).
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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