Migraine Headache Diet And Treatments

Herbal Remedies For Migraine Headaches

A migraine headache can be not only debilitating, but can interrupt a daily routine. While some may think that this is just another headache that an aspirin can cure, migraines are of a different caliber and a lifestyle change is about the only thing that can prevent this chronic condition.

There are the obvious elements that must be avoided to help aid in the prevention of these particular headaches such as smoking, alcohol, and even bright lights and loud noises. It’s true that hormonal fluctuations can also affect the onset of these.

However dietary modifications and alternative medicine can play a very important role in the pain management and even prevention of migraines.

Change in Diet as a Solution

Migraines can be prevented simply by avoiding certain trigger foods. These trigger foods can be different from one migraine sufferer to another, but there are certainly some common threads.

Some of the more obvious dietary choices that should be avoided include anything containing MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), foods with nitrates such as salami, bacon, or hot dogs, as well as any processed foods.

A diet high in sodium or any processed foods has been shown to contribute to the possibility or even frequency of a migraine headache.

Lesser known food choices such as those containing the amino acid, tyramine, can be detrimental to those suffering from migraines. Foods in this category include red wine, smoked fish, figs, aged cheese, and chicken livers.

Unfortunately some of the unhealthy but favorite choices in today’s diet can act as triggers as well. That means chocolate, baked goods, and peanut butter are not your friends in the battle against migraines.

Though it may seem like making these adjustments to your diet is torture, it may be a small price to pay for relief from the painful headaches once suffered.

Alternative Medicine Can Provide Answers

There are also herbal medicines available today that can aid in the prevention and pain management from a patient who suffers from a painful or even frequent migraine headache.

For example, feverfew is an herb which can help reduce the incidence of migraine headaches by stopping your blood vessels from spasming. Vasospasm is one of the theories that may lead to developing migraines.

Consult with your doctor about combining herbal remedies with prescriptions. Magnesium is another alternative medicine choice to aid in the prevention of migraines. Taking magnesium as a supplement has been shown to provide natural relief with virtually no side effects.

Magnesium can also be found naturally in proper dietary choices. Foods such as vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains contain magnesium and should become an important part of one’s diet hoping to conquer migraines.

The prevention and management of migraines is much easier and filled with many more options today. Changing bad dietary habits can be a crucial first step.

Replacing poor dietary choices such as processed foods with more natural and healthy choices such as vegetables, nuts and whole grains can aid in migraine prevention.

Suffering from a migraine headache no longer has to be accepted and can easily be prevented by doing your part.

Sources:

http://heartspring.net/migraine_headache_symptoms.html http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/headachemigraine/a/Migraine.htm