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Migraine, Headache
Types of Headaches A common tension headache is a dull ache that affects the whole head. Exertion headaches are usually short-lived, with pain in the back of the headache. Pressurized headaches are those caused by infections, flu or common colds. In cluster headaches, the pain is centered more on the face, specifically the eye, cheek and sinuses. It usually affects only one side of the head at a time. The pain can be so intense that sufferers have been known to resort to banging their heads against the wall. Most sufferers are men, unlike migraine that attacks mostly women. Migraine is a persistent throbbing in the forehead or temples. The pain can be disabling, excruciating and may even incapacitate sufferers for hours or days on end. Unfortunately, for most sufferers, these headaches cannot be terminated, only relieved. But sufferers are able to bring the condition under control by finding what works best for them.
Symptoms of Headaches During a cluster attack, blood pressure of the sufferer increases and the heart beats faster. Often, there is nasal congestion and tearing of the eye on the side where the pain is. A typical cycle may last 6-8 weeks, having between two and ten severe attacks a day, each one usually lasting from 30 minutes to two hours. A typical migraine attack may be accompanied by impaired vision, intolerance of lights and noise, numbness and sometimes even nausea and vomiting. The attacks, if untreated, typically last from four to 72 hours, the frequency of which differs with each sufferer. Some migraine sufferers encounter these 'warnings' well before the onset of an attack: intense burst of energy, cravings for sweet, constant thirst, drowsiness, irritability or depression. Some even see flashes of sparkling light and slow-spreading blind spots in their vision.
Causes of Headaches Tension headaches are often caused by stress, loud noises, traffic jams or even after an intensive strenuous work-out. Fasting or detoxifying can also cause headaches as the body rids itself of stored toxins, which re-enter the bloodstream temporarily on their way to be eliminated from the body. Allergies are largely responsible for most headaches, especially migraines. Common foods that are known to trigger headaches are artificial sweeteners (aspartame), birth control pills, caffeine (including chocolate), citrus fruits, salt, lactose, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and food additives. Environmental factors such as chemical vapor (air freshener or perfume) and air pollution can also cause headaches in some people. In children, a common trigger is lack of food, or long gaps between food. This can be easily remedied by giving the child food regularly in small quantities. Headaches can also be a warning of more serious health conditions that would need immediate medical attention, like cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, and lead or mercury poisoning. Seek medical help if headaches persist.
Diet Suggestions A diet high in complex carbohydrates (whole grains and starchy vegetables) and low in protein is recommended for headache sufferers. Avoid fried foods as fried fats contain aldehydes that triggers migraine. Prepare your foods by eating raw, juicing, steaming or broiling. Avoid sugars, dairy products especially cheese, and nuts which all contain tyramine, another substance that triggers migraine. Cut down on alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Drink plenty of water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices to rid the body of the toxins that are the main culprit of headaches. Increase intake of foods that are rich in magnesium, calcium¾ two miracle minerals that help prevent and relieve headaches. Such foods include a variety of fruits and vegetables, brown rice, wheat bran, wheat germ and soy beans. Also take carrot and beet juices to detoxify the liver.
Calcium and magnesium (from both cauliflower and broccoli) are an essential combination that can help prevent and relieve headaches. If you are prone to attacks, juice and drink the above combination regularly, especially if you can anticipate the next attack.
Celery is a great source of calcium and magnesium. It has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Spinach is highly cleansing and building and is essential for the body's circulatory system, especially to the brain. Pop in a whole carrot too, for its so-many healthy virtues and for its sweetness. If you are a beginner, use less spinach and gradually increasing. Not only is raw spinach juice unpalatable, it can also be a bit potent.
Juice and drink either alfalfa sprouts or wheatgrass alone. Alfalfa sprouts juice is mild and easy to drink. Wheatgrass may smell a bit green but has a slightly sweet taste to it. Cut a quarter inch slice of ginger with the skin cleaned or scraped off. Toss it together into the juicer with your alfalfa sprouts or wheatgrass, for that extra warming and calming effect it provides.
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