11 natural solutions that combat the pain and symptoms of Migraine headaches

And then a throb hits you on the left side of the head so hard that your head bobs to the right…There’s no way that came from inside your head, you think. That’s no metaphysical crisis. God just punched you in the face. ~ ― Andrew Levy, A Brain Wider Than the Sky: A Migraine Diary

Did you know that more than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches, and females are much more likely to get them than males?

So what exactly is a Migraine?

A migraine headache is characterised as an intense throbbing or a pulsing headache, typically in one area or side of your temple or occipital areas, and is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

What causes it?

Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify triggers or factors that cause the headaches, but many cannot. Potential migraine triggers include:

Allergies and allergic reactions
Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odours or perfumes
Physical or emotional stress
Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep
Smoking or exposure to smoke
Skipping meals or fasting
Alcohol
Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during menopause onset
Tension headaches
Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)

Can Migraine attacks be prevented?

Both migraine headaches and the associated symptoms are thought to be notoriously difficult to treat, yet there are a number of things any sufferer can do to reduce the frequency and intensity of an attack.

Take a look at some of the potential triggers below, and try the recommended solutions for a drug-free approach to migraine management

Problem 1. Shallow breathing: Try instead to do frequent deep belly breathing which can reverse and prevent migraines.

Problem 2. Neck Pain: I recommend Biocranial Kinesiology and EFT which can help in preventing neck pain and migraines

Problem 3. Food triggers: Avoid artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, MSG, flour, sugar, fried foods, cheese, coffee and sodas.

Avoid specific foods that are known triggers for migraine headaches. These Include chocolate, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, sodas, refined sugars, gluten-containing grains, aged cheeses and peanuts are some of the more common food culprits that may be causing your migraines.

Reduce homocysteine by taking B12, Folic acid and B6.
Eat lots of raw or steam vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish.

Problem 4. Lack of key supplements: I recommend taking a Co Q10 supplement daily with half teaspoon of olive oil since it is fat soluble. I recommend taking omega 3 essential fatty acids is essential in preventing migraines. Also I recommend taking 5HTP [Tryptophan] will help to reduce migraines and enhance deep sleep.

Problem 5. Mineral’s deficiency: I recommend taking Magnesium, Calcium, and all other trace minerals which help in preventing and reversing migraines.

Problem 6.Lack of key vitamins: I recommend taking B1 Thiamin, B2 Riboflavin, B3 Niacinamide and vitamin DIII daily which has been proven clinically to reduce headaches and migraines.

Problem 7. Lack of exercise: Aerobic exercise is useful to reduce stress and migraines.

Problem 8. Tension and Stress: Biofeedback has been proven scientifically to be the best natural treatment to prevent migraines.

Problem 9. Hormones: Hormones are also linked to migraines. A marked association exists between women’s headaches and their menstrual cycles, and in no headache type is this more obvious than in migraines.

Researchers suggest that 10 to 20 percent of all women experience some sort of a migraine during or around the time of their menstrual period.

Problem 10. Allergies: Avoid Allergies and sensitivities to certain substances that are triggers for migraines. Migraine sufferers decreased their symptoms when sensitivity-causing foods were eliminated from their diet.

Bonus Tip 11. Herbs that help: Taking lavender, Feverfew; Chasteberry tea, ginger, peppermint oil, Ginger Tea, cayenne and Butterbur root are known to help the reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks for many migraines sufferers.

Using the above natural solutions to mitigate migraines is much safer and effective than using over the counter or prescription medications.

 

Author’s Bio:
Dr. George Grant is considered by his peers as Canada‘s Wellness Ambassador & Champion. He is the founder & CEO of Academy of Wellness in 1983. Dr Grant enjoys a stellar academic background as well as a fascinating career in research. He is a scientist, professor, analytical chemist, toxicologist, pharmacologist, microbiologist, nutritionist, biofeedback, stress management & pain specialist, and indoor air quality specialist. Dr Grant is the author of 7 best-selling books, former Scientist at University of Saskatchewan‘s Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Professor at Seneca College in Toronto, and Senior Consultant for Health Canada as well as in private practice.

 

What do you think?

Do you live with migraine? Have you tried natural or alternative solutions to help you? We would love to hear your tips and stories about a natural plant or food cure. Please take a minute to join the conversation.

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