subject: Chiropractor Hermosa Beach Ca | Finding Natural And Nutritional Cures For Migraines [print this page] I'm endlessly surprised at the number of people I know who suffer from migraines; what I also find surprising is that many of them are young people. This leads me to believe that largely, the migraines must be brought on by environmental and dietary factors, from the chemicals in our processed foods to the pressures of our time-is-money society. Some people seem to be more genetically susceptible to migraine attacks than others.
Eating to Alleviate Migraines -
If you're prone to migraines, your diet is going to be very important in controlling them. You want to avoid simple carbohydrates (like sugar) and eat lots of protein. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, has been associated with migraines; blood sugar tends to drop during migraine attacks, and the lower the blood sugar, the worse the headache. Therefore, your dietary guidelines will be the same as those for controlling hypoglycemia.
These guidelines include limiting the consumption of alcohol, canned and packaged foods, dried fruits, refined and processed foods, salt, saturated fats, sugar, soft drinks, and white flour. Artificial colors or preservatives are also no-nos.
If you drink sweet fruit juices such as grape or prune, mix them with an equal amount of water. Acceptable sweeteners include the South American herb stevia (it's available in liquid form, has no calories, and is 200 times sweeter than sugar), barley malt syrup, molasses, and brown rice syrup.
Fiber is very important, including large quantities of raw or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, raw spinach, squash, and string beans. Beans, brown rice, lentils, oats, oat bran, potatoes, and tofu are also good, as well as fruits such as apples, apricots, avocadoes, bananas, cantaloupes, grapefruits, lemons, and persimmons.
Almonds, almond milk, cherries, fennel, fresh pineapple, garlic, parsley, and watercress will help.
Living to Alleviate Migraines -
Regular moderate exercise is important; this can be as simple as a daily walk and gentle stretching. Yoga is an amazing technique for building strength and endurance while eliminating tension from the body. Massage your neck and the back of your head every day. Eat small meals with small, nutritious snacks in between, rather than fewer larger meals, since fluctuations in blood sugar levels trigger migraines.
Visit your dentist regularly, since tooth problems can be contributing factors in migraines. Don't smoke, and stay away from secondhand smoke. Try to avoid loud noises, high altitudes, and strong odors.
Music can has a calming effect that can bring relief from migraines. Also look into acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic care.
Helpful Herbs -
If you would like to avoid prescription pharmaceutical pain relievers, your best bet is to make sure your body is getting all of the vitamins and minerals it needs, which will typically require supplements no matter how nutritionally sound your diet is.
Also, certain herbs can help to prevent and control symptoms. These include cordyceps, which reduces anxiety and stress and promotes sound sleep; feverfew, which helps to relieve pain; ginkgo biloba, which enhances cerebral circulation; and cayenne, chamomile, ginger, peppermint, rosemary, valerian, willow bark, and wormwood.
So improve your overall health, control your migraines, and take charge of your life!
