Click on right arrow button above to start playing the video.
What disabling condition affects one in five Americans and is poorly treated with conventional medicine -- yet is nearly 100 percent preventable by addressing the underlying causes?
Migraines!
But these aren't just any headaches.
These severe, nearly disabling headaches can occur from once a year to three to four times a week. They can last from hours to days, creating suffering for millions of people.
They are often associated with an aura, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, and severe throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. They can even be associated with stroke-like symptoms or paralysis.
And the cost to society is enormous.
Migraine headaches add $13 billion to $17 billion to our healthcare costs each year.
These costs include medications, emergency department visits, hospitalization, physician services (primary care and specialty), laboratory and diagnostic services, and managing the side effects of treatment.
Those are the direct costs from treatment. But migraines have indirect costs too.
Headache is the most frequent pain-related complaint among workers. Focusing specifically on migraine, one study found that the annual cost to employers exceeded $14.5 billion, of which $7.9 billion was due to absenteeism and $5.4 billion to diminished productivity.
So this is a HUGE problem -- both to those who suffer and to society as a whole.
Worse, migraines are hard to treat and very difficult to prevent with conventional approaches.
There are a host of preventive drugs -- calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, and more -- which work poorly, if at all, and are accompanied by frequent side effects. Some doctors are now even using Botox to paralyze neck muscles in the hopes of easing migraines.
There is a new class of medication called triptans (like Imitrex, Maxalt, and Zomig) that can stop a migraine once it starts. Though these have made migraine sufferers handle the attacks better, they also have serious potential side effects, including strokes, and are expensive. Still other treatments can lead to addiction or dependence.
Not a pretty picture. And for many, none of these treatments work very well or at all.
The problem with migraines is the same that we see so often in medicine: We treat the symptoms, not the cause.
We only deal with the effects of something and not the underlying 7 keys to UltraWellness.
In fact, using Functional medicine and UltraWellness I have been able to get nearly 100 percent of my patients migraine free -- within days to weeks.
Many of my patients are doctors themselves and are often at the end of their rope.
One was a physician from the Mayo Clinic, the Mecca of conventional medicine. This woman had severe, disabling migraines and barely functioned at work. She depended on oxycodone (a strong morphine-like narcotic) and Zofran (a powerful anti-nausea drug used for chemotherapy patients).
She had seen every specialist at the Mayo Clinic and had traveled far and wide to other top neurology headache centers but never found relief.
Why?
Everybody focused on her headaches, not her other symptoms -- which held all of the clues to her problem.
You see, migraine is no different from any other disease. It's simply the NAME we call a set of symptoms that are common in groups of people.
The NAME tells us NOTHING about the CAUSE of the symptoms, which may be very different depending on the person.
In fact, there may be more than 20 different causes of migraine headaches!
My job is to be a medical detective and find these causes.
It is not to simply prescribe powerful symptom-suppressive drugs. I remember very well working in the emergency room, treating all the chronic migraine patients with intravenous narcotics and nausea medication. I felt bad for them, but worse that I didn't have a way to prevent them from coming back.
Now I do.
So what happened to this doctor who suffered migraines nearly every day for years with no relief?
First, I asked her a lot of questions.
She had many symptoms -- including palpitations, severe constipation, anxiety, insomnia, muscle cramps, and menstrual cramps -- in addition to her migraines.
All of these symptoms are connected.
They told me that her whole system was tight and irritable and crampy. That usually means severe magnesium deficiency, which often results from poor diet, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and stress.
So I put her on high doses of magnesium and cleaned up her diet.
Within a couple of days, she was migraine free and never had another migraine.
She's not the only success story.
Another patient had disabling migraines for 45 years and could not have a social life or plan anything because she spent most of her time in bed with the lights out.
She had an allergy to eggs. No eggs, no migraines -- except when she felt so good after 3 months that she decided to have an egg and ended up in the hospital with a 3-day migraine.
Another patient always had migraines before her period, along with severe PMS, bloating, sugar cravings, breast tenderness, and irritability. This is related to hormonal imbalances, with too much estrogen and too little progesterone. Getting her hormones back in balance relieved her of her migraines. (See my PMS blog for more.)
Yet another patient had genetic problems with her mitochondria and energy metabolism and needed high doses of vitamin B2 and coenzyme Q10 to get relief.
And one recent patient had persistent abdominal bloating after eating, which told me she had overgrowth of bacteria in her small bowel. When we cleared out these bacteria with a non-absorbed antibiotic, all of her migraines went away. (See my irritable bowel blog for more.)
One patient who lived on Diet Coke didn't get rid of her migraines until she gave up the artificial sweetener aspartame.
Another patient had low blood sugar episodes that triggered migraines, so eating small, frequent meals of whole foods stopped the headaches.
And lastly, one patient always got her headaches after exercise in the heat or with dehydration.
As you can see, even though these patients may all have the SAME symptoms, their treatment must be DIFFERENT.
So getting the full story -- with the keys of UltraWellness -- is so important.
Here are the most important causes of migraines and their associated symptoms, and the tests to identify problems.
==> Food Allergy/Bowel and Gut Imbalances
* The symptoms: Fatigue, brain fog, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, joint or muscle pain, postnasal drip and sinus congestion, and more.
* The testing: Check an IgG food allergy panel and also check a celiac panel because wheat and gluten are among the biggest causes of headaches and migraines. Stool testing and urine testing for yeast or bacterial imbalances that come from the gut can also be helpful.
* The treatment: An elimination diet -- getting rid of gluten, dairy, eggs, and yeast -- is a good way to start. Corn can also be a common problem. Getting the gut healthy with enzymes, probiotics, and omega-3 fats is also important.
==> Chemical Triggers
* The causes: A processed food diet including aspartame, MSG (monosodium glutamate), nitrates (in deli meats), sulfites (found in wine, dried fruit, and food from salad bars) is to blame. Tyramine-containing foods like chocolate and cheese are also triggers.
* The treatment: Get rid of additives, sweeteners, sulfites and processed food. Eat a diet rich in whole foods and phytonutrients.
==> Hormonal Imbalances
* The causes: Premenstrual syndrome with bloating, fluid retention, cravings, irritability, breast tenderness, menstrual cramps; use of an oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy; or even just being pre-menopausal, which leads to too much estrogen and not enough progesterone because of changes in ovulation.
* The testing: Blood or saliva hormone testing looks for menopausal changes or too much estrogen.
* The treatment: Eat a whole-foods, low-glycemic-load, high-phytonutrient diet with flax, soy, and cruciferous vegetables. Use herbs such as Vitex, along with magnesium and B6. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. Exercise and stress reduction also help.
==> Magnesium Deficiency
* The symptoms: Anything that feels tight or crampy, like headaches, constipation, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, sensitivity to loud noises, muscle cramps or twitching, palpitations, etc.
* The testing: Check red blood cell magnesium levels. Even this can be normal in the face of total body deficiency, so treatment with magnesium based on the symptoms is the first choice.
* The treatment: Magnesium glycinate, citrate or aspartate in doses that relieve symptoms or until you get loose bowels. If you have kidney disease of any kind, do this only with a doctor's supervision.
==> Mitochondrial Imbalances
* The symptoms: Fatigue, muscle aching, and brain fog, although sometimes the only symptom can be migraines.
* The testing: Checking urinary organic acids can be helpful to assess the function of the mitochondria and energy production.
* The treatment: Taking 400 mg of riboflavin (B2) twice a day and 100 to 400 mg a day of coenzyme Q10 can be helpful, as can as other treatments to support the mitochondria (see UltraWellness Key 6).
Keep in mind that sometimes a combination of treatments is necessary. Other treatments can be helpful in selected cases, such as herbal therapies (feverfew and butterbur), acupuncture, homeopathy, massage, and osteopathic treatment to fix structural problems.
The bottom line is that this problem -- which affects one in five Americans and costs society $17 billion a year -- is almost entirely preventable, simply by following the principles of Functional Medicine and UltraWellness.
So get to the bottom of your symptoms -- and get ready for migraine relief.
Now I'd like to hear from you...
Do you suffer from migraines?
What treatments have you tried and how are they working?
Have you found a connection between the causes I've mentioned and your headaches? What steps have you taken to address them?
Please click on the Add a Comment button below to share your thoughts.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, M.D.
|
If you like this blog post, please click on the "Digg it" icon to the left to cast your vote. If you'd like to leave a comment or want to see what others have said about this post, click on the appropriate button below. |
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Newsvine
Furl
Google
YahooSubscribe to the UltraWellness Blog
Click here to subscribe to the UltraWellness Blog Feed
OR
Be notified by email when a new post is made.
By submitting, you agree to terms of use and privacy policy
Subscribe to the UltraWellness TV Podcast
You can now subscribe to an audio version of each weekly blog. The easiest way to do this is to add this to your iPod or other MP3 player. Simply click on the appropriate button below to do this now:
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
i suffered from migraine since age ten and was hospitalized for up to six days at a time with demerol IV (which didn't help at all!). a food allergy panel revealed a sensitivity/allergy to nightshades..avoiding these foods help me cut the incidence of migraine dramatically! imitrex is a godsend; i carry an inhaler/injection wherever i go...so i can rest easy if the symptoms appear while driving or in public..i am no longer debilitated for days on end..when i see a street person, i wonder if their life was destroyed by migraine.."there but for the grace of god go i"...
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Dr. Hyman's information regarding the role magnesium plays in headaches was very enlightening. I've been taking magnesium citrate since last year when I first did his detox program (The Detox Box) and have gone from monthly migraines to almost zero migraines. I'm certain the additional supplements I take and the changes to my diet have helped as well. My son has autism, and I've noticed that since he has been taking similar supplements including magnesium his reaction to loud noises has also decreased! I didn't know there was a connection between anxiety, irritability, insomnia, less tolerance to loud noise (he has problems with all of the above) and a magnesium deficiency. I thought it was all due to his sensitive hearing, but maybe he has sensitive hearing because he had a magnesium deficiency? Thank you Dr. Hyman for your great books and fantastic website.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Dr. Hyman, I was very happy to get this post, since this Monday and Tuesday I was suffering from a migraine and trying to find out how to fix it. I have to admit though, none of the triggers/symptoms you mentioned seem to fit me. When mine came on, I was on my vanpool on the way to work, I hadn't eaten anything yet, and I only drank some water that morning. Everytime I get one (although unusual) I either wake up and immediately get one, or shortly thereafter. I usually never get one in the afternoon or evening. When I was in college I would get them more often and was on Imitrex but I hated taking that immensley. After a few years they started dwinddling away, and now I only get them maybe 2-3 times a year if that.. Any thoughts as to what the cause may be? I would love to get rid of these for good!!
Thank you!
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I have suffered from Migraines since I was a child. I get the light flashes, sick to my stomach, & vey bad pain. When I was a child, my dad made me take salt tablets. I never went to the Dr. I am allergic to milk, that I do know. I do take prescription medicine now. I live in the middle of the country and here it is hard to find a natural Dr.. Although, when I know I am not going in public, I put Peppermint Oil on my neck and temples of my forehead and it helps, but I do not like the smell.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I am glad that Dr. Hyman talked about this. About 5 months ago I got a headache so bad I almost fainted. The headache has never really went away. I went to the emergency room twice (I got really strong drugs and they did not help), The Diamond Headache Clinic, where I was admitted for 3 days, (they gave me drugs with bad side effects), I went to my Doctor and she put me on Imitrex and it did not help plus I did not like the side effects. The doctors never gave me test like Dr. Hyman suggested. Can we just ask our Doctor to give us these tests or do we have to go to a doctor like Dr. Hyman. Is the tests covered by health insurance? I have alot of these symptoms that Dr. Hyman listed but I do not want to start on anything else until I know for sure what is wrong with me and how to go about the right way to fix it. I live in Illinois, so can someone refer me to some who can do these type of tests, or not is Dr. Hyman seeing new patients or can you refer me to someone in my area?
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I had what everyone thought was a sinus headaches for over 20 years. nothing helped. I would have a average of 3-4 days a week with a headache all day long. the only time I did not have it was out to sea in the navy. Bingo, alergies to pollen and such.
Wrong.
Well, one year for lent I gave up chocolate... pretty big sacrifice for me.
I remarked how allergy free the air was about 1 week before easter. Easter day I had chocolate and within 30 minutes I had a killer headache. Wow, that was strange so a week later I had more chocolate and again within 30 minutes. Killer headache. I am allergic to chocolate. I have not had any in 2 years, and have been almost headache free since then. Every so often I have it, but it is always the same.
I think it is funny now that for 20 years I would stay home with a headache due to "seasonal allergies" and eat chocolate to "feel better"........ it is not always what you think.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Good article!
My migraines are triggered by hormonal imbalance -- high estrogen to progesterone. Also looks like from your article the magnesium deficiency may play a roll. Other triggers are weather changes and lack of sleep.
I have tried beta blockers, Topamax, hormone therapy and anti-depressants for preventatives. None of these worked. Most recently I've been on channel blockers (8 mons now) which have alleviated my attacks about 60%, which is great! Still have menstrual migraines and terrible constipation from the drug, which I have to take lots of Metamucil every night in order to relieve.
I've tried the wheat gluten allergy elimination, probiotics, colon therapy and a another food allergy elimination diet, all with no effect on my migraines. I've take CoQ10, certain herbs, B2 (riboflavin), B6, and I can't remember what else was on the list. Spent lots of money on supplements and took them for a year with no relief.
I went to a chiropractor for 2 years and no relief. I've had past life regression therapy, accupuncture, other alternate healings -- you name it!!
No doctor has ever been able to balance my hormones effectively. I had saliva testing which confirmed the estrogen/progesterone imbalance. My Neurologist is clueless and my gyno has tried all that he could in the way of giving me progestrone, etc. I've also tried the creams... I'm now 41 and in perimenopause. I guess I have 8-10 more years of this crap?
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I've suffered with migraines for the last 10 yrs. I was put on Zomag 2.5 mg sometimes it works other times it doesn't. I just had a complete work up with allergies and I'm not allergic to any foods. I am on a hormone replacement patch do to a total hysterictomy this past june. I'm still getting the migraines at least 2-3 a week. the meds work but boy would I like t=not to have any more migraines.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I was diagnosed with familial (all the women on my mother's side have them) migraines at Children's hospital when I had (apparently) a migraine which caused me to black out on my bike resulting in a blowout fracture behind my eye. Up until then, I had suffered with almost daily migraine attacks (like clockwork at 1PM) which included vomitting, pain, and sensitivity to light. However, no real link (minus the pre-menstral as an adult) has been directly established since then. Allergy testing revealed I was pretty much allergic to everything in my environment, but cutting everything out had no effect. Another trigger I have found is flourescant lights (the flickering I assume, the special non-flicker types seem to not cause them.)
I still suffer from migraines anywhere from 1-2 a month to 3-5 a week (stress IS a factor, but not always.) I have not tried very many supplements (including what you listed) so that's an idea. I can't take any of the meds from the imitrex family as I have adverse reactions to those, and currently I only take large doses of ibuprofin at the start of a migraine to hold it off (though it doesn't eliminate it) because the medications a neurologist wanted me on were the equivalent of a monthly car payment AFTER insurance paid most of the cost. So I guess you could say I have found a way to adapt, but not eliminate the problem of migraines.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
My wife had migraines for 30 years(once or twice a week). Her doctor put her on Lopid for cholesterol. That ended her migraines forever.(Her total cholesterol reading was about 205). She has stopped the lopid (fearing it causes cancer) and the migraines have not come back(she has been free of them for 14 years). Her doctor had never heard of this form of cure.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I used to get migraines. They turned out to be caused by aspartame and also by anxiety. I quit drinking aspartame and later learned to meditate, which requires you to relax your body first. The relaxing is what did it; I learned to relax the muscles at the base of my skull, and the migraines went away. Now they don't even bother to get started.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I have suffered from migraines since I was 7 years old (I'm currently 51.) About 17 years ago, I participated in a headache study at Ohio University. Through relaxation techniques and biofeedback (handwarming), I managed to go from 2 - 4 migraines/week that might last for days to 1 or 2 every 6 months. If I am awake when the aura hits, I am frequently able to stop the headache altogether, or at least turn it into an ordinary, run-of-the-mill headache (no light sensitivity, no nausea, no "please turn off the world").
The next time I have a migraine, I will examine if there is any connection with the foods etc., you have mentioned.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I've suffered with migraines for over 20 years, and chronic daily headache for about 6 years. From hormone imbalance to food sensitivites, I could relate to every point you made. I've been looking for a natural way to relieve my pain and thank you for pointing me in the right direction.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I've suffered with migraines for over 20 years, and chronic daily headache for about 6 years. From hormone imbalance to food sensitivites, I could relate to every point you made. I've been looking for a natural way to relieve my pain and thank you for pointing me in the right direction.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Growing up I was never a "headache person"... with extremely bad eyesight, I was prone to eyestrain if I wasn't careful.
Then, when I was 25 I got meningitis (they think it was bacterial, but I was misdiagnosed and put on antibiotics for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever... SIGH!)
I went untreated & then mis-treated for a week until I was rushed to the ER and then admitted for a week on cocktails of antibiotics and painkillers.
Ever since that experience I've been prone to headaches and... MIGRAINES! Yuck. If I catch them quick enough (just as soon as I notice the visual symptoms) with 800 mg of ibuprofen, I'm usually fine. If not, well then I suffer until it goes away.
However, my poor daughter has had them since she was 12 and has a pediatric neurologist already! Her first migraine hit her about a month before her first cycle so we suspect that is it a hormonal imbalance... and she has symptoms including numbness in her hands and severe vomiting. Bless her little heart... this just isn't fair!
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Dr. Hyman,
First, I have to tell you briefly about a funny coincidence. I was looking over all the "diet" books yesterday at a bookstore ( I am a Nutritionist) and came across your latest. I had previously read "Ultra Prevention" and have been a fan ever since.
I quickly perused it, and decided I wanted to try to contact you to thank you for your great approach, and to make a few comments. Then, today, a friend of mine sent me your blog on migraines, because I get them. I didn't realize the advice was yours until the end. But all through reading it I was thinking how right-on this person was and that I should try to contact this person to share my ideas and comments. Then I found out it was you. So, I guess I really am supposed to reach out to you!
Anyway, I agree in general with your take on treating migraines from an individualized approach. However, I believe there is a huge missing piece when it comes to understanding and treating migraines. In fact, this missing piece is probably the underlying problem in most diseases and conditions. That is, the role of defective of deficient metabolic enzyme systems.
I would love to hear your ideas or comments about the role of this system. I know that science is starting to emerge on this subject and the future will really focus on this path for understanding diseases and health conditions. I think that if we did a study measuring people's ability to metabolize certain substances such as medications, caffeine, etc, that would enable us to narrow down which group will end up with which condition, etc.
Are you familiar with the drug metabolism
tests now available by Roche? I have read that there are generally 3-4 types of metabolizers; fast, medium, slow and non-working. I have a hunch that the slow group (and non-working obviously)ends up with the most problems.
That would explain why some people can eat bad foods, smoke, drink, etc and still live a long life. They have good metabolic enzyme systems that help to excrete toxins quickly. The slow group basically slowly poisons their own bodies.
Although knowing this still doesn't provide a definitive treatment, it would go a long way in helping us to identify which system isn't working so that we can develop possible genetic work and maybe supplements to fix these defects.
Quite honestly, until we get to this level, all other treatments are band-aids. I know first-hand that the more triggers I avoid the better I am. But I also realize that the same reason why these common, non-toxic triggers bother me and not someone else is because my body cannot metabolize these substances as well as maybe the next person.
While a lot of this is genetic, I believe, like you do, that diet and external influences certainly affect the development of these defects in the first place. In fact, I am certain that the mother's (and probably father's) diet influences these genetic variations. So again, healthy diet advice is essential and at this point in civilization, crucial to our future health.
So, thank you for doing the work you are doing. But if you can offer any insight into how to truly improve the underlying problem with metabolic (not just digestive) enzyme systems more, I would be most appreciative.
Also, I am the co-founder of a group called "MOMS-I.N.C", moms improving nutrition for children. We are a group of parents who are frustrated with the poor nutritional state of our kid's school lunch programs and are trying to get them changed. We go to schools to try to help them transition to healthier food.
We are somewhat more unconventional than other groups out there as we don't just focus on "low fat" foods, but rather more natural and whole foods and getting out what we call "The Fake 5". If you would like more info about us please check out our website at: www.moms-inc.com. BTW, we are looking for experts, like yourself, who share our philosophy to support our cause. We also are trying to link up with other people that we want to support. So please let me know if you are interested. Thank you for your time and continued efforts in the field of health.
Sincerely,
Robin Ingersoll
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I too had migraines. After being sent to a pain clinic for an occipital nerve block, I decided to find the root of my problem. I hold stress in my neck and shoulders. If it gets bad enough BINGO...the migraine. I am aware of the tension in my neck and shoulders now and I head it off before it developes into a migraine. I apply pressure to the trapezius muscle up to a minute at a time until the spasm releases. Follow it with alternating heat and cold and I do fine.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
My 9 year old has been have migraines since last fall. we've seen ped. neurologist and she's on tricyclics now. often it is exercised induced (swim team) I'm going to have her food allergy tested. Can young children take mg supplements?
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Everyone BEWARE. Your personal information like your weight and what you write on the forums is NOT CONFIDENTIAL. My daughter (on her computer, not mine) googled my name a few days ago and what came up was this website and, without my login or password, she was able to access MY PROFILE and gain access to EVERYTHING. The promises of confidentiality on this website are NOT TRUE. I emailed the support address and received no response. IF I WERE YOU, I WOULD DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO DELETE ALL THAT YOU CAN ABOUT YOURSELF FROM THIS SITE. IT IS NOT SAFE.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Everyone BEWARE. Your personal information like your weight and what you
write on the forums is NOT CONFIDENTIAL. My daughter (on her computer, not
mine) googled my name a few days ago and what came up was this website and,
without my login or password, she was able to access MY PROFILE and gain
access to EVERYTHING. The promises of confidentiality on this website are
NOT TRUE. I emailed the support address and received no response. IF I
WERE YOU, I WOULD DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO DELETE ALL THAT YOU CAN ABOUT
YOURSELF FROM THIS SITE. IT IS NOT SAFE.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Dr. Hyman,
You said that someone who is constantly bloated after they eat needs antibiotics. I gave up gluten because I found I have celiac and am still bloated all of the time. It seems that no matter what I do my gut won't heal, resulting in many other problems. What antibiotic do you recommend? Do you have other suggestions?(I'm currently doing your detox box program) Thanks. I love your work.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Well, I have fatigue, muscle aches brain fog, digestive problems, but not headaches, never migranes.
Arlene
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Thanks so much for this topic Doc!
I have been suffering from migraine headaches for over 20 years. I currently take Maxalt and fortunately that helps.
I have taken many steps to prevent my headaches, such as keeping a headache journal, practicing relaxation techniques, staying hydrated and cleaning up my diet.
My question is this...could there be a relation between headaches and skin allergies? I have dermatitis and eczema, which is now becoming a chronic condition. I have read your blog which lists various symptoms and suggestions for treatment, but none of them seem to fit my situation.
Any thoughts?
Thanks! : )
Ellen
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Great to see more sensible approaches to conventional medicine. However, there is still a large piece missing, in my opinion. We are not just physical beings; our physiology is also affected massively by our emotions and spiritual state. See the work of Candice Peart - her first book was called Molecules of Emotion - and the topic of psycho-neuro-immunology.
I had classic one-sided migraines as a child and young adult. They began within a very short time after the death of my older sister. Avoiding some trigger foods had a lessening effect. Going to a chiropractor or going to sleep helped the immediate problem.
What actually got rid of them was realising that there was an emotional component. Whenever I beat myself up for not being perfect, what a headache that became! It seems that almost every migraine-sufferer I talk to can relate to this. My image is that it's almost like bashing yourself over the head with a baseball bat. Well, they hurt that much, don't they?
Our heads, our faces, relate to our self-image. Our constant modern-day insistence on improving quality and doing more can lead us to believe that the best we can do, as individuals, is never enough. The pressure this can create is enormous.
The answer? Do what it takes to respect and love yourself as the wonderful human being you are, rather than critically judging yourself for any and every little thing (yes, this can be very challenging, but is well worth the vigilance and effort!).
Find the ways that will work for you, to teach yourself that the best you can do now Is Enough. Perfection is impossible - every time you tell yourself it's the only state that is acceptable, you will set up failure. This sense of always failing, and the emotional pressure it causes, raises anxiety levels, put-down self talk loops, and a host of unfavourable reactions in the physical body - including migraines.
An extremely useful phrase, if you catch yourself in that put-down thought, is: "Mind, that thought is not useful. Please replace it with a positive one." Be surprised that you do know what is useful, and there will be words there!
Any sign of a headache is now a warning to me that I have a self-esteem or anger issue to deal with. Often, just that acknowledgment is enough to head it off. Make sure that you give it the attention it wants, and deal with the issue to resolve it in some fashion. Then, the pressure is gone, or at least lessened.
The other thing a friend found very useful - he had migraines that often began with flashing lights and auras, sometimes three days at a stretch - was palming. This involves placing the palms of the slightly cupped hands gently over the eyes - without touching the eyeball. No pressure there at all; the heel of the hand rests on the cheekbone, and the fingers cross over your the bridge of your nose, to make a firm mask around the outside of the skull that shuts out the light. So no pressure on the eyes themselves at all. No matter how cold your hands may be to begin, their energy will warm up the space. (You can rub them together first if you want.) Let your eyelids close gently.
It's the energy from the palms that is absorbed by the eyes and assists with relaxing the visual system - and the mind. Sit for a few minutes and let your visual system relax in the darkness. Breathe, and slow down the out-breath if you can. It's important to have the head balanced easily on top of the neck, and good to support your elbows so that your back and neck are in a straight, but not rigid, line and your arms and shoulders don't tire. Turn the chair around and use the back, or prop on the desk, or a stack of cushions off the couch, or use your pillow on your chest if you're lying in bed ....
When you're done, keep the eyes closed, gently pull the hands away, giving the shut eyes a few moments to adapt to the light. Take in a full, deep breath, and as you breathe out, blink blink blink your eyes open.
You may also want to move your head gently around and do some shoulder rotations and shrugs. It's all good relaxation stuff and only takes moments. On the other hand, if you have the time, 20 minutes of palming can be fantastic. Put on some relaxing music, perhaps. Something uplifting.
Oh, and remember too, that headaches can sometimes be caused by internal structural problems within the skull, or the movement of the cranial bones themselves. It's worth having your eyes checked by a ophthalmologist - an eye specialist, who is trained to pick up any eye or related diseases - and if necessary, perhaps some scans or x-rays done (whatever the most appropriate medical procedure suggests) to make sure there isn't anything physical, such as a swelling or tumour creating the pressure.
All the best! Give yourself a pat on the back - yes, most of us can reach, do it physically - when you achieve a task, get something finished, however small or large. Take the time to honour yourself. You deserve it.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Hi Ellen,
See my post about self-esteem and emotional causes for migraines. A study carried out by Roche many years ago found that a huge percentage of skin related conditions were attributable to self-esteem issues. This is the underlying stuff showing up as symptoms of dis-ease on the surface. Change what's on the inside - the thought patterns and belief and emotinal reactions - and what's on the outside will also change.
Of course,there may be other factors too, I'm not claiming that this is the whole answer. However, it tends to be ignored in conventional medicine, and it's such an important part of who we are as human beings!
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Regarding Magnesium deficiency, can you be more specific on the dosage and type of Magnesium that you should take, or at least start with? I went to the pharmacy to pick some up and there are, for one thing, two types: extended release and non-extended release (with the extended release being a much smaller dose, or molecule, but also much more expensive). The pharmicist indicated that with the extended release molecule your body can absorb essentially the same or more than the non-extended; but that is not always the case. So first, do you have an opinion on extended release vs. non-extended release supplements?
Next, they looked up recommended Magnesium supplement dosages and they said between 400-500 mg was recommended. So I bought 250 mg tablets (not extended release) and will try taking one tablet 2 times per day to see if I notice a difference.
If Magnesium deficiency is a problem, how long after taking the supplement should one observe the benefit?
Also, the article refers to Magnesium "glycinate, citrate or aspartate" supplements; but at the pharmacy I visited, none of the Magnesium supplements used these words. I purchased Magnesium that in the ingredients listed Magnesium Oxide (first) and also Magnesium Stearate. Is this essentially the same thing? If not, what brand can you recommend?
For the record, a bought a brand called Nature Made. Are you familiar with this brand and/or can you make a recommendation one way or the other about the product? It was less than $3.00 for 100 250 mg tablets, so the price seemed pretty fair.
I look forward to and thank you for your guidance.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I get monthly hormone-related headaches and I have tried so many things to try and get to the root of the problem.
One thing that I have found that has lessened the severity of the attacks is Homocysteine lowering supplements like Tri Methylglycine, Vitamin B12, B6, B1 and B2, and folic acid.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I seem to always get a migraine when outside for a few hours. Then spend the next 24 hrs in bed. Do you have any suggestions. My daughter plays softball and a day at the ball park always ends up with a migraine and bed for me. PLEASE HELP ME!
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Hello My name is Cindi, I am 50 years old, gastric bypass patient, I am ready to start the program but have some concerns. 1) will this program work with gastric bypass? and 2) I drive for a living and am concerned about the need of using the bathroom to frequently can anyone answer these Questions for me? Thank you
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Did you know that taking that much ibuprofen can actually cause more headaches/migraines?
It's like an earthquake: The big one happens and then little aftershocks follow. With a migraine, the ibuprofen will take away the immediate effects but cause little "aftershocks," if you will, that cause more trouble later. I used to take a lot of ibuprofen until a friend of mine said her doctor told her taking all that ibuprofen makes things worse. I switched to using Alieve, which I think works better and faster. It may be that you are building up an immunity to the ibuprofen, since you take so many. Switching to a different pain killer, such as Alieve might help you. Just don't overdose. Hope this helps!
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
This is my second attempt for HELP! If anyone has any ideas, suggestions, comments please reply.
I seem to always get a migraine when outside for a few hours. Then spend the next 24 hrs in bed. Do you have any suggestions. My daughter plays softball and a day at the ball park always ends up with a migraine and bed for me. PLEASE HELP ME!
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I have found that I must wear wrap-around sunglasses as soon as I walk out the door due to sensitivity to bright light. If I don't wear sunglasses when driving or when outside at anytime I will end up with a migraine. Also, florescent lights will cause migraine. Always be sure to take medicine as soon as you feel the migraine coming on. The longer you wait, the worse the pain and longer it takes to get rid of the migraine. Hope this helps. Blessings to you, Teresa
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Another comment about being outside and getting migraine.
Try wearing a hat to shade your face. A big thing is to stay hydrated...drink lots of water.
You probably don't want to drink
anything since you are at a ball
field and don't have good access
to a potty. BUT...you will get a
headache from being dehydrated.
Take care, Teresa
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
Another comment about being outside and getting migraine.
Try wearing a hat to shade your face. A big thing is to stay hydrated...drink lots of water.
You probably don't want to drink
anything since you are at a ball
field and don't have good access
to a potty. BUT...you will get a
headache from being dehydrated.
Take care, Teresa
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I enjoy your abilitly to make clear, difficult concepts. As a lay
person , medical double speak,used by physicians, isolates,
insults, and separates communication to patients. SOmething
often on my mind , is that folks who are interested in good
health look for answers. most others are unreachable and
resent the "messengers" in their midst as deluded, crasy, and
whose information and example are an intrusion .
Keep up the good work
SHelli
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
At our offices we use additional detoxification services in addition to what you have stated to detox and rebuild the immune system in adults and children with autism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue irritable bowel and numerous other immune system disorders. We integrate mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber therapy to flood the body with Ambient air, under pressure. This burns off bacterial and virus related symptoms, decreases inflammation and speeds cellular repair. We also use biomedical hydrotherapy to release free radicals through the lymphatic system through a hydrotherapy footbath. We also eliminate yeast, parasites, and toxins through the use of the LIBBE or Colon Hydrotherapy System. We systematically detox the liver, gall bladder, large and small intestine to decrease the ocuurence of a Herkemer reaction or healing crisis during a detox program. In addition, our doctor adjusts the muscles, joints, ligaments and spine so, subluxations are treated and allows ease of eliminiation of the colon. Our Health Educator is also a clinical psychotherapist who,uses hypnosis, EMDR regarding behavioral and emotional issues and educates our patients about environmental toxins, diet and immune system response. We use testing where appropriate and integrate supplements, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes etc... We are collectively,the Lordex Hypberbaric Oxygen Center & Anxiety & Trauma Institute and we can be reached at 773 685-0443 or 773 619-4199 for questions. We are here to work in cooperation with health care providers in oder to benefit people who are unaware for one reason or another, complimentary health services for prevention and overall wellness. We have newsletters about our services and can email them to interested health care providers. Sincerely,
Renae Nagle
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
At our offices we use additional detoxification services in addition to what you have stated to detox and rebuild the immune system in adults and children with autism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue irritable bowel and numerous other immune system disorders.
We integrate mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber therapy to flood the body with Ambient air, under pressure. This burns off bacterial and virus related symptoms, decreases inflammation and speeds cellular repair. We also use biomedical hydrotherapy to release free radicals through the lymphatic system through a hydrotherapy footbath. We also eliminate yeast, parasites, and toxins through the use of the LIBBE or Colon Hydrotherapy System.
We systematically detox the liver, gall bladder, large and small intestine to decrease the ocuurence of a Herkemer reaction or healing crisis during a detox program. In addition, our doctor adjusts the muscles, joints, ligaments and spine so, subluxations are treated and allows ease of eliminiation of the colon. Our Health Educator is also a clinical psychotherapist who,uses hypnosis, EMDR regarding behavioral and emotional issues and educates our patients about environmental toxins, diet and immune system response.
We use testing where appropriate and integrate supplements, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes etc... We are collectively,the Lordex Hypberbaric Oxygen Center & Anxiety & Trauma Institute and we can be reached at 773 685-0443 or 773 619-4199 for questions. We are here to work in cooperation with health care providers in oder to benefit people who are unaware for one reason or another, complimentary health services for prevention and overall wellness.
We have newsletters about our services and can email them to interested health care providers. Sincerely,
Renae Nagle
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I am in my late 50's, and have the terrible habit of taking 2 Excedrin Migraine pills every morning. If I do not take them, I get a headache.
I have very dry eyes; have had 2 ducts in each eye cauterized shut. I use drops periodically throughout the day. It is my belief that this is the real cause of my headaches as I wake up in the morning with my eyes just aching from being so dry.
I got into the habit of taking the Excedrin during my 30+ years in the high stress I.T. profession and being a single parent of 3 children for 26 of those years. I probably have been taking the 2/day for the last 10 years.
I am not working now, and want to take the time to 'detox' myself and break this habit. If try to not take them at all, I end up taking at least one by early afternoon to 'ward off' a headache I feel coming on. I usually do not need more than the 2 in the morning. If the Excedrin does not work on the headaches sometimes, then I drink a Diet Coke, and the added caffeine seems to do the trick.
Any comments/helpful hints on helping wean me from this habit?
Thanks in advance.
Donna
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I too have migraines that begin after being outside. I had a blood test done and found I was allergic to molds commonly found outside. I make sure and drink plenty of water and if a migraine begins I take my medicince (relpax) at the first sign and can usually head it off before it gets too far ahead of me. Hope this helps.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
I have a migraine right now. I know if I don't treat it immediately, it will just go on and on...pounding for days. Maxalt is what I use. But, yes it is very expensive and you only get 6 tablets at a time. Just the thought of that is stressful, hoping that you won't need more in a given time period. You can only fill the prescription during a certain length of time. My General Practisioner referred me to a neurologist. He did some test and prescribed Maxalt. He always wants me to come in every 6 months to basically do the same stuff. No one is really helping me to diagnose the root cause. I think that it is directly linked to my menstrual cycle. I need some guidance because I am very frustrated. I am on edge in anticipation of getting a headache and having no resource to address it. I already used my 6 maxalts and have nothing. Tylenol, Advil, etc. do nothing for me and never did. Please help.
re: How to eliminate migraines and headaches in less than a wee
The MD to whom I go for my annual physical pretty much follows the AMA party line on nutrition and supplements. After my first echocardiogram he told me that I had a leaky valve on the left side of my heart. I did some research and found out that the condition was consistent with low calcium levels so I began supplementing with a multi-mineral. A year later he was very surprised that the valve had almost stopped leaking and said he had no explanation as to how that could happen. When I told him about the supplements he simply said that whatever the cause he was happy to see the improvement.
Since then I have started taking a different supplement called Hydrilla which is vegetable based and easier for my stomach absorb since I have type A blood. It is made by a company named MegaFoods.
My older brother has heart problems so I sent him a large bottle of multi-minerals last Xmas. He was amazed at how much better he felt.
Jim
migraines
My adult daughter has a severe problem with migraines-- the cause of which I have not seen addressed anywhere-- and that is WEATHER RELATED, yes, weather related.
It seems that when the atmospheric pressure changes-- as it does when a weather front is coming through the area-- for whatever reason, perhaps inflammation of blood vessels in the head, prevents the pressure in the head to change as the atmospheric pressure changes. The result is a difference in pressure between the atmosphere and inside your head, much the same as when you are driving and you go up or down a long steep hill and your ears gets plugged because of the change in pressure. Anyway, the result is a debilitating headache that immobilizes you for many hours-- or even days. The pain is so bad, you vomit and therefore cannot eat. You cannot function at all.
Does this sound familiar to anyone??? Is there anyone on the planet that has the same problem with the weather?? I for one have never heard of anyone having migraines caused by changes in atmospheric pressure.
My daughter has been seen by many specialists, and all they can offer is drugs, and what she is on now she calls it rollpaks-- whatever that is-- a newest and very powerful drug that offers some relief if taken at the first sign of a migraine. She has tried feverfew with very limited success, tried magnesium with no effect. Forget immitrex, she throws up.
Forget the allergies to eggs, aspertame, or whatever, forget the magnesium deficiency, forget migraines relating to PMS, forget migraines because of low blood sugar problems, or after exercising, or dehydration caused by overheating-- none of them are relative here!!
Same Situation
memwep
I also can tell when the weather is about to change. I get a terrible migraine and feel like my head is about to explode! I have been prescribed Maxalt which relieves the pain for me. I have not had any problems with this medication. I have also found...and this may sound odd, but I use a small neck vibrator and actually apply it to face around my cheekbones and nose. It actually breaks up the nasal congestion by sneezing. After several sneezes and lots of tissues I usually feel tons better. Just thought I would share this tip because it has helped me. Good luck to your daughter.
Migraines in kids
My son is 7 years old and began having migraines a year ago. He has had a cat scan and seen a specialist twice. We have not been able to figure out a trigger. He has anywhere from 2-5 in a month. They are quite short as long as he vomits right after and if he doesn't, can last a few hours. During his migraines he is extremely sensitive to sound and light. Any suggestions on perhaps a homeopathy therapy might be useful.
Migraines
I have neve suffered from migraines until the last 2 years or so . They are infrequent and irregular. They start with the eye auras. I have taken Imatrex and that works and can sometimes get past them and it doesn't develop into anything more. So I do not know where to start? I am 52.
Migraines
I've had migraines for a long time, maybe since I was about 9? I didn't know they were migraines until I was around 14. I would usually get them no more than 4-5 times a year, but over the past 2 years my diet had changed for the worse. I was eating a lot of junk, processed food, and also I would drink diet drinks. So I was getting a migraine every month, or more than once a month.
I always knew diet drinks were bad for me, because I would usually get a migraine if I drank anything with nutrasweet. Another trigger was hot dogs. I would get them if I used birth control pills, espcecially at the time when you are supposed to stop so you can get your period. Many times if the lights are too bright I get them. If my sleep patterns change I get them. And yes of course, everyone's worst nightmare: chocolate. How can I not like chocolate people ask me
It has been two months since I've started cleaning up my diet. I am perpetually stuck doing the preparation phase since I usually eat things I shouldn't like sugar or white rice. But even just cutting out artificial sweetners, most processed and junk foods, caffeine has all helped me. It's also helped with my PMS symptoms.
One thing about Imitrex. I have a prescription, it worked for me once or twice. But usually it makes me super naseous, and it doesn't take the pain away. Plus it makes me feel like I am drugged, so it doesn't help me get anything done. I still have to go to sleep. Just the same as if I let the migraine run its own course. So I am glad to have found this book and others that talk about going back to whole foods and getting away from all the junk.
Normal 0 false false false EN
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
I have no problem with
I have no problem with headaches. Maybe just because I am taking vitamins supplements every day, but I can tell you I recently read in an article that the ten cents worth of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) a day decreases migraines by 67%! Riboflavin is one of many easy, natural ways to prevent most migraines in just 6 weeks.