Natural Remedies for Migraines

Migraine headaches are the arch nemeses of those who suffer them. This is because migraines do more than cause pain. According to researchers, these are paroxysmal ailments often accompanied by loss of appetite, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Some individuals even experience numbness and weakness in an arm, leg or along one side of the face. Migraines are also associated with disorders of digestion, sight and liver. The pain of a migraine is normally on just one side of the head and starts from behind the eye. Persons who suffer migraines may have them on the left side on one occasion and on the right on another. Migraines may also attack for several consecutive days or once every several years. No predictable cycle has yet been established with these debilitating headaches. The cause of migraines is also a mystery, although doctors believe they may be triggered by alcohol, stress, sleep deprivation and weather changes. It is believed that migraines occur when blood flow abruptly decreases in arteries. This is the result of tightened neck and head muscles, as often happen during times of stress. Once a person relaxes those muscles, the blood vessel walls expand and stretch, causing blood to pump furiously with each heartbeat. The vessels can then stretch even further and lead to immense pain.

Natural Remedies Using Diet

A large number of people employ natural remedies to relieve pain and possibly prevent future attacks. Patients and experts alike report diet as one of the most effective therapies for migraines. Accordingly, one place to start is with fruits and vegetables. The juice of ripe grapes, spinach, beets and cucumbers all provide natural and effective pain relief. Taking a glass of such juice at the onset of a migraine can hinder its physical impact. Well-balanced diets that consist of vegetables and fruits, nuts, grains and seeds are also viable migraine therapies. This is because such foods keep the body cleansed and free of processed-foods build-up. As such, white flour products, sugars, refined cereals and greasy foods should all be avoided. These can create toxins that further debilitate the body during migraine episodes. Yogurt, milk and honey should also be included with a nutrient-rich diet. Persons who suffer migraines should eat smaller meals with regular frequency, and water must be consumed in large quantities at all times. Such steps aid the digestion process and keep the body working optimally.

Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs are Therapeutic for Migraines

According to researchers, Niacin has proven helpful in relieving migraine pain. This vitamin is found in such foods as whole wheat, fish, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin I supplement tablets can also be taken for migraine relief. Magnesium is a mineral that occurs in whole grains, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. Studies have shown that this nutrient can reduce the frequency of migraines by up to 41.6 percent per month. Additional studies have confirmed that magnesium reduces both the frequency of severity of migraine attacks. As this mineral is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions, people would do well to enjoy its many benefits. Feverfew is an herb used for centuries in Europe. In the 1980s, feverfew became particularly popular throughout England for the treatment of migraines. Today, studies reveal that feverfew is effective in decreasing migraine frequency. Some side effects are associated with this remedy, so it should be taken with caution. Vitamin B2, fish oil and butterbur are additional supplements considered beneficial for the treatment of migraines. These can be found in supplement form from health food stores.

Additional Home Remedies for Migraines

A large amount of information is available regarding natural remedies and migraines. According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 29.5 million Americans suffer from these headaches. Patients and doctors are thus well-versed in seeking treatment for them. In addition to those remedies provided, the following are also considered to offer migraine relief:

• Cabbage leaf compresses applied to the forehead
• Towels wrung out of very hot water and applied to the neck
• Regular exercise and easy walks in the fresh air to relieve tension
• Warm water enemas to cleanse the bowels and body

Sources:

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Migraine.html

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/headachemigraine/a/Migraine.htm

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,530388,00.html

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