-
To Headache and Migraine Sufferers
- Dec 3, 2009 at 11:12 PM
- By
- Comments (26) Total Views (1705) Everyone can see this journal post.
I just feel the need to put this out there to all those who feel my pain when it comes to migraines and headaches alike.
Millions
of people see their doctor or neurologist about their unexplainable
headache or migraine. They're prescribed some sort of medicine, call
it a day, but probably end up back there because it still bothers you.
It
took me awhile to take notice, but after testing, trials, tribulations,
and triumphs, I've pinpointed triggers to most of my headaches.
I
bet you anything that for a lot of people who suffer, simply switching
to all natural foods would make such an impact on the frequency of
their headaches. But, if you're like me... I stick with my comfort
foods and what I'm used to. But I DO stay away from certain foods
now...
Carmel color (with sulfate) is a trigger for me. Which includes but is not limited to:
Dark liquors or beverages (such as rum, dark ales, cola, root beer, Dr. Pepper, etc)
Some food sauces such as Soy sauce.
I now check labels when buying dark food or beverage products.
Another trigger for me are preservatives and MSG.
Which
means most fast food is out of the question. Any food where they need
it to stay fresh for the whole day probably has a preservative in it.
Even Subway... a cold cut sandwich is fine... but if I eat a roasted
chicken sub (like I love), I'm really in for it.
Just by
avoiding certain foods and beverages, I've greatly decreased the number
of migraines I get. It is hard sometimes because I gave up a few
things I love, but I'd rather miss out if it means less pain for me.
This doesn't apply to everyone. But I do urge every headache and
migraine sufferer to take note, even keep a diary, of what you are
consuming each and every day. Write it down. Write down how you felt,
when a headache or migraine attack came on... You may be able to narrow
it down and at least cut down the number of attacks you get.
If you found this interesting, please vote popular so more people can see this and read it!
Comments:
Oh, I hear you!! I've been a migraine sufferer for 23 years. My triggers are hormones ( that time of the month) strong smells, too much caffeine, and stress and anxiety. I'm seeing a specialist now and I'm on 2 different preventive meds and it seems to be helping some with the frequency. I take Treximet when I get a migraine and it usually helps, although sometimes I might have to take it 2 or 3 times. It just sucks the life right out of me though, and I'm non-functional for a good 24 hours.
What a Great post! Thank you! I've had them for over 30+ life robbing years! Stress gets me! Hormones! Certain Smells! Be it what we call Old lady Strong perfume! Cigar/cigarette smoke. Changes in the Barometric pressure. Foods could be!! But for Nausea's I use Ginger ale with real Ginger. I also have to have ice packs! But usually my hands & feet are like ice! I try to keep away from nitrates. But its in our Water! We're Jobless, hopeless & uninsured! Our Rain Soft System broke so I can't help but have our Tap water with nitrates! We live in the rural country. So I do go Without! I can't afford any med.s at all!! I hate how Bad I've Felt. Ber it 300 Migraines in one year! One lasting over 2 Weeks non stop Etc... Can it be from my Wisdom teeth? Scoliosis? Prior injuries?? I don't know! But 30 million of us Suffer! I wish before I die to solve these issues for Everyone suffering!! I even keep away from orange juice! May be a trigger! And lemon meringue pie I love! I never ever drink alcohol! I try to do anything I can to keep them Away! But its been SO bad lately! But I feel for Everyone suffering! I have some tips I share that work for others! I also sometimes use Gatorade to help too in case I'm dehydrated!! I stay away from artificial sweeteners too!! What Else? I'd:Love to know what all works & helps you!! Best of Luck in your Healing & wellness!
On top of avoiding my trigger foods and beverages, I also take Elavil once a day. It's an anti-depressent that helps those with cluster headaches. I believe that it has helped cut down on the frequency of my attacks. Another trick I learned from my mom, is to put your feet in hot water and a cold washcloth on your neck. It's supposed to draw excess blood away from your head.
oh and please don't forget looking at the computer for a long time rest those eyes ladies. that is what triggers it for me along with stress, hormones and that time of the month.This is a great post thanks.
things that trigger mine are the sulfates cuz im allergic, artifical sweetners, cheese and red wine. good luck
As I lay here on my second day of a migraine, I love the idea of a migraine diary.
I do know I get migraines if I change my sleep schedule and/or don't get enough sleep. I also tend to get migraines about a week before my period. Topamax helped me and it helped me lose a ton of weight, but my insurance doesn't cover it and it's really expensive. If I could find a way to ward off these migraines naturally (like avoiding certain foods) I will certainly take it!
Thanks for posting this!
I don't get migraines enough to go to the doctor- about once a month, maybe. I do get headaches more often than is comfortable, so this is good information to have. I think I may start keeping track of what I'm eating when I get a headache or worse, a migraine, and see if there is a correlation.
I hope I don't have to give up my Diet Pepsi (sigh) but... yeah. I will if I have too.
Thanks for writing this and putting it out there. Voted up.
I have been dealing w/ migraines for about 11 yrs now. I have been to chiropractor, eye dr, dentist, physical therapy & the Mayo clinic in Rochester, MN. I have also tried different diets, the diary & different birth controls. My drs over the years between IA & SD had me on different pain killers as well as different antidepressants in hopes of stopping them. They never could figure out why I get them. I am also out of commission for a good 24 hours if I get them. I soak in a hot tub then get out & lay flat out on the bed w/ a fan blowing over me (since I'm steaming hot from the tub) & then put a gel pack around my head & sleep. This is especially hard to do when I have a 23 month old & a 2 month old :-s I haven't been to the dr here in CA since we moved here in 05 to see if any of the new meds out there would work for me. I have just kinda given up on finding something that works & live with them. Will have to try some of the suggestions tho!!
Thanks!!!
I know this sounds absolutely crazy but someone suggested I try HeadOn when I feel a migraine coming on. I laughed but did try it and it actually helps if I catch it soon enough. I like it because I don't have to take any pills when I feel one coming on. It doesn't help with all of my migraines but it helps a lot. My mom also tried it (she's dealt with cluster migraines for years, been through every drug on the market and several different neurologists) and she agrees that it helps!!
Already a member? Click here to log in
oh and the processed meats -hot-dogs, lunch meat and some smoked meats do it for me! And chocolate. Bright lights.
I know the pain of migraines all to well
- Midnite00
Message Friend Invite