Melissa Young, MD, is a specialist in integrative medicine at the renowned Cleveland Clinic in the USA. In a recent article at the clinic, the migraine expert explains what people with chronic migraine can do to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks without having to take medication for it.
Migraine sufferers are often struck by a debilitating pain that often forces them to retreat to a dark room and wait for the pain to subside. A specialist will present non-drug options to reduce the frequency and intensity of these attacks.
To escape the pain, migraine sufferers often resort to painkillers such as ibuprofen or prescription drugs. However, according to Dr. Young, this is not always necessary, because there are also natural and drug-free ways to combat migraine headaches. We have to consider nutrition, nutrient supply, sleep, fluid intake and stress, all of which are common triggers for migraines, the doctor explains. The following tips can help cushion the effects of migraines.
According to Dr. Young, the consumption of several small meals throughout the day helps to keep the blood sugar level stable. A stable blood sugar level in turn leads to fewer migraine attacks. With the kind of the nutrition one can orient oneself at the concept of the Mediterranean diet, which has a high portion of fruit, vegetable, beans, lean protein and healthy fats (e.g. from wild salmon, nuts, seeds and olive oil).
Pay attention to the triggers
Certain ingredients that are ingested through the diet are frequent triggers of migraine attacks. For example, caffeine or fried foods are possible triggers for many of those affected. Dr. Young recommends that it is always important to understand what was eaten on the day when a seizure occurs: Watch out for reactions to ripened cheese, chocolate, alcohol and fermented or pickled foods. Experience shows that the following ingredients are often involved:
There seems to be a connection between mitochondrial energy production in your cells and migraine, stresses Dr. Young. In migraines, he says, it is particularly important to consume the right amounts of coenzyme Q10, vitamin B2 and magnesium. Anyone who frequently suffers from migraine attacks should have a doctor check whether a nutrient deficiency exists.
In addition, chiropractic and acupuncture measures as well as massages also have a soothing effect on some migraine sufferers, according to the expert. Further tips can be found in the article: Natural household remedies for headaches. (vb)
Getting a grip on migraine attacks without drugs
Stress in everyday life is also a common trigger for tension headaches. Lifestyle changes and targeted stress management can reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks. I teach my patients meditation, including mindfulness and mantra meditation, says Dr. Young. Diaphragmatic breathing and the so-called 4-7-8 breathing technique are also effective ways to reduce stress.
Herbal therapies, for example with butterbur and feverfew, can also help prevent migraines, Dr. Young recommends. Butterbur can also help with seasonal allergy symptoms. Feverfew dilates the blood vessels and can thus help to prevent migraine attacks.
WashingtonNewsday Health and Wellness.
Read more:
Relieve migraine headaches without medication. - The Washington Newsday
- 001 Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- 002 Turmeric and Amla Health Remedies [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2010]
- 003 Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2010]
- 004 Sunlight May Help Protect Men From Kidney Cancer [Last Updated On: April 10th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 10th, 2010]
- 005 Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- 006 Weak Kidneys Cause Weak Bones [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2010]
- 007 High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- 008 High Red Meat Consumption Linked to Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2010]
- 009 Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- 010 Beetroot Juice May Boost Stamina [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2010]
- 011 Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- 012 Health care reform bill dooms America to Pharma-dominated sickness and suffering [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2010]
- 013 Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- 014 Baking soda can clean your teeth, clear your complexion [Last Updated On: May 9th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 9th, 2010]
- 015 Preventing Heart Disease [Last Updated On: May 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 13th, 2010]
- 016 Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- 017 Aspirin May Increase Risk of Crohn's Disease [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2010] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2010]
- 018 Sweet and Natural? [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 019 Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 020 Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 021 Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 022 A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 023 McDonald's threatened with lawsuit over toys in Happy Meals [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 024 Vinpocetine shows promise for chronic inflammation [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 025 Neurological and Immune Reactive Conditions Affecting Kids [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 026 Acupuncture May Trigger Natural Painkiller [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 027 A not so rare but frequently disregarded Metabolic Disorder - Pyrroluria [Last Updated On: July 6th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 6th, 2010]
- 028 Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- 029 Brown rice and other whole grains can prevent type 2 diabetes [Last Updated On: July 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 17th, 2010]
- 030 GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- 031 GHC's Dr. Ed Group joins Natural News Talk Hour [Last Updated On: July 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 22nd, 2010]
- 032 Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- 033 Secrets Your Dentist Doesn't Want You To Know [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2010] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2010]
- 034 Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- 035 Molecule Discovery Might Help ALS Patients [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2010]
- 036 Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- 037 Hydrogen Peroxide Cures Disease [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2010]
- 038 Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 039 Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 040 Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 041 Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 042 How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 043 Eating meat may cause severe allergic reactions in some people [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 044 Positive Brain Changes Seen After Body-Mind Meditation [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 045 Colloidal silver to boost immunity and overall health [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 046 Bacteria May Predict Chances of Colon Cancer [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 047 Herbs Help Treat Diabetes: Bilberry, Gymnema, Ginkgo and Salt Bush [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 048 How People With Type 2 Diabetes Can Lose Weight, Keep It Off: Study [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2010]
- 049 Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2010]
- 050 Severe Low Blood Sugar Won't Harm Brain [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2010]
- 051 Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2010] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2010]
- 052 Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 053 Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 054 Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 055 Experimental Treatment Could Fight Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 056 Western medicine teams up.. [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 057 Chinese mushroom found to have powerful anti-aging benefits [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 058 Exercise in Adolescence May Cut Risk of Deadly Brain Tumor [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2010]
- 059 Amino acids are latest in growing list of nutrients shown to extend life span [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2010]
- 060 Vitamins and Good Sense [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- 061 Malpractice Fears Can Influence Medical Practice [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- 062 Liver diseases identified as Europes silent killers [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2010] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2010]
- 063 Dangerous Fungus Now Endemic in Pacific Northwest: CDC [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2010]
- 064 Tobacco firms bypass marketing restrictions with clever web campaigns [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2010]
- 065 Dying cancer patients subjected to expensive, meaningless cancer screening tests [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2010]
- 066 Vitamin B6 Cuts Colon Cancer Risk [Last Updated On: December 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: December 23rd, 2010]
- 067 Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: January 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 9th, 2011]
- 068 Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2011]
- 069 The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2011]
- 070 Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2011]
- 071 Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 072 Mercury-Caused Endocrine Conditions Causing Widespread Adverse Health Effects [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 073 The downfall of science and the rise of intellectual tyranny [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 074 Woman finds cancer cure in dairy-free diet based on anti-cancer plants [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 075 Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 076 Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 077 Toxic chemical carcinogen found in water supplies nationwide [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 078 Alcohol more dangerous than cocaine or heroin [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2011]
- 079 Salt increases heart attack and stroke risk, even if blood pressure is normal [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2011]
- 080 Salt increases heart attack and stroke risk, even if blood pressure is normal [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2011]