Headache

Headaches are one of the most frequently occurring disorders; they’re more prevalent than even the common cold. Most of us have experienced headaches of varying intensity and kind, and most of us will continue to have them now and then.

The vast majority of headaches are caused by tension in the muscles of the head, the shoulders, and the neck. If you have a tension headache, you may feel tightness, pressure, or throbbing anywhere in your head or neck. Often the pain is worse as the day goes on but disappears upon waking the next day.

Migraine headaches are another matter. They account for only 6 percent of headaches, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for in severity. They are intensely painful and are often accompanied by vision disturbances, extreme sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting. A migraine episode, which is usually incapacitating, may last a few hours, or it can go on for several days. Unlike tension headaches, migraines are not caused by muscular tension but by disturbances in blood flow to the head. In addition, it is rare to have just one migraine; most migraine sufferers get them at least once a month. The disorder can run in families and affects far more women and girls than it does men or boys.

Cluster headaches are a different type of headache, characterized by painful one-sided headaches that usually occur in clusters of several headaches in a short period of time. There may be no headaches for weeks or months.

Headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, most often stress and anxiety but also allergies, hormone imbalance, poor digestion and detoxification, low blood sugar, fatigue, and drugs (including caffeine and alcohol). Most headaches are best addressed by identifying and removing the trigger or triggers, along with implementing strategies for natural pain relief.

If you have recurring or extremely severe headaches, however, you should consult a doctor to rule out any serious underlying causes, which can range from glaucoma to high blood pressure to brain tumors. Check with your doctor before combining herbs with prescription headache medications.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

 

LifeSource’s Super Prescriptions – Headache

Super Prescription #1 All Natural Aspirin - LifeSource Product This contains the most common homeopathic remedies for headaches. Take as directed on the container for the treatment of all three types of acute headaches.

Super Prescription #2 Magnesium - LifeSource Product Take 200 mg two to three times daily. Reduce the dosage if diarrhea occurs. Magnesium has been shown in several studies to be effective in alleviating migraine headaches, and we also find it very helpful in preventing tension headaches. Intravenous magnesium can be very effective for acute headaches. Consult with a nutrition-oriented doctor for intravenous treatments.

Super Prescription #3 Riboflavin see below in B Complex - LifeSource Product Take 400 mg daily for at least three months. Studies have shown it to be effective in preventing migraine headaches.

Super Prescription #4 Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) Take a product standardized to contain 250 to 500 mcg of parthenolides daily. Several studies have shown it to be effective in reducing the severity, the duration, and the frequency of migraines.

Super Prescription #5 5-HTTP: 5-hydroxytryptophan - LifeSource Product Take 100 mg2 or three times daily. Several studies have shown 5-HTP to be effective in preventing migraine and tension headaches. It has a direct effect on serotonin levels, which affect circulation in the blood vessels of the brain, and increases the body’s endorphin levels (natural painkillers). Do not use if you are currently on a pharmaceutical antidepressant or an anti-anxiety medication.

Super Prescription #6 Super Omega 3, 6 & 9 - LifeSource Product These essential fatty acids improve circulation and reduce inflammatory prostaglandins that may contribute to migraine headaches. Take as directed.

Super Prescription #7 Vitamin B Complex - LifeSource Product Take 50 mg daily. Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which may be deficient in migraine sufferers.

 

Symptoms of a Cluster Headache

Symptoms of a Tension Headache

Symptoms of a Migraine Headache

Root Causes

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TREATMENT

Diet

Recommended Food

To avoid headaches caused by food additives, eat meals that you’ve prepared from whole foods. To keep your blood sugar steady, try to have five small portions throughout the day, instead of three large meals.

Make sure that you get enough fiber to reduce the chance of headaches induced by constipation or toxic buildup. One to two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds, along with 10 ounces of water, is a good way to start the day.

Drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours. The fluid will keep the muscles in your head and neck supple and will also flush out toxins.

If you want to prevent headaches, include sources of both calcium and magnesium in your diet. Soy products, green leafy vegetables, and beans are all rich in calcium. Green leafy vegetables and beans are good sources of magnesium as well, as are nuts, bananas, and wheat germ. If food allergies keep you from eating these foods, take a good calcium/magnesium supplement every day to ensure adequate intake.

Fish such as salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that may help prevent migraine headaches. Consume a serving three to five times weekly.

Foods to Avoid

If you suffer from migraines or recurring headaches, determine whether your problem may be caused by an allergic reaction or a sensitivity. Common triggers of both tension and migraine headaches include foods that contain either tyramine or phenylalanine. Tyramine can by found in cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee, cold cuts, herring, smoked fish, wine, alcohol, sausage, sour cream, and vinegar.

Sources of phenylalanine include monosodium glutamate (MSG), the artificial sweetener aspartame, and nitrates, which can be found in processed meats, especially hot dogs. If you do have an allergy or a sensitivity, eliminate the troublesome food or foods from your diet.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar products (including artificial sweeteners).

Do not consume sugary foods. They cause your blood-sugar level to rise sharply and then crash; often the result is a headache.

Very cold foods can also cause headaches. Ice cream and cold drinks are frequent culprits, so avoid them.

Detoxification

If you suffer from chronic headaches, a detoxification program can be effective. Try a two- to three-day vegetable juice fast, unless low blood-sugar levels bring on your headaches.

General Recommendations