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How To Stop A Migraine

Wanting to know how to stop a migraine is a big deal for those that suffer from it. More than just headaches, migraines cause different symptoms which can be very debilitating and painful. By learning how to stop a migraine, you can save yourself from having to suffer.

Determine first if you do have a migraine and what kind of migraine it may be. The usual migraine symptoms are a throbbing pain on your temples as well as pain in one side of the head. This can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as loss or impairment of vision, nausea and even impairment of motor functions.

Once you have established that you do have a migraine, you can take the necessary steps to prevent and alleviate migraines.

Steps on How to Stop a Migraine

Prevention

Prevention can be the best way to stop a migraine. Migraines are often triggered by external factors such as:

* Stress
* Weather Change
* Food Triggers
* Fatigue and hunger
* Hormonal imbalance

You can start by living healthier, eating fresh foods and getting more rest and sleep. Exercise regularly as well.

Food triggers suspected of causing migraines are those foods that are rich in tyramine. Tyramine rich foods are mainly those that have been aged and fermented. This includes ham, sausages, cheese and other similar items. Chocolate and caffeine have also been linked with migraines. Caffeine sensitivity however is very subjective. Some experience migraines from taking too much or withdrawing from caffeine. Stick to fresh ingredients and try to avoid preservatives and additives as much as possible.

To help you keep track of the possible triggers of migraine, keep a migraine diary. Whenever you suffer from a migraine attack, list down what you ate and what was happening to you at that time. This will help you link the causes of your migraines and avoid them in the future.

Ask your doctor about how to stop a migraine using preventive medicine for migraines. Medicines such as beta-blockers (heart medicine), anti depressants and anti seizure medicine have all had good effect with stopping migraines. If your migraines persist even after lifestyle changes then you may want to try these.

Analgesics and Medicine

When migraine attacks do happen, there are also several options for you to take. The primary medicines are analgesics such as NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Naproxen, aspirin, etc.) These help relieve the pain caused by migraines. Triptans can help with dealing with pain and nausea as well. Ergotamines are often used as another option.

Managing Your Migraine

Always consult with your doctor first before undergoing any therapy or medication. Some medicine may have side effects which can also be harmful for you. To help you ease into migraine prevention, take relaxation classes and undergo lifestyle changes.

Migraines can be very painful and can stop you from doing normal every day things. They can also increase the risk of other diseases such as stroke. Knowing how to stop a migraine is very important if you want to live a long, healthy and pain free life.

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The Migraine Diet

Understanding a migraine diet can help you choose which foods to eat and which to avoid. Food is certainly a trigger of migraines as many people have reported migraine attacks after eating something. Knowing which foods trigger migraine headaches can help you prevent them from starting up in the first place.

Migraine Diet: Foods to Avoid

Foods which are rich in tyramine have long been suspected of causing migraines. While not particularly unhealthy, tyramine can produces migraines for people that are sensitive to it. Knowing which foods are rich in tyramine can help you formulate a balanced diet. Tyramine is found in many foods with protein and increases in levels as food is aged or fermented.

Dairy products which are rich in tyramine such as aged cheese (cheddar, blue cheese, feta, etc.) can be triggers for a migraine. A migraine diet may allow for a few bites of cheese, but not greater than four ounces.

Cured meat such as sausages, hams and cured fish are also high in tyramine. It is best to stay away form these or limit servings to 4 ounces per meal. Vegetables like beans which are fermented such as miso, tofu or soy sauce and bean curd should also be avoided as much as possible.

Alcoholic beverages are also a migraine trigger. Beers, wines and mixed drinks can all cause migraines if consumed in excess of 2 bottles or glasses. Other beverages which contain caffeine may have differing effects on people. Overdose of caffeine as well as withdrawal from caffeine can cause migraines.

Chocolate and nuts may also be triggers. While they don’t contain tyramine, they do contribute to serotonin release. Serotonin does help in pain relief, but sudden production of serotonin during a period of low levels can cause constriction and dilation of blood vessels which does cause pain and migraines.

Migraine Diet: Foods To Take

A well balanced migraine diet involves mostly freshly prepared ingredients. This greatly reduces the amount of tyramine found in your food. Carbohydrates from whole grains are also very helpful in making up the food you should eat.

Use fresh and unprocessed meat as much as possible. Vegetables rich in minerals such as kale, broccoli and spinach have also been shown to reduce migraine frequencies.

You should also eat regularly as much as possible. Hunger and stress are some of the triggers associated with migraines. Having a good meal schedule can help you fight both of these triggers. Drink plenty of water as well to avoid getting dehydrated.

Keeping A Diary Of Your Migraine Diet

Different food can have different effects on people. While some foods may seem innocent and unassuming, they can cause migraines as well. A migraine diet doesn’t always disallow you from enjoying a meal. Rather, it teaches you what kind of food and how much of it can cause migraines. To help you along with your diet, make a log of the times you had migraines and what you were doing and eating at the time. This can help you link which foods cause you migraines. By living healthy and following a migraine diet, you will be able to prevent and avoid these painful attacks.

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