Migraine Advice from around the world
On talking openly about my battle with migraines, I’ve received an amazing response.
As promised I’m going to share some comments, advice, and suggestions. My experiment continues and I’ll have some interesting results to share with you soon.
Praise
“It’s always wise to discover the cause instead of treating the symptoms” and “Good on ya!”
It’s lovely to receive positive encouragement
Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Things to avoid
Cheese
Dairy products
Preservatives
Colouring
MSG
Artificial flavourings
Citrus
Chocolate
Wine
Too much meat
Replacing lost nutrients
Seeds and nuts
Good for migraines
Caffeine
Magnesium
Bad for migraines
Caffeine
Chocolate
Image courtesy of Chaloemphan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What can be good for you
Dark Chocolate
Interesting remarks to ponder
“Sometimes people think chocolate is a trigger for their headaches as they have eaten it just prior to getting one, when really you’ve eaten it in response to the onset of a headache, (e.g. your body needs it).”
I found this interesting and this made good sense to me. It’s something I am keeping in mind as I go and monitoring my results.
In response to “Chocolate can be good for you,” one person commented, “I can’t eat dark chocolate at all, guarantees a migraine with vomiting.”
Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Another friend mentioned their pain and suffering with migraines, “I’ve tried everything even Botox! I sometimes think it is hormonal and the Doctors don’t know what to do apart from tablets..”
I’d never ever do botox (botulism injected – yikes!) of course, desperate times calls for desperate measures and I know when I’ve been in extreme pain I’d pretty much take anything that would hold some hope. This is one reason I am avoiding Doctors for as long as possible – I don’t want drugs, I want to beat it myself.
Alternative Help
“I was advised that pouring cold water over your head can ease it, mine disappeared of their own accord.”
I do find that if I am too hot (working in that humidity mentioned in the last blog), I suffer, so this makes sense too. I have had a cold cloth on my forehead and the back of my neck before, if I remember to do it early enough – if I don’t, with a full blown migraine, nothing can touch my head. (I’ve done some interesting (self) research on this!)
Later, another person commented, “We have used ice packs around necks in ED to help the really nasty ones that meds weren’t budging with some success.”
I’ve taken note and will try to use this method in the early stages IF I get another migraine.
Image courtesy of Antoine Henrich at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
More Technical Advice
Look out for Part 3 of this experiment which will detail some fabulous advice for those who have to take the next step – watch those chemicals! Read those labels!
And – a great alternative/recipe for chocolate…
It’s time for me to step away from the laptop to give my eyes a rest…. to much screen time could be another trigger!
Jackie Parry - author 
January 30, 2017 at 1:27 am
I too suffer from migraines. Unfortunately I have other chronic conditions for which my doctors Recommend I eat the “bad” migraine foods. What to do? We’re contemplating my SO’s retirement any minute now and had planned to buy a sailboat and begin cruising. I’ve been concerned that the migraines would prevent that, so I’m encouraged to see you have them too but haven’t let them stop you. Wish you all the best.
LikeLike
January 30, 2017 at 5:03 am
Hi Sara, that sounds like a tricky situation… somehow you’ll have to find a balance. Don’t let it put you off, I am sure I had far less when sailing – have they become worse with age? Or was sailing less stressful? I just don’t know… It may well be the tonic you need. Have you seen Women Who Sail Australia or Women Who Sail groups on FB they are great for connecting. Also drop me a line anytime, would be happy to chat about this (or anything boats!) more.
LikeLike
January 30, 2017 at 1:32 am
So glad I don’t even get headaches, well OK, sonetimes sinus headaches
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 30, 2017 at 4:59 am
Sinus headaches can be horrid. I’ve had two sinus infections, the first had me running to the dentist thinking I had toothache right across the top row! Now I know better, catching it quickly (plenty of rinsing with salt water – an acquired skill best done in the shower!) and cut out diary – honestly, I used to be able to eat and do anything – the joys of getting older!
LikeLike