Have I conquered my migraines?
It’s a bit early to say, but I believe I’ve made an improvement. Never has my head felt so clear!
What’s Worked For Me?
For over two weeks I’ve monitored what I eat, but that’s not the key – not yet, anyhow.
I’ve reduced my meat intake (but eaten lots of fish), this is mainly to help my digestive system.
I’ve moderated chocolate. I’ve eaten two squares of dark chocolate and didn’t like it one bit, it just tasted of sugar.
I’ve eaten one ice-cream and one iced coffee – that’s as bad as it got.
Other than that, it’s been fish, pasta, salads, porridge, eggs, fruit, noodles, vegetables and potatoes (on the whole).
Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Keeping Hydrated
I’ve consumed at least three litres of water a day, monitoring it very carefully.
Findings
That’s the key so far, although it is too early to tell, but I am starting to feel that I didn’t drink enough and that is the main reason for my migraines.
Image courtesy of nixxphotography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Headache
I did have a headache last Thursday. It certainly wasn’t a migraine and miraculously two panadol’s knocked it on the head almost immediately. Previously, Panadol’s/Paracetamol hasn’t worked for me for years.
What caused the headache?
That’s easy, it wasn’t anything I ate or drank, but I over did it. Moving from one house (house-sit), to our caravan (temporarily between house sits) on an extremely high-humidity day didn’t help. I cleaned the house we were leaving, then we had to empty the caravan (the annex was in bits, in the caravan) and then scrub the 24 ft caravan that hadn’t seen any cleaning products for many years.
Blowing Puffle-Valves
I blew one, actually several. The rain clouds were building. We had nowhere else to stay (well, we did have a lovely offer from a dear friend, but for some reason we were on a mission!). Noel put up the roofing iron, above the caravan roof, to help to keep the van cool. The hatches leaked slightly, so it put a stop to that too.
At 7:30 pm we both fell into bed exhausted (yes, we did shower). Our limbs screamed in protest, and I don’t think I drank enough water to replace what I lost.
Image courtesy of nuchylee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Next steps
I am still monitoring what I consume. I’ve succumbed to a massive T-bone steak – delicious and, well, I think that’s about as bad as it gets! Oh yes, I’ve had a few slices of bread, but still a fraction of what I had before. And, of course, I’ve had a little wine, but when doing so I’ve consumed more water to fend off dehydration – and I’ve only had a few sips here and there.
Taking Care – the Answer
If I had to give you an answer right now about the cause of my migraines, I’d say drinking enough water and not pushing it is the key. So today, on a stupidly hot day, we’ve worked on the caravan this morning (preparing to paint it) and come back to the house (next house-sit) and turned the air conditioning on. Time to do some laptop work and keep cool – taking care.
Other Answers
I’ve had a great response and bundles of advice about what sets off migraines. Some of it contradictory – which is more than interesting; some of it very detailed. I am hoping that I don’t have to get too technical by reading the labels on everything I eat. I’ll share some advice/suggestions soon – it’s all rather an eye-opener.
In the meantime – has anyone else combatted headaches with water?
(Interesting in from boat-to-land escapades? Check out our latest adventures here).
Jackie Parry - author 