Natural approach to Headaches

Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition

Newsletter #21 ------ Natural approach to Headaches

Identifying and eliminating the precipitating factors is the only sure way to end the headache suffering. Common triggers are food allergies, alcohol, eyestrain, muscle tension, poor posture, too little sleep or too much sleep. Headache onset can be associated with hormonal changes, such as menstruation, ovulation, birth control pills and emotional swings. Withdrawal from caffeine or other drugs that constrict the blood vessels can also trigger headaches. Chronic headaches, particularly migraines, are often caused by food allergies. Avoid the top offenders such as milk, wheat, chocolate, tomatoes, fish, food additives, MSG and artificial sweeteners. Foods containing vasoactive amines (chocolate, aged cheese, beer and wine) cause blood vessels to expand, triggering migraines.

Natural approach to Headaches

Exercise: It reduces stress, anxiety, depression and is relaxing. It improves circulation and increase oxygen in the blood, improve hormone balance and stimulates our brain's natural mood enhancers and painkillers called endorphins.

Relaxation: 50% of tension headaches are caused by stress. Anything that helps you relax will help prevent and treat headache. That includes massage, yoga breathing exercise, visualization techniques and meditation. Soothing herbal teas such as Chamomile, caffeine free can be helpful.

Drink plenty of clean water-two to three quarts per day. Water can flush out toxins in your body that contribute to headaches. In addition, dehydration may be linked to chronic headaches.

Butterbur Extract (Petadolex) is effective in Migraine Prevention

In a study published in the December 28, 2004 issue of the journal Neurology - a proprietary standardized extract of the root of butterbur Petadolex®was effective in preventing migraines in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 245 migraine sufferers. This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was carried out in nine medical centers, including the Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology and Population Health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; the New York Headache Center, New York, NY; Innovative Medical Research, a Division of Advance PCS, Baltimore, MD; and the Pain Clinic and Christian Albrechts University Kiel and Charite, Department of Neurology, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany. The results of this trial concluded that the use of the proprietary butterbur extract Petadolex® in migraine patients (ages 18 to 65) helped to reduce the occurrence of migraines by an average of 48% during the four months of the trial. This compared to a reduction of only 26% in the group that received a placebo. The herbal extract effects took place early in the trial and lasted throughout. The researchers noted that the efficacy for the butterbur extract was equivalent to the levels of effectiveness shown for conventional pharmaceutical anti-migraine drugs.

Two other double-blind, placebo controlled, clinical studies involved a total of 128 patients using standardized Petasites extract for 12 weeks also demonstrated its effectiveness as a prophylactic treatment for migraines.The results of the two studies showed a significant reduction (as much as 60%) in frequency of migraine attacks compared to placebo. Other improvements included a reduction in the number of days with migraines per month, a decrease in migraine-associated symptoms, and diminished duration and intensity of pain. No adverse reactions were reported in either study. Butterbur extract's high degree of efficacy and excellent tolerability accentuates its value in the prophylactic treatment of migraines.

Butterbur Extract (Petadolex) also shows a potential as an effective and well-tolerated migraine prophylaxis also for children and teenagers."

Coenzyme q-10 (CoQ10).A study published in the February 22, 2005, issue of Neurology found that Coenzyme q-10 was superior to a placebo in preventing migraines. Among a group of 43 patients, about half of whom received a placebo. Of the patients who took CoQ10 (100 mg three times a day) 50 percent got relief compared to only 14 percent of those who took the placebo.
5 HTP is a brain serotonin precursor. A natural and safe alternative to tryptophan. 5-HTP is used by the body to synthesize serotonin, a neurohormone needed for melatonin production, appetite regulation, and mood regulation. The cause of migraine headaches is related to abnormal serotonin function in blood vessels,4 and 5-HTP may help correct this abnormality. For migraine headaches, amounts ranging from 400-600 mg per day have been shown to be effective at reducing the frequency and severity of attacks in most clinical trials. 5-HTP is safe and effective in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia, Insomnia, Depression, It is safe, effective in appetite reduction and weight loss.

Magnesium: Take 400mg twice daily with meals to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and tension headache. If you feel a migraine coming on, take 400mg immediately. Individuals with frequent headaches have been found to have low magnesium in their brain tissue.

Take Omega 3 Fatty Acid which blocks the production of prostaglandins (that promote pain and inflammation) and improve the blood flow by making the blood less sticky.

Natural woman Progesterone cream: In women who suffer from migraine with PMS. Men's Crème for men who suffer from migraine as a result of estrogen dominence.

Ginger has notable antioxidant and enzyme activity. Ginger's effect on inflammation is documented in several studies. A possible mechanism of action involves a change in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrines - hormonelike substances that mediate inflammation - therefore it can alleviate headache, pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

Coffee: If you feel a headache coming on, a cup or two of coffee can constrict your blood vessels enough to prevent it. On the other hand, too much coffee can cause a headache, as can coffee withdrawal. Coffee is a stimulating drug and should be treated as such.

Feverfew: It has been shown to reduce the secretion of serotonin and the production of prostaglandin, both of which can contribute to the onset of migraine headaches. If you are prone to migraines or tension headache, take feverfew daily for four to six months.

Both chiropractic and acupuncture have been shown to be effective in relieving headaches.

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Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. He is not in any way try to replace your physician. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.

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