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4 useful tips for managing migraines

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively:

Use the correct treatment options
There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include:

Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash.

UBRELVY
It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness.

Excedrin
Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches. The treatment has a combination of compounds that work to relieve the symptoms. The side effects include skin reactions and liver damage.

QULIPTA
QULIPTA is recommended for patients with more frequent migraine episodes. The treatment helps reduce the frequency of migraines by blocking a particular protein that triggers them. Its most common side effects are fatigue, constipation, and nausea.

Follow a healthy meal plan
Certain foods help alleviate the symptoms, while others aggravate them. So patients must choose wisely. The best foods are:

Walnuts
Studies have shown that migraine patients usually have low magnesium levels, a nutrient that can relieve pain. Being high in magnesium, walnuts are a superfood for this health condition. Other nut varieties like Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, and peanuts are also beneficial.

Sesame seeds
They are rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium that help prevent migraines. Besides sesame seeds, one can opt for pumpkin, poppy, and chia seeds as these have similar benefits.

Bananas
Bananas contain both magnesium and potassium that help alleviate the pain associated with the condition. If bananas are not a favorite, one can opt for watermelon. Its high water content can prevent dehydration, a popular migraine cause.

Natural sweeteners
Processed white sugar has low nutritional value, and it can lead to several health conditions, including migraines. To lower the risk, one can replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup and vanilla extract.

The following foods can have the opposite effect, triggering migraines instead:

Bacon
Cured meats like bacon have nitrates: additives to preserve food and prevent bacteria formation. Nitrates also give the meat a pink color. However, they can trigger headaches and are best avoided. Sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats are other examples of cured meats.

Aged cheese
Aged cheese contains a compound that can lead to severe headaches. The longer the cheese ages, the more the amount of this harmful compound. It is also advisable to avoid cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
MSG is a substance used to enhance the flavor of food. Some studies suggest that individuals with migraines may be sensitive to it, so MSG can act as a trigger for them. It is commonly found in fast food, frozen meals, and instant noodles.

Processed foods
Preservatives and additives in processed foods like cakes, biscuits, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals may spark a migraine attack. Even those without the condition should avoid such foods as they have high sodium, sugar, and fat levels.

Make the correct lifestyle adjustments
A few lifestyle changes and positive habits help manage the condition better. These include:

Managing stress
Stress is among the leading causes of migraine headaches, but it can be managed effectively. Many individuals prefer yoga as it helps relax the mind and improves sleep quality. Getting a body massage is also great for relieving pain and stress.

Drinking enough water
Since dehydration is a trigger of the condition, drinking water is essential. Besides water, one can have fresh fruit juices, coconut water, and herbal teas to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.

Use home remedies that work
There are different home remedies for relieving pain, but what works for one might not help another. Here are three options:

Applying lavender and peppermint oil
While strong scents can trigger migraine attacks, natural aromatherapy may help alleviate the symptoms if done correctly. Patients may apply lavender and peppermint oils on the temples or inhale their scent to ease pain and other symptoms.

Acupressure
This procedure involves pressing specific points in the body using the fingers to reduce different kinds of pain, including migraines. While individuals can perform acupressure themselves, an expert can teach the correct method.

Apart from the tips mentioned above, one can consider biofeedback to deal with the condition. Biofeedback therapy uses special equipment to monitor multiple body functions, such as heart rate, muscle activity, electrical brain activity, breathing, and sweat. Patients learn techniques to control these functions to relieve stress and pain.

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Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy.  Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
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Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
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Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.
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Many people decorate their homes with indoor plants. But if you are a cat parent, your plant obsession can inadvertently harm your feline friend. Most plants are safe for cats to play and prod, but a few are dangerous. Eating or coming into contact with them can lead to unexpected consequences, mainly because of their poisonous compounds. Below we have listed seven such toxic plants that you must keep out of your cat’s reach: Azaleas A part of the rhododendron family, Azaleas are one of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your living space. However, the slightest nibbles out of their leaves can cause serious heart problems in your cat. It can sometimes aggravate into a coma and even be fatal. Milder side effects of rhododendron ingestion include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, drooling, and a lack of apatite. Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are common in flower arrangements in home gardens. Although the plant is toxic to cats because of its chemical content, it is not as dangerous. Only ingesting a large amount of the plant can cause damage. Nevertheless, they pose a threat, so avoid having them around your pets. If you grow hydrangeas in your garden, ensure your cat never wanders near it and keeps a safe distance.

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