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Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches:

Treatment options

  • Nurtec
    Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition.
  • Ubrelvy
    Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. 
  • Excedrin
    This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient.
  • Qulipta
    Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP protein.

Foods to help manage migraine headaches 
Certain foods are part of the preventive treatment for migraines. While a preventative treatment may not completely stop migraine headaches, it will help reduce the severity and occurrence of these attacks.

  • Bananas
    Bananas are rich in magnesium. According to some studies, magnesium is deficient in migraine sufferers, and the mineral stops the chemicals that cause pain.
  • Watermelons
    Watermelons contain around 92% water, and it is a great way to stay hydrated. Dehydration often triggers headaches in general, which could lead to migraine attacks.
  • Seeds and nuts
    Pumpkin and chia seeds and cashew nuts are all important sources of magnesium.
  • Herbal teas
    Peppermint and ginger teas help in relieving headaches and staying hydrated.
  • Berries
    All kinds of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, contain antioxidants.
  • Yogurt
    Yogurt prevents dehydration and promotes gut health. Improved gut health prevents certain symptoms of migraines, such as constipation.
  • Broccoli
    Broccoli contains phytoestrogens that may help with hormonal imbalances in women. Hormonal disruptions also trigger migraines.
  • Dark chocolate
    Dark chocolate is a good source of magnesium and may help with headaches caused by caffeine withdrawal.

Lifestyle changes to manage migraine headaches
Certain lifestyle changes and positive habits help manage stress and relieve pain. These include:

  • Sleep hygiene
    Sleep is important for maintaining good health and healing the body. When we sleep, the body uses the time to perform important cell and tissue repair, detox the brain, and release hormones to perform vital body functions. Sleep deprivation and migraine headaches are connected. Getting a good night’s rest will go a long way in preventing and alleviating the pain associated with migraine headaches.
  • Exercise
    Studies have shown that regular exercise helps lower the number of migraine attacks experienced by a patient. This is caused by the release of endorphins during exercise. Endorphins, also known as the “feel good” chemicals, help the body cope with pain and are responsible for boosting feelings of happiness. However, it is best to avoid exercise while having a migraine headache. At these times, rest and relaxation are more important to manage the pain.
  • Good posture
    Long hours spent in one position at a desk can result in an incorrect posture that causes neck and back pain. This stress on the neck, back, and shoulders could result in migraine attacks and headaches. It is recommended to get an ergonomic workstation that will not put pressure on any part of the body. Moreover, remember to get up from the desk and walk around or stretch to keep the muscles moving. Constantly sitting for long periods will cause muscle spasms.
  • Reduce stress
    Almost 80% of the people suffering from migraines list stress as a trigger. Constant feelings of anxiety and fear impact the functioning of the brain and can trigger headaches. Manage anxiety by getting help in those areas of life that are causing stress.

Signs of migraine headaches
Below are some typical symptoms of migraine attacks:

  • Migraine headaches usually last for a minimum of 4 hours to 72 hours. People who are prone to chronic attacks may suffer from headaches on a daily basis or several times a month.
  • Extreme mood swings are also a cause of concern. Some people may feel depressed, while others report feeling elated.
  • High sensitivity to light and disturbances in vision/seeing sparkling and shimmering particles in front of their eyes should not be ignored. Some people may even temporarily lose their vision.
  • Vomiting or feelings of nausea.
  • A tingling sensation, like pins and needles, on one side of the body should be reported to the doctor. 

Medical experts have not been able to find the causes of migraines. However, it is possible to determine some triggers of migraine attacks. These triggers vary according to the individual and include certain foods, beverages, changes in season, hormonal disturbances, hunger, or dehydration. Food and lifestyle changes can also help manage migraine headaches.

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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.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

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.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

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.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

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.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

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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