Question : I SUFFER from migraine. The pain is often accompanied by nausea and changes in vision. Is there any way to prevent an attack?
Answer : MIGRAINE is a form of headache. It is usually very intense and disabling. Some people suffer from it repeatedly. Migraines are different from other headaches because they occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light.
Migraines can be triggered by allergies and stress. They may be, relieved by identifying and avoiding problem foods.
Some sufferers react to salt, lactose in milk and ice cream, cigarette smoke, birth control pills, caffeine and tryptophan, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods.
All these allergens may trigger or worsen a migraine attack.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is helpful in treating migraine. It has been noticed that a reduction of energy production within the blood vessels of the brain is one of the causes.
Thus flooding the system with riboflavin can indirectly help regenerate this flagging energy system and somehow short-circuit migraine pain.
On average, those with migraine have lower levels of magnesium. Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation decreases premenstrual migraines.
High doses of calcium and vitamin D have also been useful in treating migraines.
Fish oil may also be used to reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches. Ginkgo biloba may also help as it reduces the platelet-activating factor, which may contribute to migraine attacks.
Exercising and managing the stress wisely may also be of benefit.