Migraine is a type of headache that causes severe throbbing or pulsating pain on one side of the brain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound are common symptoms. Migraine attacks may last for hours to days, and the pain might be bad enough to stop you from doing your daily routine.
A warning sign called an aura might show up before or at the same time as a headache for some people. Visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, as well as other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face, arm, or leg, and difficulty speaking, can be signs of an aura.
One of the best ways to avoid migraines and headaches is to live a healthy life, NEWSTART.
NEWSTART
Nutrition: It is important to eat regular meals throughout the day and keep blood sugar levels steady. Some studies have shown that adopting a whole food plant-based diet, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory plant nutrients, such as beta carotene and carotenoids, can ease the symptoms of chronic migraine, according to the British Medical Journal.
Exercise: Regular exercise is associated with a reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraines. Physical activity also stimulates the body to release its own natural painkillers, such as endorphins and enkephalins, which make us feel better and calmer.
Water: Drinking water is one of the best interventions to reduce the symptoms or prevent migraine headache. Aim to drink 8 to 10 cups of water per day.
Sunlight: If sunlight is one of your triggering factors, make sure you wear sunglasses and a hat. Certain wavelengths of light, like the blue light from a computer or smartphone, may be another cause of the light sensitivity.
Temperance: Avoid potential trigger foods such as chocolate, aged cheese, caffeine, and alcohol. It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
Air: Several studies have shown that air pollution can trigger migraines, so make sure you stay away from pollutants and improve indoor air quality with plants or air filters.
Rest: Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to prevent headaches and migraines.
Trust: Stressful events can kick off a migraine. Adopt a healthy lifestyle, trust in God and hand over your worries to the Lord.
Does Your Head Hurt?
One of the most negative memories I have as a child, is remembering my mother complaining about splitting headaches; those headaches affected her often, her mood would change and her energy and productivity greatly decreased. Seeing her suffer, made me miserable. One day, after a doctor's visit, I overheard a new word that became part of my vocabulary: migraines. To me, the word was strange and mysterious; I wanted to learn what it meant and why my mother had it. Eventually, I learned that a migraine is a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. Learning about migraine headaches helped me to better understand my mother and see her in a completely different light. Although I have never suffered from them myself, I have seen family members and friends struggle with horrible migraines.
During the last two years, the world has been busy battling COVID-19; a number of conditions and ailments have taken a back seat to COVID-19. Headache and migraine reports are increasing, with some experts seeing a "dramatic uptick" during the pandemic. To complicate the situation, the rise of social media has exponentially worsened the problem, with visual stimulation and poor ergonomics. Furthermore, the bright blue light of cell phones has been proven to make migraines worse. Photosensitivity (or extreme sensitivity to light) affects up to 90 percent of people with migraines, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Stress is another well-known cause of migraines, with and without aura, and a host of other neurological conditions. Emotional stress isn't the only type of stress that can impact the prevalence of migraine with aura, though. Metabolic stress like hypoglycemia can also trigger these events, as well as sleep deprivation.
Finally, COVID-19 has also highlighted the issue of migraines. Post-COVID headache is a persistent headache that develops after having COVID-19. Symptoms can last for weeks or even months after testing negative for the virus. Though anyone can develop a post-COVID headache, people with migraines are more likely to see an increase in the frequency and intensity of their migraine attacks.
We believe that God is the great healer. Prayer is a useful tool in the fight against migraines. We have been promised: "God will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you. Because he trusts in You". If you have ever suffered from migraines, and have not yet found relief, I invite you to try prayer; you have nothing to lose, and a great deal to gain.
Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
This smoothie is anti-migraine, full of magnesium, antioxidants and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup chopped pear, skin on
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 3/4 cup fresh spinach (may substitute with kale if histamine is a trigger for your headache)
- 3/4 cup oat milk
- 2 teaspoons hemp or chia seeds
- 1 cup ice
- 1 teaspoon pitted dates or banana (optional)
Instructions:
- Place all the ingredients in a blender except for ice. Blend, for about 1 minute, till smooth and creamy.
- Taste and see if you need to add natural sweetener like dates or banana.
- Add ice in½ cup increments until the desired thickness is reached.
