headaches and migraines :

A headache is a pain or ache in any part of the head. It is a symptom rather that a disease.

Headaches fall into 3 categories i.e.

• Tension Headaches
  Resulting from contractions of the neck, scalp or forehead muscles.
• Sinus Headaches
  Causes by inflamed mucous membranes of the nose.
• Vascular Headaches
  Caused by uneven dilation of the blood vessels in the brain.

Common headaches are usually due to muscular tension. Many people suffer from headaches and migraines on a daily or frequent basis and unnecessarily take painkillers on a long term basis for these conditions.  If they are persistent, the underlying cause should be treated, and not just the symptom.
 

Headaches can arise due to :

• muscular tension
• fevers
• infected sinus cavities
• kidney disorders
• dental problems
• thrombosis
• neuralgias
• nasal congestion
• pressure from within the eye
• from pain, to mention a few
• air pollution
• reaction to food, alcohol or tobacco
• allergies
• food intolerance to foods
• reactions to prescription drugs
• food additives
• water retention
• hormone fluctuations such as in pre-menstrual syndrome

Migraines :

Migraines are a particular type of headache caused by the altering in constriction and dilation of the blood vessels in the brain.
A classic migraine is preceded by light-headedness, flashing lights and a sensitivity to loud noise.
The common migraine is accompanied by nausea and a feeling of ill health. The face may become pale, sweaty and sometimes swollen. An attack may last for hours or even days.

Cluster headaches are a variant of migraines.
These headaches are sudden and severe and are usually located on one side of the face or head. It is thought that high copper levels are one of the causes for cluster headaches. Zinc supplementation helps to lover the copper levels over time.

HEADACHES | MIGRAINES SUMMARY Follow a basic food elimination diet initially - see if frequency of headaches reduce Increase intake of fruits, vegetable and grains. Oats is a good choice Avoid caffeine and any stimulants Drink lots of mineral water Reduce salt intake BENEFICIAL INGREDIENTS Feverfew Oily fish Calcium Magnesium Zinc Vitamin B6 Valerian

Basic facts on migraines and headaches.