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Curing Migraines with Functional Medicine; Part 2

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Part 1 of Curing Migraines with Functional Medicine discussed migraine headaches in the presence of magnesium deficiency. In functional medicine, another possible cause for migraine headaches is mitochondrial disorder, a condition affected by Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and other essential migraine nutrients.

Mitochondria make energy

The mitochondria are structures in your cells that are responsible for taking fat, protein, and starches from food and converting them into energy. Your body uses the product, ATP, as its fuel to perform many important biological functions.

With mitochondrial disorder, your body doesn’t get enough energy to carry out everyday tasks, and you suffer symptoms like fatigue, muscular aches, brain fog, and sometimes, chronic headaches.

If necessary, your doctor may order a urine sample to diagnose mitochondrial disorder.

Mitochondrial disorder

Many health experts believe that the following illnesses are linked with mitochondrial dysfunction:

Migraine headaches
Autism
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue
Anxiety disorder
Depression
Irritable bowel syndrome
Cyclical vomiting syndrome
Seizures
ADHD

What causes mitochondrial imbalances?

There are many possible reasons for migraines from mitochondrial disorder to occur; the most common are:

Malnutrition
Environmental toxins, such as metals or chemicals
Viral infection
Irregular oxidation rate
Lifestyle choices, such as inactivity and a diet consisting of high sugar, saturated fats, alcohol, and refined flours

Natural migraine tactics

Based on a functional medicine approach, doctors recommend the following for migraines and other illnesses caused by poor mitochondria health:

Coenzyme Q10 - CoQ10 is the most prescribed nutrients for mitochondrial health, particularly in migraines. Numerous scientific studies, such as this one on coenzyme Q10 confirms that CoQ10 is crucial for maintaining cellular health with no negative side effects, a boon for migraine patients. Recommended dose is 150-600mg of coenzyme Q10 per day. (For more, read Coenzyme Q10 Benefits and Dosage Information
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – B vitamins play an important role in neurological health. Migraine specialists recommend at least 400mg of riboflavin per day for maximum migraine health.
Folic acid – Another essential B vitamin for migraines and mitochondrial disorder is folate.
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) – Vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining the myelin sheathe which protects your nervous system.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) – Vitamin B6 works with vitamin B12 in boosting neurological health.
Vitamin D – Although we absorb vitamin D via sunlight, many of us still do not get enough of this necessary nutrient. Recommended dose is 60-100mg
Zinc – healthy trace metals like zinc are also beneficial for mitochondrial functioning.
Omega-3 fatty acids – If mitochondrial disorder is caused by poor diet, then supplementing with healthy fatty acids is crucial for healing
Antioxidants – Mitochondria are essential for protecting your cells from free radicals. With mitochondria disorder, it is necessary to eat a diet rich in antioxidants. For migraineurs, good options are wild blueberries, artichoke, apples, pecans, potatoes, and berries.
Herbs and seasonings – Butterbur, rosemary, cloves, turmeric, ginger, oregano, and cilantro are all beneficial for mitochondrial health and migraine prevention.
Exercise – Including at least 20-30 minutes of exercise per day is helpful for boosting mitochondrial health, relieving stress, increasing energy, and preventing migraine headaches.
Avoid environmental toxins- Mercury, pesticides, air pollution, preservatives, harsh cleansers, and nonstick cookware all contribute to mitochondrial illness and migraine triggers.

Please tell us…

Have you tested for mitochondrial disorder as a possible explanation for migraines? Have you tried all the suggestions listed for natural nutrients for migraine headaches?

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

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Plastic surgery for migraine headaches

The first plastic surgeon to try nerve decompression surgery for relieving migraines was Bahman Guyuron, MD of University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He noticed that migraine patients, months after receiving a forehead lift, often experienced a wonderful bonus in addition to their smoother, fresher face- a complete cessation of migraine headaches.

Twelve years later, Dr. Guyuron still practices this procedure on migraine sufferers. By focusing on muscles and nerves surrounding specific migraine trigger points on the head, Guyuron has successfully reduced migraine headaches in approximately 88% of his patients, while 30% say that their chronic headaches have completely disappeared.

As research grows, more plastic surgeons are employing this method for curing migraines. This Boston Globe article on plastic surgery for migraines describes how one migraine sufferer received permanent relief from migraine pain.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Migraine Headaches- Is it safe?

Who’s entitled to migraine surgery?

Facelift surgery for relieving migraines is still a new concept, and has only been tested on small groups. Because more years of testing are required, very few migraine sufferers qualify for nerve decompression surgery. Furthermore, migraine surgery is only recommended as last alternative, after all other migraine treatments have failed, and only if migraine headaches are debilitating to the point of interfering with your quality of life.

What other options are available?

Opponents to migraine surgery say that patients are often not warned of potential side effects like infection, loss of blood, paralysis, skin rash, and hair loss.

Some neurologists worry that migraineurs may make the hasty decision to undergo permanent surgical procedures before trying natural ingredients and therapies for migraines, such as exercise, acupuncture, relaxation, and supplements.

Please tell us…

Would you consider having forehead lift surgery to relieve migraines? Have you exhausted all other migraine therapies?

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

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1- Chronic Anger

If you’re addicted to anger, you never miss an opportunity to provoke a fight. You love the “high” you get from a good emotional roller coaster, and anger is your drug of choice. You are offended easily and might explode into a tantrum at the drop of a hat. For the most part, you may be triggering your own migraines, so it’s essential that you ask yourself before you get all riled up, ”Is this worth the migraine it’ll cost me?”

Help! Migraines are ruining my Relationships

2- Behavioral anger

Do you act out your anger? People who let anger rule their behavior are often aggressive, and subject to fits of rage- sometimes resulting in physical abuse. If migraines ever make you angry enough to lash out with friends or family, then it’s important to identify this style and anger and seek professional help.

3- Verbal anger

How do you express your anger…do you make sharp, cutting remarks, or yell obscenities? Even if you would never raise your fist in anger, remember that verbal punches can hurt, too. Next time you’re in the throes of a throbbing migraine headache that’s lasted for days, and somebody says or does something that really gets your goat, try to hold back your temper and your words, lest you ruin a valued relationship.

4- Shame-Based Anger

Over time, constant migraine headaches trigger depression, despair, and anguish in its sufferers. Because chronic migraines interfere with your ability to work productively, socialize, or carry out basic tasks, you sometimes feel “broken” or worthless. Feelings of guilt or inadequacy over cancelled appointments and missed birthdays because of migraine attacks may cause intense anger. If you suspect that poor self-image is at the root of your anger issues, then own up to it. Find out how other migraine patients cope with their chronic pain, and try to establish a healthier attitude towards yourself.

5- Unpredictable anger

Do you alternate from hot to cold, or have days when you are down in the dumps and others when you feel like you’re on top of the world? Sometimes, anger erupts without following any pattern, fluctuating between mild annoyances to outright rage, depending on your mood. Unpredictable anger and mood changes are sometimes comorbid conditions with migraine headaches. Living with somebody who is a thunderstorm-waiting-to-happen can be stressful, even traumatic, so it’s important that you seek counseling. By visiting a family or marital counselor and learning how to control your anger, you may save your relationships and your peace of mind while also preventing migraine attacks.

Please tell us…

Do you recognize any of the anger styles listed? All in all, there are close to a dozen different anger styles that may trigger migraines. Do you suffer from anger, and if so, how do you cope?

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

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What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)?

Deep brain stimulation is a therapy that uses a battery-operated “neurostimulator” to treat certain areas of the brain with electrical impulses.

First, a neurostimulator is surgically implanted under your skin around your collarbone, chest area, or stomach. This device is similar to a pacemaker, and used to generate electrical shocks.
Next, a thin wire extension is inserted under your skin, acting as a conduit between the neurostimulator and a small electrode.
Finally, by drilling a small hole into the base of the skull, electrodes are embedded into your brain, where they transmit electric impulses to certain targeted areas.

Deep brain stimulation- who is it for?

All patients considering DBS must undergo an MRI or CT scan before surgery, in order to reduce the risk of post-op hemorrhaging and to determine which areas of the brain to target.

Currently, neurological clinics offering deep brain stimulation use it to treat people with severe movement disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, essential tremor, dystonia, and Parkinson’s disease.

While the FDA has approved the use of DBS for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), that is still in an experimental stage.

Other illnesses that scientists hope to cure with deep brain stimulation include:

Cluster headache
Migraine headache
Tourette’s
Alzheimer’s disease
Chronic back pain
Severe depression
Epilepsy
Addiction

Only people with debilitating neurological impairments who have failed to respond to standard treatment are considered for deep brain stimulation.

Diagnosing Constant Migraines with a Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) – What to Expect

Risk factors of deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a form of brain surgery, so all standard risk factors apply.

Approximately 2-3% of people who undergo DBS suffer a major brain hemorrhage as a result, causing paralysis, stroke, or permanent speech impairments.
Approximately 15% of DBS patients suffer some minor or temporary ailment.
Infection may occur, requiring a return to the hospital in order to remove electrodes.
Today’s deep brain stimulation procedure is less risky than previous years’, which used to involve damaging certain areas of the brain.

Is DBS safe for treating migraines?

Yes and no.

People who qualify for deep brain stimulation surgery suffer from immense, debilitating chronic headaches that significantly reduce their quality of life and are otherwise incurable.

It can’t be stressed enough that DBS is meant to be used as a last resort, when all other attempts at managing migraine headaches have failed, including all prescription medications for migraines, alternative nutrients for migraines, and migraine management through diet, exercise, and relaxation.

Is it worth the gamble? That question is up to you and your neurologist. Three percent might seem like an insignificant risk, but it still implies that out of 100 people, three may incur serious and lasting brain damage.

For more information, see the Cleveland Clinic page on Deep Brain Stimulation.

Please tell us…

Would you consider participating in a study on deep brain stimulation for treating migraines, if asked?

Have you tried supplementing with nutrients for migraines, like magnesium, butterbur, and riboflavin?

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

Share with your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Don’t get migraine trigger-happy

Migraines are a loaded gun, and sometimes you’re tempted to aim them at your closest friends. You’re not alone in this sentiment- almost every chronic pain patient has had the frustrating experience of trying to explain to deaf ears the concept of migraine triggers and the excruciating headaches they cause…not to mention the eye pain, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, vertigo, and countless other migraine attack symptoms that apply.

There is hope.

Here are some expert tips on keeping relationships close while keeping migraines very far away…

Choose your words

Migraines are one aspect of your life that will always need explaining. Whether it’s a missed lunch date or showing up to work an hour late because of migraines, there will be many scenarios in your relationships where you’ll feel pressured to find the right words to explain chronic pain without offending or disappointing others- a difficult task when you’re in the middle of a stage 3 migraine attack.

Instead of just “winging it” and risking losing your job and your friends, plan what you’re going to say in each social situation:

To your loved ones, be honest. Explain to them that you suffer from immense pain, and that you struggle with feelings of anger, depression, and despair. Or, talk to a therapist about how migraines affect your relationships. Either way, you have to find a release for your emotional suffering, lest it come out in an angry outburst, instead.
When people make offhand comments to you like “why can’t you just take an Advil,” or ,”well, my mom gets headaches all the time, but she doesn’t let it keep her from working,” try not to get defensive. If possible, calmly explain that migraine headaches are a symptom of a neurological disorder, and that what works for one person in treating migraine headaches might not work for many others.
When you must cancel plans like going to a birthday, kindly emphasize that you are truly sorry that you have to miss the occasion, and that you will do all in your power to show up if you are able.
To your boss, explain that you suffer from chronic migraines, and that you will make up any time missed from work when you are recuperated. That will help to strengthen your work relationship and keep you employed.

Helping Others Understand Migraines- 8 Communication Tips

Talk about it on a good day

Most of us can’t focus on having a serious conversation about relationships while we’re in the middle of a migraine with aura. The next time you have a day without pain, or at least a day that registers #3 on the pain charts, try to have an impromptu discussion with certain people about how migraines are affecting you, and ways they can help.

Give them a rain check

Instead of completely cancelling activities with your friends, try to schedule something for a different date- an activity that is relatively migraine-free. Your friends and family will be less disappointed if they know that you truly want to see them, and that you are trying to work them into your life.

Give yourself a household chore…any chore

Think of inventive ways to contribute to household chores that don’t trigger migraines. If pushing a vacuum cleaner leaves you with a pounding headache, then either delegate that chore to somebody else, or find a way to keep the carpet clean by brushing with a wet broom, for example. Try washing the dishes while seated, by pushing a tall stool over to the sink.

Including yourself in household tasks, at any level, is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with your family.

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

Join a migraine community

Can’t relate to non-migraineurs? Join the crowd. Both online and in person, many migraine support groups are available that provide a venue for your venting…without raising your blood pressure. For starters, join Migravent on Facebook!

Lean on them

Many times, migraine sufferers’ relationships become strained because others want to help, but don’t know how to ask. Don’t be shy about enlisting your friends and family in your fight against migraine disorder. Ask for help, if for no other reason than to give people a chance to do something for you.

Remember, caring is not something you feel, but something that requires practice.

Cut them some slack

We are all flawed human beings, and some of us are just not cut out for nursing…or even making sensitive comments when it’s appropriate. Don’t hold grudges against people who fail you; just accept that many of us are “damaged goods,” and try to empathize. Let go of the people who really hurt you, and try to live with the rest.

Please tell us…

Have you found that chronic pain has taught you who your friends are? Please share your experiences and life lessons.

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.

Tell your friends!

If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.

Why am I always tired?

When chronic pain is so powerful that it overwhelms your senses, as with migraine headaches, concentrating on anything else outside of the throbbing head pain and eye sensitivity can be a challenge. Chronic headaches make it difficult to sleep, remember appointments, pay attention to somebody who’s speaking to you, or even concentrate on getting your bottle of migraine remedies open.

Brain drain from migraines

The “brain drain” you feel is most likely caused by chronic fatigue resulting from constant migraine headaches, especially migraines with aura.

Symptoms of brain fog include:

Frequent feelings of confusion
Extreme fatigue, despite sleeping and avoiding overexertion
Difficulty remembering PINs, phone numbers, and dates
Forgetting what you were going to say, or why you entered a room
Feeling distracted when people are talking to you
Inability to focus on a conversation, by telephone or in person
Decreased attention span
Difficulty reading
Trouble remembering people’s names

Other causes of brain drain

Even if you believe migraine headaches are the cause of your chronic fatigue, it is crucial to tell your doctor of your migraine symptoms, so that he can rule out other comorbid illnesses or conditions that could be contributing to your attention difficulties.

Here are some other reasons you might be suffering from brain fog:

Menopause

An overwhelming majority of migraine sufferers are women, so it’s worth noting that chronic fatigue that occurs with migraines could also be a symptom of menopause.

According to the latest research published by the journal Menopause, common complaints of women as they enter menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, and memory loss caused by “brain fog.”

Autoimmune disorder

Brain drain is also a common symptom of many autoimmune disorders, including vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis (MS), Sjogren’s syndrome, or lupus.

Migraine drug side effects

Improve your Memory while taking Topamax for Migraines

Certain migraine medications cause side effects that include memory loss. Anti-seizure drugs like Topamax, Depacon, Neurontin, and Lamictal are often helpful in reducing migraine symptoms, but they may also cause disturbing and sometimes debilitating side effects.

Side effects of anticonvulsant medications may include:

Attention problems (brain fog, brain drain symptoms)
Muddled thinking
Memory loss
Speech difficulties
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Anxiety
Moodiness
Nausea
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Burning or tingling sensations
Altered taste perception
Decreased coordination
Frequent stumbling or dropping things
Muscular soreness and weakness
Lower back pain
Frequent colds or viral infections

Please tell us…

Are you currently using a migraine treatment that causes side effects like attention problems, memory loss, or fatigue?

If so, have you considered replacing them with natural supplements that don’t cause harmful reactions, like magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), and coenzyme Q10?

We love to hear from you! Please comment below with your questions or suggestions.

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Please share this article with your friends, family, or anybody you care about!

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is any condition that causes long periods of painful suffering, for months or years, in the absence of any kind of visible treatable injury. Chronic pain conditions such as migraine headaches and back pain interfere with your quality of life, making it difficult to sleep well, perform your job duties, drive a car, or take care of your own basic needs.

Some common chronic pain disorders are:

Migraines
Fibromyalgia
Chronic fatigue
Arthritis
Neuropathy (nerve damage)
Lower back pain
Endometriosis
Interstitial cystitis
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Vulvodynia (chronic vulvar pain)

Women get the Lion’s Share of Migraines and Chronic Pain

Natural ingredients

In using herbs and vitamins to improve your health while managing chronic pain, it’s important to remember that even natural ingredients must be used responsibly with the advice of a medical practitioner. “Natural” doesn’t always equal safe for everybody. Certain vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin E can become toxic if taken in excess quantities. Using a natural migraine ingredient as a blood thinner may benefit migraine patients, but only under a doctor’s supervision.

Natural ingredients used for chronic pain include:

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Coenzyme Q10
Butterbur root
Topical capsaicin cream
Chondroitin
Fish oil
Glucosamine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into the body in order to treat chronic pain. Western medicine is much more open to the notion of using Chinese acupuncture than ever before- what used to be considered an alien, almost exotic branch of medicine is now mainstream. Acupuncture doesn’t guarantee immediate results, but with continued practice, many people suffering from anxiety, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain, and numerous other ailments have found significant relief through acupuncture.

“Acupuncture releases natural pain-relieving opioids, sends signals that calm the sympathetic nervous system, and releases neurochemicals and hormones.” -About.com

Rub out Migraine Headaches with 5 Chinese Acupressure Points

Chiropractic manipulation

Chiropractic care relieves chronic pain by adjusting your spine or other parts of your body back to its correct alignment.

Spinal manipulation involves forcefully manipulating a certain joint outside of its usual range of movement as a means of providing chronic pain relief and healing an injury. Spinal manipulation is used by chiropractors and massage therapists.
Osteopathic Manipulation, practiced by osteopathic physicians, restores bodily function and relieves chronic pain by combining Osteopathic Manipulative Technique (OMT) healing with proper posture training and osteopathic philosophy.

Exercise

Exercising might be the last thing on your mind if you suffer from chronic pain, but numerous studies prove that incorporating even small amounts of gentle stretching or light walking into your daily life contributes to chronic pain relief, decreased stress, and improved cardiovascular health.

Some recommended exercises for chronic pain include:

Walking
Low-impact aerobics
Yoga
Tai chi

Relaxation

Learning how to relax in any situation is instrumental in dealing with chronic pain, reducing stress, and maintaining a sense of wellbeing.

Popular relaxation techniques include:

Hypnotherapy
Biofeedback
Guided imagery
Progressive relaxation
Music therapy
Aromatherapy
Massage
Cognitive behavioral therapy

Please tell us…

Are you an ex-chronic pain sufferer who has found relieve using CAM? Please share your experience! We welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions.

Spread the love…

Please share this article with your friends, family, or anybody you care about!

Sources:

Chronic Pain and CAM: At a Glance

Alternative Treatments for Chronic Pain

Dietary Reference Intakes: Elements

Tags: chronic headaches, chronic pain and migraines, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for chronic pain, migraine headaches, Migraines, Natural supplements for chronic pain
Posted in Natural Migraine Treatments | No Comments »

Migraine Headache Painkiller Mistakes we sometimes make

Monday, March 12th, 2012

We’re all aware of the dangers of misusing painkillers for migraine headaches, but how many of us really understand the right and wrong ways of using pain pills? Here are some common mistakes that people make with their prescription painkillers for migraines and other types of chronic pain, as reported by WebMD, Living with Chronic Pain.

Err #1: Overdosing on migraine pain pills

Sometimes, your prescribed dose of migraine medications work right away- in ten minutes or less. Other times, the same dose might seem to do nothing at all. You tick away the seconds, wait ten more minutes, and then agonize over whether to take another few pain pills or wait it out.

According to Kristen A. Binaso, RPh, spokesperson for the American Pharmacists Association, using more painkillers than prescribed can be disastrous. Not only will it fail to provide extra relief, as the extra dose of painkillers often reduces the effect of the first dose, but you may overdose.

“This ‘one is good so two must be better’ thing is a common problem,” says Eric R. Haynes, MD, of the Comprehensive Pain Management Partners. “Patients should follow the instructions their doctor gives. Ask before leaving the office: Can I take an extra pill if I still hurt? What is the upper limit for this medication?”

Bottom line: If your painkillers aren’t working as prescribed, notify your migraine doctor right away. Don’t be tempted to take extra meds without your doctor’s permission.

Err #2: Combining prescription migraine painkillers with OTC migraine painkillers

Again, this goes back to overdosing on pain pills. Sometimes, migraine patients supplement their prescription painkillers by taking over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers for extra relief, without being familiar with main active ingredients of either. In many cases, you end up taking the same analgesic such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen twice, and risking serious injury.

Bottom line: Ask your doctor about using OTC migraine pain relievers in addition to prescription medicines.

Err #3: Not telling your doctor about all medications that you’re taking

It’s important to be upfront and honest with your doctor, especially if he’s prescribing pain pills for migraines. Many painkillers pose harmful drug interactions, and some may reduce their effectiveness. If you’re taking antidepressants, diabetes drugs, or medicine for hypertension, then your doctor needs to be informed before prescribing pain medication.

Bottom line: Tell your migraine specialist about every single medication that you’re currently taking, even if you think it might be unrelated to migraine meds.

Err #4: Driving under the influence

You might not realize that a certain painkiller may make you sleepy until you try to drive after using it. Even a drug that is marked “non-drowsy” might produce a lethargic reaction in some. Keep in mind that driving while sleepy is just as dangerous as driving drunk.

Bottom line: The first time you take a new painkiller, take it at home, and monitor your reaction to it. Don’t go into the car immediately after using a new migraine painkiller.

Err #5: Sharing migraine meds

Another oft-reported error people sometimes make is to share their pain medications with others. Your doctor considers several important factors before prescribing your migraine medications, and just because a certain painkiller is safe for you, that doesn’t mean it is harmless for every other migraine patient. Other people might have underlying health problems, allergies, or current medications that may interact lethally with your painkillers.

Bottom line: Even if somebody tells you that he’s in pain with migraines, don’t give him your prescribed migraine pills. Instead, offer to help him find painkillers with his doctor’s approval.

Err #6: Not consulting in your pharmacist

Your pharmacist is there to help you understand your prescription painkillers- what’s written on the labels, what dose you should be taking, and possible drug interactions. Many people often forget what their doctor said during the last visit, and neglect to ask the pharmacist. If you figure that you’ll just “wing it,” then you run the risk of overdosing.

Bottom line: Never rely on your own memory when taking migraine medications. Keep written instructions from your doctor, or logged into your migraine diary. If you’re ever unsure about dosage information, then ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Err #7: Using meds past the expiration date

After a certain amount of time, drug ingredients start to break down; they become less effective and in some cases, more dangerous for the user.

Bottom line: Check expiration dates regularly, and dispose of expired drugs.

Err #8: Chopping pills without permission

Believe it or not, the thin line running down the middle of a pill is there for a reason; it instructs you where to cut should you need to take half a dose. According to Binaso, cutting a pill any other way can be extremely hazardous, particularly if there is no scoring.

Bottom line: Unless your doctor gives you permission to cut a pill in half, don’t.

Please tell us…

Do you currently take prescribed painkillers for migraines, but would like to stop? What side effects bother you most about your migraine medications? Have you tried supplementing with natural migraine treatments that don’t cause damaging side effects?

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Please share this article with your friends, family, or anybody you care about!

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), otherwise known as vitamin Q and ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble compound produced by your body for generating cellular energy in the mitochondria.

Health benefits associated with coenzyme Q10 include:

Improved heart health
Strong immune system functioning
Maintaining already healthy blood pressure
Promoting neurological health
Also read Got your Vitamin Q?

Coenzyme Q10 benefits

Numerous studies have been conducted in finding the most effective nutrients for migraines:

In a study published by Cephalalgia, 150 mg of CoQ10 was given to 32 test subjects.
After one month of treatment, patients began to notice positive results.
Three months of treatment with CoQ10 resulted in a 55.3% improvement in neurological health conditions.
No side effects from CoQ10 supplementation were noted by scientists during this trial.
Overall, 61.3% of patients who took 150 mg of coenzyme Q10 each day were rewarded with improved neurological health and increased feelings of well being.
Also read Coenzyme Q10 Benefits and Dosage Information

Which foods have the most coenzyme Q10?

The richest food sources of CoQ10 have only a few grams per serving, and much of that is lost during cooking over high heat, such as frying.

Here are some foods that are high in CoQ10, according to the Linus Pauling Institute:

Fried beef, one 3-ounce serving- 2.6 mg
Pickled herring, one 3-ounce serving- 2.3 mg
Fried chicken, one 3-ounce serving- 1.4 mg
Soybean oil, 1 tablespoon- 1.3 mg
Canola oil, 1 tablespoon- 1.0 mg
Steamed rainbow trout, one 3-ounce serving- 0.9 mg
Roasted peanuts, 1 ounce- 0.8 mg
Roasted sesame seeds, 1 ounce- 0.7 mg

Other sources of CoQ10 include broccoli, pistachios, cauliflower, oranges, strawberries, and eggs.

How much fried beef can one person eat?

If you don’t suffer from migraines, fibromyalgia, or hypertension, then you get enough nutrients from food sources- enough to avoid deficiency.

But what if you need extra doses of CoQ10? How many ounces of beef, fish, or beans would you have to eat, assuming that soybeans and peanuts are not migraine triggers?

57.7 servings of fried beef, or about 11 lbs.
65.2 servings of marinated herring, or about 12 lbs.
20 lbs. of fried chicken
150 tablespoons of canola oil
11.7 lbs. of roasted peanuts

Wouldn’t be easier to take CoQ10 supplements?

Look for quality ingredients, including a mixture of the following potent vitamins, minerals, and herbs:

Coenzyme Q10
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Magnesium
Butterbur, PA-free

Please tell us…

What natural migraine nutrients do you take?

Have you asked your doctor about the effectiveness of riboflavin, magnesium, and CoQ10?

If you’ve tried many prescribed migraine drugs without finding relief, what is the main reason that is holding you back from trying natural ingredients?

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Please share this article with your friends, family, or anybody you care about!

Hunger headache

Migraine brains like consistency; any deviation from your normal eating habits- skipping meals, or fluctuations in your blood sugar- will likely trigger a migraine attack the size of Texas.

Of course, what you eat is just as important as how much or how often you eat. A cup of cooked white pasta might have the same amount of calories as a cup of whole-wheat spaghetti, but nutritionally, they are worlds apart. Ounce for ounce, whole-grain foods are packed with more vitamins, minerals, and tummy-filling fiber than starchy white processed foods, leaving you feeling more satisfied after finishing a meal and less likely to suffer a hunger headache.

Solution:

When cutting back on calories, make it gradual. Avoid crash dieting. Aim to lose one or two pounds per week…or month. The slower you lose the weight, the longer you will keep it off, anyways.
Don’t skimp on quality while shopping for low-calorie foods to stock your pantry. Avoid “diet” foods that are devoid of vitamins and minerals, yet packed with preservatives, refined sugars and flours, and artificial fillers. Include filling foods in your diet, like protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that do not trigger migraines.
Don’t fall for imitation foods like “fat-free cream cheese” or sugarless pancake syrup. Instead, opt for natural maple syrup and real butter, and just use less.
Eat small meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism moving and to keep migraines at bay.
Be prepared. Always keep an emergency stash of your favorite non-perishable treat in your car, purse, and work desk.

Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist

Dehydration headache

Sometimes your become dehydrated when trying to lose weight. When this happens, your blood vessels constrict in an effort to retain moisture, causing spasms, and decreased oxygen to the brain. The result is dehydration headache. So, how much water do you need? Currently, experts recommend that you drink half of your body weight in ounces. If you weigh 180 pounds, then you should drink at least 90 ounces (approximately 11 cups) of water each day.

Solution:

Make it easy to fulfill your daily water requirement. Stock up on plenty of good drinking water, and stash water bottles around your house. Keep a bottle by your telephone or computer. Stash one in the car and your emergency migraine tote bag.
Invest in a good quality stainless steel water bottle, and keep it clean. Metal water bottles stay ice cold longer than plastic bottles, and they last forever.

Stay Hydrated without Drinking Water- 5 Hydrating Foods

Detox headache

Ironically, eating healthier can give you a headache. If part of your migraine diet plan includes following a restrictive diet, then you’re eating fewer foods that supply toxins to the body. As a result, your body goes into detox mode, sweating out toxins throughout your day. A few side effects of detox, however, include migraine-like headaches and skin disruptions like acne.

Solution:

Hang in there! Detox is a temporary phase and worth the efforts. Countless studies prove that weaning your body off migraine triggering foods and chemicals significantly reduces migraine frequency and severity.
Supplement with natural vitamins, minerals, and herbs. Some excellent nutrients are magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10.

Please tell us…

Are you currently using a migraine treatment that causes weight gain as one of its side effects?
Have you been successful in losing weight while battling with migraines at the same time?
Please share your success stories with our readers!
As always, we welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.

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