Relief From Migraine

How do you get relief from migraine headaches when they unexpectedly hit you?

Well, there a number of ways to achieve relief from migraine headaches which include the most common route of taking prescription or OTC(over the counter medicines) such as imitrex(Rx- prescription) or excedrin migraine(OTC).

However, the purpose of this page is to describe other common non-drug remedies that have worked for others and may work for you as well if you want relief from migraine headaches.

Migraines typically occur on one side of the head and are caused as a result of the blood vessels in the head first shrinking or constricting and then expanding or dilating causing pain. This dilation is also caused by increased concentrations of nitric oxide in the bloodstream and the increased blood flow to the brain results in pain.

Some of the tips shown below may help relieve migraine headaches. Make sure you consult your physician before changing diet or implementing new methods to relieve migraine headaches.

1) Applying cold compresses to the site of pain in most cases will relieve the pain since it will cause the blood vessels to shrink or constrict.

2) Alternatively, you can dip your index and middle fingers into cold water and massage the area of pain. This method will constrict blood vessels and provide the soothing relief of a massage.

3) Stress will cause migraines as well. While it is impossible to eliminate stress completely it is possible to decrease it.

4) Exercise is another method of achieving relief from migraine headaches. However, it is recommended by most physician's that you warm up first before attempting any strenuous exercise otherwise nitric oxide may quickly build up in your bloodstream
and trigger a migraine attack. Something as simple as a brisk 10 minute walk
in fresh air may relieve a migraine headache.

5) Turn off the lights, pull down the shades and close the curtains. Eliminate noise and lay down for a while. Relaxing in a dark, quiet room is often enough to quickly alleviate pain.

6) Drink a caffeine containing beverage - While excessive caffeine can trigger a migraine, less than 8 oz of a beverage containing caffeine may relieve a migraine attack temporarily. Generally, caffeine works best for those whose migraines are NOT caused by it. It is a good idea to keep a journal or diary to determine the
cause of your migraine headaches and if you’re sure that it isn’t caffeine, then trying it when you get a migraine attack may help reduce the pain.

7) Avoid the environment that contain the triggers causing your migraine. Smells, noise, bright lights and even colors may trigger migraine headaches.

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Weight Loss Tips

1. Take Charge

The first step to weight loss is setting a realistic goal. By using a BMI chart and consulting with your health-care provider, you can determine what a healthy weight is for you. If you plan to lose more than 15 to 20 pounds, have any health problems, or take medication on a regular basis, a doctor should evaluate you before you begin a weight loss program.

2. Are you overweight?

Overweight refers to an excess of body weight, but not necessarily body fat. Obesity means an excessively high proportion of body fat. Health professionals use a measurement called body mass index (BMI) to classify an adult's weight as healthy, overweight, or obese. BMI describes body weight relative to height and is correlated with total body fat content in most adults.

To get your approximate BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide the result by your height in inches, and divide that result by your height in inches a second time. (Or you can use the interactive BMI calculator at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm )

A BMI from 18.5 up to 25 is considered in the healthy range, from 25 up to 30 is overweight and 30 or higher is obese. Generally, the higher a person's BMI, the greater the risk for health problems, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). However, there are some exceptions. For example, very muscular people, like body builders, may have a BMI greater than 25 or even 30, but this reflects increased muscle rather than fat. In addition to a high BMI, having excess abdominal body fat is a health risk. Men with a waist of more than 40 inches around and women with a waist of 35 inches or more are at risk for health problems.

3. Change eating habits

Dieting may conjure up visions of eating lettuce and sprouts--but you can enjoy all foods as part of a healthy diet as long as you don't overdo it on fat (especially saturated fat), protein, sugars, and alcohol. To be successful at losing weight, you need to change your lifestyle--not just go on a diet, experts say.
Limit portion sizes, especially of foods high in calories, such as cookies, cakes and other sweets; french fries; and fats, oils and spreads. Reducing dietary fat alone--without reducing calories--will not produce weight loss, according to the NHLBI's guidelines on treating overweight and obesity in adults. Eat less and move more. Your body needs to burn more calories than you take in.

4. Increase physical activity

Most health experts recommend a combination of a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight loss. Most adults should get at least 30 minutes and children should get 60 minutes of moderate physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of the week. Exercise does not have to be strenuous to be beneficial and some studies show that short sessions of exercise several times a day are just as effective at burning calories and improving health as one long session.

5. De-stress yourself

Stress may in some individuals lead to overeating leading to increase in weight. If you identify yourself as one these people and feel the need to eat in between meals then at least eat healthy instead of munching on chips and cookies etc try veggies and fruits.

6. Don't skip meals

Otherwise it will encourage you to over eat at the next meal. If you have to snack in between meals try snacking on fruits and veggies.

7. Food Allergies

Make note of foods you are allergic to. Food allergies disrupt metabolism and thus hinder weight loss.

8. Crash Diets

Avoid them. They are mostly self-defeating and serve only as a temporary band-Aid solution.

9. Drink plenty of water

To flush out the toxins from your body.

10. Tips for Eating Out

• Choose foods that are steamed, broiled, baked, roasted, poached or stir-fried.
• Share food, such as a main dish or dessert, with your dining partner.
• Take part of the food home with you, and refrigerate immediately. You may want to ask for a take-home container when the meal arrives. Spoon half the meal into it, so you're more likely to eat only what's left on your plate.
• Request your meal to be served without gravy, sauces, butter or margarine.
• Ask for salad dressing on the side, and use only small amounts of full-fat dressings.

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