Migraines these are debilitating and best, they leave a feeling of nausea, weakness and general sensitivity, often for days. What is the solution? One of our favourite bloggers Fatima Saib shared her personal insight and journey into looking for a solution.

Migraines, a personal journey

Here is Fatima’s personal struggle …

“The dread of suffering from a migraine or headache is for me, right up there with a toothache and hay fever. Three things I simply cannot handle yet always seem to get. Migraine headaches are recurrent, painful headaches that are usually accompanied by light and sound sensitivity as well as nausea. Usually described as a throbbing pain rushing through one’s head. As a result, a migraine headache limits your ability to carry on with normal day to day activities. It is often made worse by physical activities.

For me, it starts off with a slight headache or heaviness on one side of my head. If I don’t take proper precautions, it blows out either into a really bad but a manageable headache or an intense migraine that lasts about 2 days. This beginning stages of a migraine are called the prodrome and the experience varies from person to person. It can include many symptoms, I usually experience appetite loss, stiff neck, and sore or weak eyes.

“In the early years of migraine research, scientists believed that the headache portion of a migraine resulted from the dilation of blood vessels, while the aura portion of a migraine was caused by vasoconstriction. However, more recent evidence suggests that these vascular changes are not the cause of a migraine, but rather an epiphenomenon that accompanies the pain. Today, migraine is viewed as a result of complex dysfunction within the central nervous system” – Health Renewal.”

 

How can you avoid them?

The doctors over at Health Renewal, agree that there are many things one can do to avoid or ease the tension that comes along with a migraine headache. A few that always works for me is to avoid caffeine and being around people who smoke.  A head massage and a good nap does wonders too. I have found that when coupled with some yoga specifically meant to treat headaches and migraines I find great relief.

If however, you feel as if you have exhausted every other option with regards to treating your headaches, I would highly recommend a visit to a Health Renewal Doctor. By doing this you can try to pinpoint the causes of your pain. I have had a few consultations with some doctors at Health Renewal and left every consultation feeling inspired and in awe of how much information they give you. One of the things they recommend is keeping a food diary and note down then your headache starts. This may even result from high amounts of processed meats or cheeses and for some, even garlic!

So, what can you do to help with your headaches?

Drink plenty of water as soon as a headache starts as it could be a sign of dehydration, especially in the mornings in winter if you sleep with a heater on.

Keep a food diary and note down what you eat as well as when you get a headache. This will come in handy if you decide to see a doctor and can help you see for yourself what kinds of food or drinks contribute to tension.

Try to ease up on the sugar and chocolate as for many people, it makes headaches much worse and instead, try to sip on fruit infused water.

If you are starting to get a headache but have errands to run, be sure to wear sunglasses when outside so that shifts in light does not cause too much tension.”

A big thank you to Fatima Saib for sharing her journey!