One Big Health Nut

If you suffer migraine headaches, you don’t have to be told they can be debilitating.  The symptoms caused by migraines are painful.  In many instances, migraine sufferers are bedridden until the symptoms subside.  There are prescribed medications available to alleviate the migraine.  But preventing the migraine in the first place is much better, and often easier, than combating the migraine once you have it. 

There are life style changes you can make to prevent migraines from occurring.  Certain foods are considered triggers of migraine headaches.  Caffeine is considered one such trigger.  Avoid caffeinated drinks.  It is even suggested that you avoid both regular and decaf coffee.  Strong flavored cheeses are considered a trigger as well.  Chocolate, wine (both red & white), sardines, herring, anchovies, and fermented foods are other possible triggers for migraine headaches. 

An herb known as Tanacetum parthenium has been found to prevent migraine headaches.  You can purchase the plant and chew a three or four of the leaves every day.  Or you can find the product in a health food store.  Since the plant leaves themselves leave much to be desired in the taste department, you may prefer the extract in pill form.  Taking the herb every day should reduce the number of migraine attacks you suffer. 

Another reason to effect these lifestyle changes to prevent and control migraine headaches is related to cognitive function in advanced age.  Studies have shown that individuals that actively control migraines may be protected against a decline in mental functions as they age.  Diet, additional sleep, and less stress help lessen migraine attacks and declines in mental functions in later years.