Latest news with #migraine
Medscape
16 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Long-Term Rimegepant Use Safe for Migraine Prevention
TOPLINE: The use of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist rimegepant 75 mg for 52 weeks showed a favorable safety profile and sustained benefits for migraine prevention in a new open-label extension (OLE) study. The treatment was associated with a reduction in monthly migraine days (MMDs), as well as a low frequency of adverse events (AEs) and no significant hepatic safety concerns. METHODOLOGY: The original phase 2/3 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included adult participants who had 4-18 moderate-to-severe migraine attacks per month. As reported previously, participants who received one tablet of rimegepant 75 mg every other calendar day for 12 weeks had significantly fewer MMDs than those who received matching placebo, meeting the primary endpoint. The treatment phase was then followed by a 52-week OLE period, where safety and tolerability were assessed through AE monitoring, vital signs assessments, physical examinations, ECGs, and laboratory tests, with special attention to hepatic-related AEs. All OLE participants received the active anti-CGRP. Exploratory outcomes during the extension period included the mean reduction in the number of MMDs and the proportion of participants achieving ≥ 50% and 100% reductions in the number of MMDs. TAKEAWAY: Among 603 participants who entered the OLE period, 71% of the participants completed the study; 52% experienced at least one AE, with most deemed to be mild. Only 2% of participants reported serious AEs, none of which were related to the liver or related to the study drug. Treatment-related AEs occurred in 15% of participants, leading to drug discontinuation in 3%. The most common AEs reported were constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, migraine, increased liver enzymes, and weight gain, although each occurred in ≤ 1% of participants. The hepatic safety profile was favorable, and liver-related AEs were rare. The mean number of MMDs decreased by 6.2 d/mo over the OLE period, with sustained and increasing treatment benefits being observed without a decrease in the effect. The proportion of participants achieving ≥ 50% and 100% reductions in the number of MMDs increased during the extension period. IN PRACTICE: 'This trial found that participants who took rimegepant every other day and as needed (up to one 75 mg tablet a day) experienced a reduction in migraine days and experienced few side effects. Moreover, the treatment benefits of rimegepant increased over a 1-year period without losing effectiveness,' the investigators wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by David Kudrow, MD, California Medical Clinic for Headache, Santa Monica, California. It was published online on June 30 in Headache. LIMITATIONS: Key limitations included the exclusion of participants with extremely frequent headaches (> 18 headache days per month), which limited the generalizability of the findings. The requirement for a consistent ≥ 50% monthly reduction may have underestimated sustained efficacy, post-randomization dropouts may have skewed the OLE sample, the lack of an active comparator may have introduced bias, and participants' awareness of receiving the drug may have affected reporting. Efficacy endpoints were also exploratory, so definitive conclusions on long-term effectiveness could not be drawn. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals. Several investigators reported having financial or employment ties with the funder or other pharmaceutical companies. One investigator also reported being on the editorial board of journals, including Headache. Full details are provided in the original article. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
What your headache is trying to tell you
How often do you feel the ominous sensation of a headache coming on? From a mild twinge after staring at a screen for too long, to a severe throb which makes work impossible, more than half the world's population has suffered from some form of 'headache disorder' recently, according to the most recent Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. But despite their prevalence, most of us never question what they might mean for our overall health. 'The vast majority are primary headaches, which means they don't have an external cause, such as viral meningitis or a head injury,' says Peter Goadsby, a professor of neurology at King's College London. 'The tendency to experience primary headache disorders is inherited, and then things in life will amplify it.' Overall, there are more than 100 different clinical categories of headaches, ranging from those that can be tackled with paracetamol to frequent, seriously debilitating ones. Here is a guide to some of the most common headaches and their causes, as well as ways of preventing and treating them. Around 10 million adults in Britain suffer from migraines, which costs the country approximately £2.3 billion every year in lost working days. They are characterised as a severe throbbing headache on one side of the head, which lasts between four and 72 hours and can be accompanied by blurred vision, nausea and acute sensitivity to sight and sound. The most common trigger for migraines is variation, according to Prof Goadsby. 'Changing sleeping habits – getting too much or too little – skipping meals, suddenly starting to do overly extreme exercise, stress, drinking too much alcohol and a change in weather can all trigger a migraine,' he says. It's rare to have one reliable trigger; for most people, it's caused by a number of factors coming together. And Prof Goadsby points out that some of what people assume are triggers – bright light, for example – are part of the initial stage of the migraine itself, before the headache hits. Migraines are under-diagnosed and under-treated, says Dr Ben Turner, a consultant neurologist at London Bridge Hospital. 'There's a tendency to think a headache is only a migraine if there's visual disturbance, when this only happens to 20 per cent of people,' he says. How to treat them Migraines are ' highly treatable, so if your GP hasn't been able to help, seek a referral to a specialist and you're likely to find you've been suffering unnecessarily for years,' says Dr Turner. Triptans have long been used for migraine attacks, but recently a new class of drugs called gepants have become available, which are more effective, broadly tolerated and can be used to prevent as well as treat migraines. The most excruciating form of headache, confined to one side of the head, cluster headaches last for an hour or two, often waking sufferers in the night. They are rare, and those affected – most commonly men – have rated the pain at 9.7 out of 10 – worse than childbirth at 7.2, a gunshot wound at 6 and a migraine at 5.4. They will usually become agitated and feel the need to move around, rocking and possibly hitting their head. 'It will happen every day, once or twice a day, for six to eight weeks at a time,' says Prof Goadsby. The exact cause is unknown, but these headaches affect an area of the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a tiny region in the hypothalamus which acts as the body's central circadian pacemaker, regulating daily rhythms including the sleep-wake cycle. This may explain why cluster headaches tend to appear at the same time each day, and even occur at the same time each year. 'Peak times [for cluster headaches] tend to be spring and autumn, and in between, it's completely turned off,' says Prof Goadbsy. How to treat them Cluster headaches are sometimes misdiagnosed as dental pain or acute allergies because of symptoms including a watery eye and a stuffy nose on the painful side. They require specialist treatments to relieve the pain, such as oxygen therapy, sumatriptan injections or nasal spray. The drug verapamil, taken as a tablet several times a day, is the main treatment for prevention, but it can cause heart problems in some people. The most common type of headache, tension headaches cause a steady, mild to moderate ache that can feel like a tight band or pressure around the head, and can usually be alleviated with aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen. Unlike migraines, they do not cause nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light and sound. Often caused by poor posture and stiffness in the neck muscles, or eye strain, they can also be an indication of dehydration, lack of sleep, emotional stress, or too much caffeine. How to treat them Tension-type headaches – their official term – usually get better when someone moves around, particularly outdoors, so factoring in plenty of screen breaks is crucial. Gentle stretches, massages and heat on sore muscles can also be beneficial. Prof Goadsby warns that if you're regularly getting headaches after staring at a screen for extended periods, there could be another underlying cause. 'A good starting point would be to get your eyes checked by an optician, but for most people in this situation, it's not a tension-type headache but migraine.' A sinus headache is a symptom of a sinus infection (sinusitis), where the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed and swollen, causing congestion and a dull pain behind the eyes, in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. Research has shown that between 50 and 80 per cent of cases labelled as sinus headaches are actually misdiagnosed migraines. Dr Taylor says neurologists often see patients in this situation. 'Unless there's significant nasal congestion and discharge, it isn't sinusitis,' he says. 'We see GPs prescribing antibiotics to clear an infection, but if the problem is really migraine, they won't have any effect.' How to treat them Usually the infection clears in seven to 10 days, and using over-the-counter painkillers such as Sudafed can help manage the pain. The vast majority of us will experience a dehydration headache at some point if we've been too busy to ensure we drink enough water. But why does dehydration manifest as a headache? The hypothalamus in the brain acts as a control centre, regulating bodily functions such as body temperature, hunger and thirst. If we become dehydrated, 'this area of the brain will be overstimulated,' says Prof Goadsby. 'In those who are susceptible, it can trigger migraine.' How to treat them Drinking 2-2½ litres of fluid a day (around six to eight glasses) is essential to keep headaches at bay. Drinking too much caffeine can cause headaches for some people, but conversely, if you are a regular tea or coffee drinker, suddenly reducing your intake can also trigger them. Caffeine's stimulating effects are exerted primarily by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness and relaxation by slowing down nerve cell activity. 'When you withdraw caffeine, you get a headache from the sudden increase in adenosine activity,' says Prof Goadsby. How to treat them Over-the-counter pain relief should help, but don't use it too often. 'If you're taking painkillers more than three days a week, it will give you a headache,' says Dr Taylor. Research shows that medication overuse can turn episodic headaches into chronic headache disorders, increasing their frequency and intensity. Ophthalmodynia periodica, or ice-pick headache, is characterised by sudden, sharp stabbing pains behind the eyes which last for a few seconds at a time and can spread to the rest of your head. 'It comes from nowhere, and you can't stop it,' says Prof Goadsby. The exact causes are unknown, though a 2017 study found that these types of headaches are more common in women, and tend to affect people who usually suffer from migraines or cluster headaches. 'Around a third of migraine sufferers experience this kind of headache,' Prof Goadbsy adds. How to treat them 'You just need to pause, let it play out and it will pass,' says Prof Goadsby. If they are happening frequently (over several consecutive days) and having a debilitating impact, seeing a doctor to rule out an underlying cause is a must. Can headaches be hormonal? Migraines disproportionately affect women – 20.7 per cent globally compared with 9.7 per cent of men, according to one 2022 review of research. For women aged 18 to 49, migraine is the leading cause of disability throughout the world. This is believed to be a result of hormonal fluctuations, particularly oestrogen, with migraines often most commonly occurring during a woman's reproductive and childbearing years. Researchers estimate around 50 to 60 per cent of women with migraines experience menstrual migraines, occurring in the days leading up to menstruation, when oestrogen drops. 'It peaks at around the age of 40 for women, and if you begin to experience migraines around this time, it's often the first sign of the hormonal fluctuations which come with perimenopause,' says Prof Goadsby. 'After menopause, women have a four-out-of-five chance of migraines going away completely.' If headaches are debilitating during perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lessen their frequency and severity in some women. In others, it can worsen them, so speak to your GP about options. How can you prevent headaches? Many types of headaches can be prevented or at least reduced in frequency or severity. Proven prevention strategies include: Drinking enough water Keeping a consistent sleep and eating schedule Exercising regularly Managing stress Eating a healthy diet Supplementing with magnesium and vitamin B2 Lifestyle changes, including maintaining a consistent sleep and eating schedule, drinking enough water and taking regular moderate exercise, are the simplest and most effective place to start. Relaxing after stress is a known trigger, which explains why some people wake up after a lie-in on a Saturday with a pounding headache. This is because, as your levels of stress hormones drop, there is a rapid release of neurotransmitters which send out impulses to blood vessels to constrict then dilate, which causes a headache. Prof Goadsby says: 'It may sound slightly hair shirt, but it's better to resist the temptation to lie in and get up at the same time every day.' Managing stress throughout the week is vital, too. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or even a 10-minute walk around the block during a lunch break can help prevent stress levels climbing too high. Eating a healthy diet is also likely to help. Keeping blood sugar levels steady by avoiding too many refined white carbohydrates and replacing them with fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and wholegrains is sensible. It's often believed chocolate is a trigger, but according to Prof Goadsby: 'Research indicates that during the 'premonitory' early phase of a migraine, people may crave certain foods. So rather than triggering the migraine, reaching for a chocolate bar could be a warning that a migraine is starting.' A 2025 review of research concluded that taking magnesium is effective in reducing migraine attack frequency and severity. Taking 400mg per day of riboflavin, or vitamin B2 supplements, for at least three months has also been shown to have a similarly positive effect.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Migraine-Friendly Routine That Keeps You Ahead Of The Pain
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It's late afternoon when you feel it coming on: that telltale throbbing on one side of your head, the nausea, the dizziness. Suddenly, the overhead lights seem unbearably bright, and the clacking of your keyboard is jackhammer-loud. You message the boss ('leaving early again'), then head home and retreat to a dark, quiet room to ride out yet another migraine. If you've missed work or skipped out on social events due to the condition, you know how disruptive it can be. 'Migraine is a serious and highly disabling neurologic disease,' says Amaal Starling, MD, a headache specialist and associate professor of neurology in Scottsdale, Arizona. 'Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can worsen and progress over time and become more severe and disabling.' It's also very common, affecting more than 39 million people in the U.S., according to the American Migraine Foundation. Of these, 3 to 5 percent live with chronic migraine, defined as 15 or more headache days per month. Women are up to three times more likely than men to experience migraine, and their attacks tend to be more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting. So what is it that makes migraine so uniquely debilitating—beyond the pain itself? More than just a 'bad headache,' migraine is a complex, largely genetic condition involving many systems in the body. The pain stems from abnormal interactions between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. 'There are a lot of non-pain-related symptoms as well, such as sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and motion, nausea, and brain fog,' Dr. Starling says. Nearly a quarter of people with migraine experience an aura—usually a visual disturbance—right before or during the attack. A migraine attack is influenced by both biological and environmental factors, unfolds in phases, and can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Triggers vary widely from person to person but often include specific foods (like red wine, nitrates, or aged cheeses), dehydration, hormonal fluctuations, changes in barometric pressure, and poor or irregular sleep. Stress can play a major role in the onset of migraine too, including the rapid drop in stress hormones that occurs after a high-stress period—a phenomenon known as "let-down migraine,' Dr. Starling explains. This is why symptoms may often arise at the start of a vacation or after a long weekend. The fallout from migraine is not solely physical. According to research published in a 2019 issue of Headache, the disease negatively affects many important aspects of life, including relationships, career, financial security, and overall health. 'It can disrupt your ability to work, care for your family, attend social events, or even get out of bed,' says study author Dawn C. Buse, PhD, a psychologist and clinical professor of neurology in New York. 'And it's not the attack itself,' she points out. 'It's the anticipation of the next one, the unpredictability, and the effort to avoid triggers that make life feel so restricted.' Not surprisingly given all this, people living with migraine disease have an increased risk of anxiety and depression. But while migraine can be unpredictable, building a consistent daily routine can help you regain control. Here's how to create structure, reduce symptoms, and get back to living on your own terms—morning, noon, and night. Migraine management begins with a personalized plan from your healthcare provider. It typically includes acute treatments (for when an attack strikes) and preventive treatments (to reduce frequency and severity), Dr. Starling says: 'Individuals who have four or more migraine days per month will need a prescription medication to manage the underlying disease and prevent it from progressing.' But medication is just one piece of the puzzle, Buse says. 'Maintaining overall routine and regularity in daily habits—such as the consistent timing of sleep, meals, exercise, and relaxation—can help to stabilize biological rhythms and reduce migraine susceptibility,' she says She and other experts subscribe to the 'SEEDS for Success' model: Sleep, Eat, Exercise, Diary (to track triggers), and Stress. Each signifies an area of support for raising your migraine threshold. By making your brain and nervous system more resilient overall, you'll become less likely to tip into a migraine even when you're exposed to a trigger. 'Basically, you want to keep everything—sleep, meals, hydration, exercise, and stress levels—on an even keel,' Dr. Starling says. There's no universal 'migraine hour' or specific time of day when attacks are most likely to occur, she adds. So the first step to gaining control is understanding when you're most vulnerable to migraine, and why. From there, create a daily checklist, incorporating these healthy habits: Wake up at the same time every day. Maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends, supports circadian-rhythm stability. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality zzz's per night. Eat breakfast. A recent review of studies found that fasting and skipping meals, particularly breakfast, can trigger migraines by reducing brain glucose levels. Instead, opt for healthy, balanced meals at the same time every morning. Get moving. 'Moderate aerobic exercise, performed consistently, has been shown to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks,' Buse says. Physical activity can also ease stress and improve sleep—thus addressing, of course, two known migraine triggers. Start slow, engaging in low-impact activities like walking, biking, or swimming for 20 to 30 minutes three to five times a week. The exercise doesn't have to be performed in the morning, though for many people this time of day is their best opportunity to get it done. Hydrate. Dehydration is a trigger for one third of people with migraine. Keep a water bottle with you, and sip often throughout the day. If you drink caffeine, stick with one or two servings a day and keep the timing consistent. Take a stress break. Even brief periods of relaxation can help keep stress hormones from yo-yoing. Set aside a quiet moment for some deep breathing or meditation. Or calm your nervous system with a biofeedback app. Soothe your senses. To prevent sensory overload as the day progresses, take screen breaks, dim the brightness on your monitor, and wear sunglasses outside. Can't stand the sound of your neighbor's lawn mower or the voice of your chatty co-worker? Noise-cancelling headphones can be a game-changer. Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid eating heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime, and monitor your alcohol intake. Even if it's not a migraine trigger, imbibing can interfere with the deep, restorative sleep that's so important. Establish a digital curfew. The blue light and stimulation from screens can 'suppress melatonin production and delay sleep onset,' Buse says. Power down at least 30 to 60 minutes before turning in. Prioritize sleep hygiene. 'Your bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet,' says Buse, who suggests 'blackout curtains, white-noise machines, and earplugs as needed.' Engage in a regular bedtime routine (think gentle stretching, a warm bath, or reading) to signal your brain that it's time to sleep. Finding your rhythm with chronic migraine isn't about eliminating every attack. It's about reducing your susceptibility by creating stability and minimizing disruptions. Over time, with consistent, healthy habits, you can live the life you want to lead—with migraine disease firmly in the background. 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CNET
3 days ago
- Health
- CNET
If You Have a Headache, Experts Recommend Eating These 9 Foods
Next time you have a headache, consider looking in your fridge or pantry for relief. Though they're not miracle cures, several foods may provide relief next time you have a headache or migraine, in addition to maintaining your hydration, exercise routine, sleep and managing stress. "The most important thing I tell patients is that migraines are highly individualized," says Dr. Nicholas Church, a board-certified member of the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Academy of Family Physicians. "What helps one person may not help another, and what's a trigger for one might be therapeutic for someone else." We spoke with doctors and dietitians to help you narrow down which foods may help with headache symptoms. They also discussed which foods to avoid to prevent headaches in the first place. 1. Omega-3-rich foods like walnuts "I recommend omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines," says Church. "These fish are high in anti-inflammatory fats (EPA and DHA), which can reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the vascular system and brain." Citing a 2021 randomized controlled trial, Church explains that because migraines are believed to involve inflammatory and vascular changes in the body, omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce their frequency or intensity when eaten regularly. "The study's findings also align with earlier data showing that omega-3s help regulate prostaglandins, which play a role in headache inflammation," says Church. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that impact bodily functions like inflammation, pain and menstrual cramps. Fatty fish also contain vitamin D, coenzyme Q10 and B vitamins like riboflavin, which support healthy brain metabolism. Kiran Campbell, a registered dietitian nutritionist at MyNetDiary, also mentions a 2024 meta-analysis revealing that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of migraines. She adds that plant-based sources include chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseed and algae oil. Example foods: salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseed and algae oil Chia and flax seeds are great sources of omega-3s. mikroman6/Getty Images 2. Magnesium-rich foods like spinach Daniel Redwood, the director of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States, explains, "Attention to the potential importance of magnesium in migraine grew in prominence with the discovery (Ramadan, 1989) that people with migraines had lower levels of this mineral in their red blood cells, serum and brain tissue." Dr. Paul Daidone, medical director at True Self Recovery, seconds this, stating that food rich in magnesium -- like pumpkin seeds, spinach and avocado -- may reduce the severity and occurrence of migraines. He cites a 2022 study examining the potential connection between magnesium deficiency and migraine, which describes how magnesium deficiency is implicated in migraine attacks due to processes like cortical spreading depression, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter imbalance and electrolyte imbalance. "Although clinical evidence of the acute dietary magnesium deficiency as a direct migraine trigger remains limited, scientists are investigating the involvement of intra- and extracellular magnesium levels in migraine pathogenesis," Daidone explains. Dr. Schonze Del Pozo, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director at East Sacramento Concierge, states that many of the patients she sees for headaches and migraines are deficient in magnesium. She also cites a 2012 study in the Journal of Neural Transmission entitled "Why all migraine patients should be treated with magnesium." As a result, she recommends a healthy diet of magnesium-rich dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli and Swiss chard. Example foods: pumpkin seeds, spinach and avocado, kale, broccoli and Swiss chard 3. Ginger "Many swear by ginger as a way to help with migraines," states Dr. Maria Knöbel, a general practitioner and medical director of Medical Cert UK. "Studies have proven that ginger reduces nausea and can decrease the inflammation that leads to migraine pain. Ginger has helped patients during my practice, whether they take it as ginger tea or in supplement form." She references a 2014 study that found ginger powder to be as effective as the medication sumatriptan in treating acute migraine attacks, but with fewer side effects. Ginger tea may be especially beneficial because, Knöbel states, "It's important to drink enough water, as well as eat ginger. Drinking enough water might stop your migraine from getting any worse." Church also recommends ginger because it contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol. "I've had patients find relief from migraines or migraine-related nausea using ginger tea, powder or chews," he explains. A 2019 study also found that 400mg of ginger extract, in addition to 100mg of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen, may help treat migraine attacks. Ginger tea combines the benefits of ginger with the hydration of water.4. Nuts and seeds like pumpkin seeds "Another group of foods I recommend are nuts and seeds, including almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts," Church states. "Like leafy greens, these are rich in magnesium, and some also provide vitamin E, which has been shown to help with menstrual migraines and migraines with aura." A 2015 study reflected this. Example foods: almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts 5. Cinnamon "Cinnamon contains a high amount of antioxidants that may also reduce headache frequency," Campbell explains. "Stir it into your morning oatmeal or tea, or bake it into muffins and breads." She cites a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled 2020 trial, stating, "Studies suggest that cinnamon supplementation may lower inflammation, cutting down on migraine frequency, severity and duration." The antioxidants in cinnamon may help treat headaches and migraines. FreshSplash/Getty Images 6. Foods rich in vitamin B2, like eggs "A well-known [1998] randomized controlled trial found that 400 mg of riboflavin daily significantly reduced migraine frequency and severity over a three-month period," Church says. Though this high dose usually comes from supplementation, riboflavin-rich foods support the same metabolic processes in migraine prevention. These foods can include eggs, dairy and lean meats. "Riboflavin is essential for mitochondrial energy production, and many researchers believe that migraines stem in part from dysfunction in energy metabolism within brain cells," Church adds. Redwood adds, "There exists a small but promising body of research on the effectiveness of some nutritional supplements for migraines, especially riboflavin (vitamin B2), coenzyme Q10 and magnesium. The first research-based indicator of riboflavin's potential as a migraine treatment appeared in a small 1946 article by a medical physician, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, which reported dramatic effectiveness from what would now be considered low-dose B2 supplements." A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found that supplementation of 400mg/day of vitamin B2 for three months affected the duration, frequency and pain score of migraine attacks. Example foods: Eggs, dairy and lean meats 7. Turmeric Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric and, according to Campbell, is "high in antioxidant power and shines especially when paired with omega-3s." To add it to your diet, consider sprinkling it into smoothies, curries or teas. Campbell references a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled 2021 trial that concluded, "Present findings revealed that n-3 fatty acids and curcumin co-supplementation can be suggested as a promising new approach in migraine headache management." However, more studies are needed. When combined with omega-3s, turmeric may help with migraine headache management. Rawlstock/Getty Images 8. Whole grains like brown rice Church mentions that whole grains like quinoa, brown rice and oats may also be beneficial since they "provide a steady release of glucose, preventing blood sugar crashes that can trigger headaches, and are good sources of fiber, B vitamins and trace minerals." He cites a 2023 cross-sectional study of 12,710 participants with all data collected from a 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. It found that for every 10 grams of fiber added to the diet, there was an 11% reduction in the odds of having severe headaches or migraines. "By providing magnesium, iron, and B vitamins, whole grains support brain health, oxygen delivery and a stable glucose supply, which are all relevant to migraine prevention," concludes Church. A 2023 comprehensive review also found that curcumin is a promising candidate for preventing and controlling migraines due to its anti‑inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-protein aggregate and analgesic effects. However, additional studies are needed. Example foods: quinoa, brown rice and oats 9. Water-rich foods like watermelon Dr. Kimberly Idoko, a developmental neurobiologist and board-certified neurologist, reveals that dehydration can also trigger headaches, which is why staying hydrated can significantly improve migraine treatments. "Water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and citrus fruits also help you stay hydrated," adds Church. To prevent dehydration-caused headaches or migraines, enjoy more water-rich foods like watermelon. Anucha Muphasa/500px/Getty Images Foods that may trigger headaches or migraines Chocolate, cheese and alcohol: "In one [2007] study of over 500 migraine sufferers, 44% reported at least one food as a trigger. Among the most common triggers were chocolate, cheese and alcohol, " reveals Dr. Adam Lowenstein, a board-certified plastic surgeon who runs the Migraine Surgery Specialty Center. Gluten: "Gluten can be a highly inflammatory food substance, especially among those who are prone to sensitivities or gluten allergy," explains Trista Best, a registered dietitian at The Candida Diet, environmental health specialist and adjunct nutrition professor. "This inflammation causes a host of health conditions, including migraines." When it comes to caffeine, moderation is "The most fascinating study I've seen on the role of nutrition in the treatment of headaches (Hering-Hanit and Gadoth, 2003) was published in Cephalalgia, the premier headache journal. Over a 5-year period, doctors at a neurology clinic in Israel treated 36 children and adolescents (average age 9) with severe daily or near-daily headaches who drank an average of 11 quarts of cola drinks per week," says Redwood. "At the end of a gradual withdrawal period (because too speedy a withdrawal can trigger even worse headaches), 33 of these 36 young people were headache-free, a truly stunning result. Nearly all cola drinks contain substantial amounts of caffeine (Chou and Bell, 2007)." Note: 11 quarts of cola per week is extreme, and the average person doesn't consume this much caffeine. Moderate caffeine intake is still OK, according to Amelia Ti, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator in New York City who is also part of CNET's medical review board. However, when it comes to caffeine, Church notes, "Caffeine, used strategically, can enhance the absorption of pain relievers and constrict dilated blood vessels in the brain, which may ease migraine pain. This is why many over-the-counter headache medications include it. Studies have shown that 40–100 mg of caffeine (the amount in a small cup of coffee or strong tea) can reduce migraine or tension headache pain. But, chronic overuse can lead to rebound headaches, so moderation is key." Added sugars and highly processed foods: "Research has shown that people following a 'Western' diet, which includes substantial amounts of added sugars and other highly processed foods, are at greater than average risk for developing migraines, while the risk is significantly lower than average for those following a healthier diet," states Redwood. download (1) Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family physician and author of Your Guide to Cellular Health , adds that in addition to incorporating foods rich in specific nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, you'll want to eliminate triggers like processed foods that contain nitrates, MSG, added sugars or yeast.
WebMD
3 days ago
- Health
- WebMD
Diversity Colors the World, Even the Migraine World
Diversity colors the world, even the migraine world. It seems like every person with migraine I speak to lives with their own special twist on migraine disease. I have a cousin who experiences visual anomalies and nausea but has never had a headache with hers. Another relative has debilitating chronic migraines and relies on Botox treatment for the most lasting relief. I inherited textbook episodic migraines from my paternal grandmother. An episode typically begins with my head feeling a little off, followed by pain centered on one eye, sometimes the right, sometimes the left. Sensitivity to light and sound arrives shortly before waves of nausea. Learning to recognize my symptoms has been the key to avoiding the vomiting phase of migraine. If I treat the migraine with triptan medication as early as possible, I can keep functioning with little interruption to my day. Triggers vary for each of us as well. Changes in eating patterns, cigarette smoke, flashing light, and certain fragrances set off my episodes without fail. Thank goodness eating chocolate isn't one of my triggers. For some people, weather and stressful situations are their worst enemies when it comes to migraine. Being in my 60s and having heard a lot of migraine stories, I was surprised to hear a different version. My book publisher held an author day at a summer festival in Clark Summit, PA, where I met several fellow authors. I soon discovered Amy, a tall, outgoing apiary owner working on creating a spiritual retreat, was also a fellow migraineur. Her story added a new color to the portrait of migraine. Amy didn't have migraines until a car accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. After a long, difficult recovery from her injuries, she began experiencing bouts of migraine that would begin near an ear, progress across the temple, then around the eye, and continue down the side of her nose and end in her teeth. Even before the accident, Amy tuned in to the deeper spiritual aspects of her body and mind. After the accident, she relied heavily upon her spiritual training for treatment and survival. Unlike me, who told the doctor, 'If I have to believe a treatment is going to work before it will work, then it's probably not going to work,' Amy steered away from medication when she recognized migraine symptoms were beginning. Turning to her holistic methods for medical treatment, Amy learned to remove herself from stressful situations that triggered a migraine episode. She retreated to a quiet space and used meditation to relax her body so that sleep could reset her brain and alleviate her symptoms. Though her treatment method differed from mine, we shared the importance of recognizing the onset of a migraine episode as early as possible. Migraine warriors can learn from each other, but we also need to respect each other. If you find a treatment method that works for your version of migraine, I will support you with that treatment 100%, even if it doesn't work for me. Like how Amy and I connected via our similarities and grew from our differences. Diversity teaches and colors the world.
