Archives for March 2014

March 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment

What Are Your Migraine Triggers? And How to Avoid Them

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There are a lot of people who suffer with migraine headaches, and if you are one of them, you know how horrible they can be. For some of us, one migraine can be debilitating for days and leave us unable to function in the slightest ways. Along with taking prescribed medications, there are some ways that you can prevent your migraines from occurring or at least reduce the number of times they happen. You can do this by learning your triggers and knowing what to avoid.

Types of Migraine Triggers

There are many different types of migraine triggers. Some people who have migraines say that certain foods, perfumes, flickering lights, and weather changes can trigger a migraine or a series of migraines. Learning your triggers is one of the most effective ways to reduce your migraine frequency.

Food – There are a lot of different foods that can trigger a migraine. Here are a few of the most common foods that you may need to avoid if you have migraines.

  • Ripened cheeses
  • Chocolate
  • Marinated, pickled, or fermented food
  • Foods that contain nitrites or nitrates or MSG
  • Sour cream
  • Nuts, peanut butter
  • Sourdough bread
  • Broad beans, lima beans, fava beans, snow peas
  • Figs, raisins, papayas, avocados, red plums
  • Citrus fruits
  • Excessive amounts of caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, or cola
  • Alcohol

Menstrual Cycle – Many women claim that their menstrual cycle causes flare ups in their migraines and can actually cause them to be more frequent. Great a great solution to migraines that occur during the menstrual cycle is to be placed on a birth control that prevents periods, or that makes them occur less frequent.

Perfumes and Air fresheners – Anything with a scent can trigger a migraine in people who have a history. Avoiding areas where these smell occur regularly can help you avoid flare ups, such as department stores.

Stress – One of the most commonly known migraine triggers is stress. Most of the people who suffer from migraines are highly reactive emotionally, even if they don’t show it. Anxiety, sadness and worry can trigger a migraine. So can the relief of these emotions. Which is why most people who work in a high pace, high stress field experience weekend headaches once the stress is gone.

Don’t Just Avoid All Triggers

Not all of the things on this list are triggers for everyone. They are innocent until proven guilty. Just because you notice that a piece of chocolate triggers your migraines, doesn’t mean it always will. The trigger may involve more than just the chocolate itself. The chocolate combined with emotions and weather can trigger a migraine, while the chocolate alone does not. When you have a migraine, make sure to write down everything that is going on. What were you doing? How were you feeling? What was around you?

You may just find that your trigger is a eating a piece of chocolate when you are stressed and on your period. Others may find that chocolate right before it rains triggers a migraine.

Keep a journal of this information to find if it is consistent and to learn what to avoid. Share your journal with your physician so that he can provide the best options to treat your migraines.

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Filed Under: Migraine Headaches
March 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Does Your Bowel Need A Towel?

IBS

The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you’re in a great mood but your bowels?  Not so much.  Irritable Bowel System (IBS) affects roughly 20% of the population.  IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that does not harm the gastric system but does cause discomfort and embarrassment.

Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with IBS.  Unfortunately, the causes of IBS are somewhat murky.  A combination of mental and physical factors can lead to IBS but it’s impossible to predict.

For many, diet is a critical component in the trigger and relief of IBS symptoms.  Food allergies account for a significant amount of IBS-related discomfort.  Keeping a food diary can help you figure out what foods are problematic.

In general, IBS sufferers should avoid or moderate intake of greasy food, dairy, whole grains, raw fruit, vegetables, artificial sweeteners, carbonated beverages, alcohol, spicy food, nuts, seeds and chocolate.  While many of these items are part of a balanced diet, they tend to be harder on the gastrointestinal tract.  According to Dr. Mark Hyman,

A landmark paper, was recently published in the prestigious British medical journal Gut that found eliminating foods identified through delayed food allergy testing (IgG antibodies) resulted in dramatic improvements in IBS symptoms. Another article, an editorial in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, stated clearly that we must respect and recognize the role of food allergies and inflammation in IBS.”

Food allergies aside, what can you eat safely?

Fruits such as bananas, honeydew melon, mandarin oranges, raspberries and strawberries are easily digestible.

Focus on vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, corn, eggplant, sweet potatoes, and carrots.  These options are less fibrous than some of their counterparts and are therefore easier to digest.

Whole grains can trigger (or worsen) IBS symptoms.  Stick to gluten-free products or oats.

Fiber is an essential part of every diet but it’s especially important for IBS sufferers in order to keep “things moving.”  The trick is consume sources of fiber that are gastrointestinal-friendly.

If you are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, talk with your doctor about the relationship between food allergies and IBS.  A few lifestyle changes may help your irritable bowels become a little less… well, irritable.

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Filed Under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
March 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Don’t Be a Victim of Your Symptoms: Talking to Your Doctor about IBS

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The clock is ticking and you’re nearly finished with your doctor appointment.  You’ve covered the usual topics but you’ve failed to mention the one thing that’s nearly overtaken your life recently – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  IBS symptoms are decidedly NOT sexy and at best incredibly embarrassing.

However, you have to start somewhere.  If you think you’re suffering from IBS, use the following as a guide to initiate discussions with your physician.

  • What is causing my IBS?
  • How does diet affect IBS symptoms?
  • Is my fiber intake appropriate to control IBS?
  • Do I need prescription medication?
  • Are laxatives safe to use with IBS?
  • Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to alleviate my IBS symptoms?
  • Is this a long-term condition?
  • Do menstrual cycles affect IBS?
  • Should I supplement my diet with probiotics?
  • How does stress affect IBS?  How do psychological issues impact IBS?
  • Should I be tested for gluten intolerance or allergies?
  • Is exercise harmful or helpful for IBS symptoms?
  • What is the outcome for people with IBS?
  • Are clinical trials an option?

Diagnosing IBS is a complicated process.  Rather than simply treating the symptoms, it’s important to discern what’s actually causing your discomfort.  According to Dr. Mark Hyman . . .

Emerging research has helped identify the underlying causes. For over 15 years I have been successfully treating irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive conditions using a very simple methodology based on functional medicine that helps identify and remove the underlying causes and restores normal digestive function and health.”

IBS is most common in women, people under the age of 50 and those with a history of IBS in the family.  It is commonly defined as a group of symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation.

Although IBS is termed “functional” (it does not harm the GI system), it can be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient.  Not feeling in control of your bowels is both distressing and upsetting.  Your doctor is there to help you manage your symptoms and put you back in the driver’s seat.

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Filed Under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
March 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

How to Talk to a Doctor about Your Overactive Bladder

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If you’re speaking to your doctor about overactive bladder (OAB), congratulations—you’re already past the hardest part. The National Association for Continence says that thousands of Americans mistakenly believe that overactive bladder is simply a part of aging and even if they have symptoms, they never talk to their doctor about it.

Reaching out for medical help certainly takes courage, but for many individuals, the anxiety doesn’t stop there. You may be wondering: How should you start the conversation? What symptoms are important? What questions should you ask?

You’re not alone – the doctor-patient conversation makes many people nervous. Preparing in advance might make it easier for you. Take a look at these two lists. They provide a brief overview of questions that might be included at your appointment. You can start with these basic lists and add in your own personal questions, too.

4 Things the Doctor May Ask You

1. How often do you go?

Individuals with OAB urinate more than eight times per day. Keeping a diary of your bladder function over the course of a few days may be helpful.

2. When do you go?

Overactive bladder often causes individuals to go frequently during the day and at least once per night. Be sure to note the time of urination on your bladder diary.

3. Do you have any other health issues?

Other medical conditions can contribute to OAB. Examples include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, prostate issues, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

4. What medications do you take?

Both prescription and over-the-counter medicine can cause bladder problems. Examples include alpha-blockers, hormone therapy, diuretics, sleeping pills, antidepressants, and painkillers.

4 Things to Ask Your Doctor

1. Who gets overactive bladder?

Surprisingly, the condition is extremely common. Nearly 33 million Americans have overactive bladder. Older males, women who have gone through menopause, women who have been pregnant or who have had vaginal births, or those with certain chronic medical conditions are most at risk of developing OAB.

2. What tests will I need?

The doctor may suggest several tests to rule out medical conditions and test the severity of your overactive bladder. You might need a urine analysis, a urine flow test, a bladder pressure exam, a neurological exam, a pelvic or prostate exam, or other specific tests in accordance with your medical history.

3. What treatments will help me?

There are several types of treatments available to help OAB patients. A combination of lifestyle modifications (losing weight, doing kegel exercises, scheduling bathroom breaks, and bladder training), over-the-counter medications (Oxytrol), prescription medications (anticholinergics or mirabegron), injections (Botox), and nerve stimulation may be used.

4. Do I need to see a specialist?

Most of the time, your primary care physician will be able to treat you.  But you certainly have the option to see a specialist if you have an unique or difficult-to-treat case of overactive bladder. A urologist or incontinence specialist may be able to offer additional help.

Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed of your overactive bladder. Remember, you are doing the right thing! Speaking with your doctor is the first step to relieving your bladder troubles.

Enjoyed this article? Find more information at beststethoscopeguide.com.
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