Migraines

You see the spots.  The pounding starts.  It’s WAY too bright in here.  You are in the throes of a migraine.   Migraines are something of a medical conundrum.  Doctors have discovered that migraine sufferers typically have triggers but why those factors bring on monster hard-to-treat headaches is still unknown.  Roughly 18% of women and 6% of men experience migraines.  Common causes of migraines are:

  • Hormonal shifts
  • Tyramine (found in aged and fermented food)
  • Sleep Deficiency
  • Stress
  • Missed meals
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Medications
  • Alcohol
  • Nitrites (found in deli meats)
  • Tannins
  • Caffeine
  • Smoking or exposure to smoke
  • Prolonged exposure to computer screens
  • Fluorescent lights

A surprising trigger recently discovered is chewing gum.  An Israeli study showed a significant reduction of migraine headaches in teens who quit chewing gum.  Gum chewing may trigger overuse of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).  People generally chew gum well after the flavor is gone putting additional stress on the TMJ area (already the most used joint in the body).  While the study only included teenagers, it makes sense that migraine-suffering adults could reap the same benefits from gum abstinence.  Additionally, bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common trigger for migraines and this supports the TMJ theory.

Common migraine symptoms include vision disturbances, tunnel vision, eye pain, yawning, lack of concentration and nausea.

If you feel a migraine coming on, there are a few things you can try.

  • Rest in a dark room.  Light tends to aggravate migraines.  Sleep if possible.
  • Have a cup of coffee. Caffeine unconstricts blood vessels and may provide some relief.
  • Have a spicy meal.  Capsaicin is a natural painkiller.
  • Lay a cold compress across your eyes.  The cold should calm inflammation.
  • Consider herbal supplements such as feverfew, Coenzyme Q10, and butterbur.

The options are limited once a migraine starts but the key to avoiding them is preventative treatment.  Pain relievers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), acetaminophen, triptans or ergotamines can be effective tools for migraine prevention.  Non-medical therapies include stress management, behavioral therapy, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, accupressure and elimination diets to determine food/drink triggers.  Migraine sufferers may also want to consider adopting a gluten-free diet.  One study suggests that acute migraine sufferers may have an increased sensitivity to gluten.

Consult with your physician to discuss treatment options that may be right for you.

Top 5 Myths about IBS

 

 

The symptoms of IBS have been recognized since the mid-1900s, but at that time, the condition remained a mystery. Unfortunately, not much has changed since then. Doctors are still unclear about the exact cause of IBS and they haven’t found a cure for the condition, either. In fact, until recent history they didn’t even have a real name for it.

 

Because there is so much missing information, people have tried to fill in the gaps with misinformed statements and outright lies. Sadly, many of these myths are so strongly perpetuated in our society that they’ve discouraged people with IBS from seeking treatment. Nearly 70 percent of individuals with IBS are suffering from symptoms and going without medical care.

 

If you’ve never researched the truth behind IBS, you may be surprised to find out how the condition actually affects patients. Take a look at the list below to see how we disprove the top five myths regarding IBS.

 

1. IBS is a fatal diagnosis

Although IBS can be quite uncomfortable and life-altering, it is not fatal. IBS affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but it does not cause inflammation or alter any of the bowel tissue. This means that the digestive organs are unharmed. It is true that there’s no cure for IBS. However, unlike some other GI diseases, IBS does not lead to colorectal cancer or any other potentially fatal diseases.

 

2. IBS is the same for every patient

Every IBS patient has abdominal pain or discomfort, but that’s where the similarity ends. Individuals with IBS may experience diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the two. They may also have other GI symptoms like heartburn or nausea. The symptoms may be mild or severe. Some patients experience symptoms that come and go. Other patients have constant symptoms.

 

The triggers of IBS also vary from patient to patient. Some individuals have symptoms after eating certain foods or taking certain medications. Other patients may see symptoms arise when they’re feeling especially stressed or anxious. Women may also see their symptoms worsen during their menstrual cycle.

 

3. IBS is a simple diagnosis

Because IBS doesn’t alter the tissue of the GI tract, it’s difficult for doctors to make a quick diagnosis. In other words, there is no “smoking gun” that would show them what the problem is or where it started. In the beginning, doctors perform a full physical exam and record the patient’s medical history. In particular, they’re looking to see how long the patient has had the pain and discomfort in the GI tract. If it’s been more than 12 weeks (the weeks do not need to have been consecutive) and the patient has seen a substantial change in bowel habits, the doctor may suggest that it’s IBS. Doctors sometimes order more tests to rule out other GI diseases. It may sound illogical, but doctors make a diagnosis of IBS after all of this testing comes back normal.

 

4. People with IBS can’t live normal lives

People with IBS are often unnecessarily isolated from the rest of the population. Sometimes this is voluntary, but other times, it is because their friends or coworkers aren’t educated about the condition. Either way, IBS patients can use several strategies to control the symptoms and go on living a normal life. After diagnosis, an IBS patient can start working to find ways to cope with the condition. For example, many individuals keep a record of their symptoms, diet, and notable events. After a few weeks, they may be able to see a pattern and they can avoid those triggers in the future. They can also begin to try new treatments. Things like exercise, prescription medication, herbs, probiotics, acupuncture, or meditation can be quite effective in lessening IBS symptoms.

 

5. IBS is entirely dependent on diet

Diet and IBS symptoms can be related, but that’s not always the case. Most IBS patients have trigger foods, such as coffee, refined sugars and flours, fried foods, or foods with high amounts of fiber. Beyond that, they also experience IBS triggers related to emotions and biological functions. For example, some researchers have suggested that people with IBS have abnormal levels of serotonin, an important hormone for digestive health. IBS symptoms may also be triggered by low levels of “good” bacteria in the gut. Also, some patients see a rise in symptoms due to stress or anxiety.

 

Living with the symptoms of IBS and trying to find the right treatment can be extremely difficult. If you have recently received a diagnosis of IBS, remind yourself not to believe the popular myths surrounding this condition. Buying in to the doom-and-gloom or “it’s all in your head” stories of IBS will only make your situation worse. Get the truth by speaking with your doctor, consulting a dietician, finding research studies from credible institutions, or looking for comradery from an IBS support group.

 

 

 

Migraines in Relation to Gender

When you have a migraine, it is very easy to feel as though you are alone and that no one understands what you are going through. Surprisingly, over 18% of women and 6% of men know exactly what you are suffering through. It may be a shock to heat that more women suffer from migraines than men, but it is true. So what makes women more susceptible to developing migraines than men? There are actually quite a few biologic factors, that when combined, can leave you with a screaming headache that you feel will never end.

The most common causes of migraines are actually environmental stressors, pain perception and response, genetic, and the body’s reaction to fluctuations in sex hormones and receptor binding. Many past studies have shown that the female body is more receptive to pain, has a higher genetic predisposal to migraines, and has a higher number of hormone fluctuations each month. To make matters worse, the female body has a higher number of pain receptors in the brain, causing them to pick up on the sensation of pain much faster than a male.

The structure of the female brain is quite different than that of the male brain and as a result, the female brain does not protect them from pain in the way that the male brain does. Men have specialized circuits in their spinal cord that release endorphins when they are in pain. This helps reduce the amount of pain they actually feel in association to what the body is actually generating. Females on the other hand have the same circuit, but studies show that it does not release pain reducing endorphins like the male body does.

Recent studies have also proven that women have a more difficult time coping with pain and processing the chemicals in their body necessary for helping relieve pain naturally. With these factors combined, women are more likely to seek medical intervention for debilitating migraines than men are. While many doctors were confused by these findings, the results are backed by well-known psychologists.

It is well noted that psychologists recommend treating men and women differently when it comes to chronic pain and chronic migraines. Beverly Thorn, psychologist from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa states. “A significant portion of the gender imbalance may come from social and psychological factors. Multiple studies have found that women are more likely to get depressed as a result of chronic pain, and they have a higher tendency to catastrophize.” She has also proven that women who take on a more masculine role in society are able to overcome pain in ways that are similar to the ways a man would.

While scientists believe that the female response to pain is due to the biological urge to focus on things that are wrong and to fix them, which causes them to hyper fixate on pain, they can only guess at the true reason. At this point, doctors know that they must treat the pain in males and females differently. Because of this there are more women on chronic pain medications than men. Through a better understanding in the difference in genders, doctors are hoping to even out this number dramatically over the next few years.

Cholesterol: What is it?

 

It may be the reason you change your diet, start exercising or add a statin to your drug regimen but do you really know what cholesterol is?  A hot topic in our society, the word “cholesterol” is bandied about frequently but few actually know what it is.

With a texture similar to petroleum jelly and classified as a “fat”, cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance in the body.  Although it has a negative connotation, cholesterol performs vital bodily functions.  It produces steroid hormones including estrogen, testosterone and cortisol.  It also facilitates bodily vitamin D production and comprises part of cell wall structure.

Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs and auto-regulates based on the amount you consume in your diet.  If you primarily eat a plant-based diet, your body will make more.  If you eat more meat than plants, it will adjust and produce less.

As an advocate for your own health, you’ve probably heard of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL).  Low Density Lipoproteins serve as the transport service for cholesterol.  It delivers cholesterol to areas of the body needing it most.  If there is too much cholesterol, the low-density lipoproteins deposit cholesterol in the arteries and open up the possibility for arterial blockages and heart attacks.

High Density Lipoproteins function in the opposite manner and serve a vacuum cleaner for excess cholesterol.  HDL’s locate extra cholesterol and transport it to the liver where it becomes bile or is recycled.

Both types of lipoproteins perform essential functions making it critical to “know your numbers” and get your cholesterol checked regularly.  Appropriate levels of high-density and low-density lipoproteins are critical for optimum health.

High cholesterol happens for one of two reasons: there’s a familial predisposition to high cholesterol or high-fat diets.  Although high cholesterol is treated the same way for either cause, one is entirely preventable and the other is not.

Whether you have genetic leanings towards high cholesterol or not, it’s wise to incorporate healthy habits and nutritional choices into your lifestyle.  Choose low or reduced fat dairy products.  When possible, opt for lean cuts of meat to reduce your consumption of cholesterol.  Avoid polyunsaturated fats add more fiber to your diet.  A few times a week, replace meat with fish.  If you smoke, quit.  Get regular exercise and moderate alcohol consumption.

Essential Oils & Migraines: Can it Work for Me?

 

If you’ve ever had a migraine headache, you know they can be nearly impossible to treat.  Turning off the lights and closing the bedroom door will only get you so far.  There are claims that specific essential oils treat migraines.  Sound crazy?  Maybe.  But regardless of your feelings about Eastern medicine, what do you have to lose (besides your migraine)?

First, a little education about essential oils.  Many of them are quite strong and can irritate the skin if applied directly.  Consider using a “carrier oil”.  The name is accurately descriptive – it’s a vehicle to deliver essential oils.  Carrier oils vary in viscosity and you’ll want an oil with a viscosity appropriate for the intended use.  A 2% dilution amounts to 12 drops of oil for each ounce of carrier oil.

Peppermint Oil – Constricted blood vessels are often the likely culprit of migraines.  Peppermint opens up some of those pathways that can ease headache pressure.  Note that peppermint oil is very strong and a little goes a long way.  Rub a drop or two between your fingers and rub against your temples.

Lavender Oil – There’s a reason lavender is popular in bath products – it’s relaxing!  Add a few drops of lavender oil to a hot bath for a steam effect.

Basil Oil – It’s not just for pizza anymore!  Basil has muscle relaxing properties and can mitigate muscular tension that may be contributing to your headache.

Sandalwood Oil – Sandalwood calms the nerves and relaxes the nervous system.  It relieves bodily tension.

Vetiver Oil – Noted for its soothing and calming properties, vetiver oil can alleviate tension and stress that may be spurring on your headache.

Rosemary Oil – Rosemary improves circulation and acts as an analgesic.  It also decreases cortisol levels within the body.

Bergamot Oil – Commonly known as the distinctive ingredient in Earl Grey tea, bergamot lessens pain and anxiety.  It’s most effective when inhaled.  You can apply it topically to your temples or throw a few drops into a mug of hot water.

Clove Oil – Amazingly, clove oil has antiseptic, antifungal and anesthetic properties.  Put a drop on the roof of your mouth for headache relief.

Most essential oils are quite strong on their own.  If you’re not using a carrier oil, be mindful about use near the eyes.  Some oils are safe for ingestion while others are not.  The effectiveness of essential oils for migraines really comes down to relaxing and releasing tension.  Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in your arsenal to fight those nasty migraines.

Diabetes & Technology: What’s New

 

Technology is supposed to make your life easier, right?

If you’re diabetic, you probably already have routines in place to keep you on track with your medication, food intake and blood sugar readings.  Thanks to technology, keeping all that data in one place just got a little easier.  The best part?  Consolidate all of that information on your cell phone.  App developers understand the trials of managing of chronic condition and they’re doing their part to make it easy.  Check out these options to keep your diabetes in check:

The MySugr apps were lovingly created for the diabetic set.  Store your blood sugar readings and get immediate feedback.  The app also analyzes your entries and gives you an idea of how you’re doing.  Connect with other diabetic friends to keep each other motivated and on track.  You’ll also have a convenient record of your progress for your next doctor’s appointment.  Users can enter detailed notes and email logs to physicians or registered dietitians.  It also features a database of over 9,000 diabetic-friendly foods and 25,000 recipes.  Ad-free, Diabetes Companion can store data for up to 90 days.

Diabetes Pilot allows users to scan bar codes on packaging to get nutrition information.  The app can also tell insulin-dependent folks how much you’ll need for a meal or how much you need to get your numbers back on track.  Users can categorize data in the ways most useful to them.

The days of the standard pinprick test are fading.  Researchers are working on more inventive and pain-free ways for diabetics to keep track of their health.  However, approval for such products is a lengthy process.

Still in development, the Gluco Wristband Monitor aims to measure insulin levels, store previously tested levels and administer insulin.  Such a product would truly revolutionize the lives of diabetics.

MyDario is a compact glucose meter that plugs directly into your smart phone to see your readings in seconds.

Google is working with Novartis to design a contact lens that will monitor blood sugar in tears and email the readings to the user.  The smart lens will be able to take one reading per second.  Prototypes are finished and testing is underway.

The iQuickit Saliva Analyzer is in development and has yet to go through FDA approval.  Using a meter, users will be able to test their levels with saliva.  Children, in particular will be pleased to be free of the dreaded pinpricks.

As technology progresses, diabetics will have unlimited options to monitor their glucose levels and maintain optimum health.

Hot Flashes: Triggers to Avoid

woman with menopause holding a cup of coffee

You may not think about hot flashes until you’re in the middle of one that hit without any warning signs, and then you’re desperately trying to figure out how to remedy it. Being proactive and knowing what triggers to avoid is just as, if not more, important than treating a hot flash once it has struck. Menopause may be inevitable, but there are plenty of things you can do to at least reduce the number of hot flashes you have to endure. Here are some of the most common triggers that may bring on this symptom of menopause, and how you can work to avoid them.

 

Your Environment

If you live in an area that is typically hot, or if you’re in a building that has the heat on high, you are more likely to experience hot flashes. Dress for the weather, have drinking water available, and when possible, use air conditioning.

 

Hot Food and Beverages

Both hot in temperature as well as spicy food can be potential triggers for hot flashes. Whether it’s a bowl of soup, coffee, hot tea, or hot sauce, your body temperature will climb due to the temperature of what you’re consuming, and due to the heat that is produced when your body is digesting. In addition to the heat of coffee, caffeine has also been known to make individuals more prone to hot flashes.

 

Smoking

You already know about many of the negative effects smoking can have on your body, and triggering hot flashes is another one you can add to the list. For avoiding hot flashes, cigarettes and secondhand smoke should always be avoided.

 

Dehydration

Staying hydrated is important at all times, no matter what’s going on in your life, but it is especially important while your body’s hormones are constantly fluctuating. Drinking plenty of water is good for your overall health, and consuming cool or cold water will aid in keeping your body at a good temperature for avoiding hot flashes.

 

Hot Tub or Bath

Although this can be extremely relaxing, the hot and steamy environment will quickly escalate your body’s core temperature. As was mentioned previously, this can potentially lead to, yes, a hot flash.
Every woman’s body will respond differently to different possible triggers. Ideally, it is a good idea to steer clear of every item listed, but we know that’s not always possible.  Be mindful of these and when you discover which ones you are affected by, you will know what to avoid. Be sure to read our blog on hot flash remedies. If you’d like to know more about clinical research being conducted for hot flashes, click here.

Eat Good Food. Lower Bad Cholesterol.

older couple eating healthy breakfast

If you or a loved one suffer from having high cholesterol, you know there’s a whole list of foods that your doctor has probably told you not to eat. There are plenty of foods that can lead to high cholesterol, but what about the foods you should eat? Rather than focusing on what not to do, let’s take a look at some of the things you can eat that will help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) – all of which are still pretty tasty. So, here are seven foods you can feel good about eating.

 

Nuts

Here’s a food that’s perfect for snacking, and will help reduce your cholesterol levels. A study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a significant reduction in LDL when participants consumed walnuts or almonds. Although these nuts are good for your heart, they are high in calories, so portion control is key here.

 

Oats

Changing up your breakfast a bit could be a big factor in lowering cholesterol. Adding two servings of oats to your morning meal could reduce LDL by about 5% in just six weeks. The key player in oats is a substance called beta-glucan that absorbs LDL, which is later excreted by the body.

 

Salmon and Fatty Fish

If you’re not getting sufficient amounts of Omega-3 in your diet, here is the perfect opportunity to increase your fish oil intake while decreasing your bad cholesterol. Omega-3 has been shown to fight heart disease, dementia, and a number of other health risks. When you replace saturated fats with the ones found in salmon, sardines, and herring, you may be able to raise HDL (that’s the good kind) by as much as 4%.

 

Beans

Surely you heard the little rhyme when you were a kid. Well, beans truly are good for your heart. Research was conducted at Arizona State University Polytechnic and they discovered that adding half a cup of beans to soup has the potential to reduce total cholesterol by as much as 8%.

 

Garlic

Not only is garlic capable of making just about any dish delicious, but it’s also great for lowering LDL. It can help prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure, and fight infections. New studies have found that it can help stop artery-clogging plaque early on by preventing cholesterol particles from clinging to artery walls. Two to four fresh cloves a day are recommended for maximum potency.

 

Spinach

Commonly referred to as a superfood, spinach is packed full of lutein which is found in dark leafy green vegetables and egg yolks. Lutein was already known for its many benefits to our eye health, but now research says that consuming just half a cup a day of foods rich in lutein can help your body guard against heart attacks by fighting off cholesterol invaders that may cause clogging.

 

Avocado

While not quite as diverse as garlic, avocado is delicious, versatile, and a good source of monounsaturated fat, which is a type of fat with the potential to raise HDL while lowering LDL. Additionally, avocado is rich in beta-sitosterol, a plant-based fat that lowers the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs from food. Like nuts, these tasty fruits are a little high in calories, so moderation is key here once again.
Eating healthy often gets a bad rap for being bland or boring, but all of these foods – especially paired with the right recipe – can be made into an amazing meal. There are many great websites that have several terrific recipes, so take a look around and find the heart-healthy recipe that’s perfect for you. And, if you’d like to learn about the latest clinical research for high cholesterol, click here.

Treating Hot Flashes with Natural Remedies

woman with menopause

If you are one of the three-quarters of women who experience hot flashes as a symptom of menopause, you know how uncomfortable they can be, and what kind of impact they can have on your daily activities. The sudden rise in temperature, night sweats, nausea, headache, or any of the other burdens of hot flashes can strike day or night, and can make you miserable for as little as a few seconds, or up to several minutes. Menopause is a naturally occurring part of life for any woman, so rather than simply dealing with hot flashes, find out what you can do to minimize their effect and frequency. Many women have found hormone replacement therapy to be an effective menopause treatment, but you may be able to find relief with these five natural remedies.

 

Stay Cool

Seems pretty obvious, right? While your body is going through the many changes of menopause, it can be sensitive to slight increases in core temperature. It is a good idea to dress in layers, so that you can remove a layer if you start to feel warm. Summer is quickly approaching, so using fans and air conditioning will be an essential part of keeping cool. If you have control of the temperature settings, try lowering it a bit, and if you think a hot flash may be coming on, try sipping on a cold drink.

 

Eat Healthy

There are a number of foods out there that have been found to contribute to hot flashes. Certain things like dairy products, meats, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can all possibly increase your chances of experiencing a hot flash. Once you’ve identified your triggers, it will be easier to avoid them. Instead, go for non-GMO soy foods to satisfy your body’s need for protein. Foods like soybeans and other products that contain estrogenic compounds (genistein and daidzein) may be able to help control hot flashes.

 

Reduce Stress

Even in non-menopausal women, stress may lead to hot flashes due to an increase in body temperature caused by adrenaline being released into the blood. The hormonal levels in menopausal women are constantly changing, and this can lead to chronic stress. Reducing stress could help relieve hot flashes. Try meditation, slow deep breathing, listening to calming music, or other stress-reducing activities.

 

Vitamin E Intake

Vitamin E has been shown to reduce the intensity of hot flashes experienced by menopausal women. A study performed by Tarbiat Modarres University tested the effects of vitamin E on 54 patients. Upon completion of the study, it was found that patients who took the vitamin E soft gel cap experienced a reduction in the severity of hot flashes.

 

Dress Comfortably

Tight fitting or warm clothes can make hot flash symptoms worse. Women should opt to wear loose clothing that is light and airy, especially around the vaginal and abdominal areas. Stay cool and comfortable to reduce the number of hot flashes you may experience during the day.
Following these recommendations can be a great way to find relief from hot flashes. If you experience severe episodes, you should consult your doctor to find out what other options are available. Additionally, you can learn more about clinical research for hot flashes here.

Can Pets Help With Migraines?

person with a migraine cuddling a dog

There’s no doubt, our pets are some pretty amazing creatures. After a long day, you can always count on them to greet you with a warm heart and a cold nose. Having a pet has been shown to help with many things, from lowering blood pressure to detecting changes in blood sugar levels. So, it only makes sense that pets may be able to help those who suffer from migraines as well. If you are one of the more than 37 million Americans that suffer from migraines, here are some of the possible benefits of having a furry friend.

Chemical Change

The same way pets can help with depression and anxiety, whenever you interact with a furry or feathered companion it causes oxytocin to be released. This same chemical that is generated at childbirth can have a variety of positive effects. Due to the many benefits of an animal’s presence, researchers have looked into other areas like behavioral, mental, and heart-related issues.

Great Company

Dogs and cats can form strong bonds with their owners. When someone is suffering from a migraine, rather than spending long hours in a dark room alone, their pet can offer relief through keeping them company. This companionship has the potential to improve a migraine sufferer’s outlook and daily life. It’s no wonder why large luxury dog beds are such a common buy for pet owners, they want to reciprocate the comfort that they give to them.

Welcome Distraction

Oftentimes when we are suffering from pain, sadness, or any kind of discomfort, a distraction can help put our focus on something other than what’s bothering us. When pet owners focus their attention on their pet, it may help alleviate some of the pain of a migraine. Whether it’s simply petting them to calm yourself, or watching them play, their ability to distract and bring joy are great. The socialization and affection we get from these animals are great as well; pets can help prevent a migraine sufferer from feeling alone, offering comfort as they battle chronic migraine pain.

Positive Outlook

Caring for a pet can offer a sense of purpose as they are a responsibility.  No one can deny that it is great fun to watch the Blue Buffalo YouTube channel and learn new tricks for pets and owners alike. When someone suffers from chronic pain, it can become difficult to get motivated to get up and moving. Having to get up to feed, walk, or interact with a pet helps give migraine sufferers the mobility they need to keep muscles and tissues conditioned, and can improve circulation, joint health, and more.

Each individual who struggles with migraines is different. Pets may not be a good fit for everyone, but if you’re an animal lover, the list of benefits is quite substantial. Be sure to read our 3 Pill-less Remedies for Migraine Headaches blog post for other ways you can manage migraines.

To learn more about clinical research for migraines and other topics, click HERE or call us directly at 817-281-4156.