The American Migraine Foundation states that many illnesses can cause migraines. A near 90% of people with chronic migraines have a chronic health condition. Sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), depression, anxiety, and others are somehow related to migraines. If migraines result from a specific health condition, you must treat that health condition in order for the migraine, which results from said health condition, to go away. 

If your anxiety and depression is accompanied by a migraine, each condition may have an effect on the other. You must treat anxiety and depression in order to get rid of the migraine. The treatment of anxiety or depression may improve migraine symptoms, but it may not make migraines go away for good. Understanding how you can regain control of your overall health can help you both manage a chronic health condition and migraine frequency. Below, you’ll find separate health issues that commonly cause migraines. 

Depression And Anxiety

Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, tend to go hand in hand with migraines. Neurologists suggest that the health conditions that have the biggest overlap among all migraine patients are depression and anxiety. Treating those conditions may help you deal with the severity and frequency of migraines.

Sleep Disorders

If you have a rough night, or a couple nights, of sleep, you may experience brain fog, headache, or migraine. A recent review found that insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among people with migraine. However, restless leg syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and circadian rhythm disorders can cause migraines as well. Additionally, snoring and other sleep disturbances can also increase the risk of migraines.

Fibromyalgia

This article has established that several chronic disorders are linked to migraine development. Fibromyalgia, in particular, was found to affect between 22% and 40% of people with migraine. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that involves diffused muscle pain and tenderness at certain trigger points in the body. One analysis found that people experiencing migraine were 57% more likely to have migraine than people without migraine. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain or discomfort, and the condition shares similar risk factors with migraine. Both IBS and migraine are more likely to affect women and to start before the age of 50. Various studies indicate that there is an elevated incidence of migraine or headache in people with IBS. People with migraines also have an increased risk of migraine. 

How To Take Control

If you experience symptoms of another chronic health condition in addition to migraine pain, take steps to address the health condition. This approach will help reduce migraine symptoms. You may need to speak with your healthcare professional to develop a plan of attack, or make simple lifestyle changes to reduce the severity or burden of your condition. Continue reading to learn several steps that may improve lifestyle and reduce migraine pain.

Follow A Consistent Lifestyle

Migraine brains don’t enjoy changes in daily routine or behaviors. Consistency is key because that repetition ensures your brain that everything is completely fine. Eat meals at the same time, go to bed and wake up at the same time, and exercise regularly. The brain will know what to expect in regards to eating, waking up, sleeping, and exercising when you have a consistent schedule.

Receive A Correct Diagnosis

Make sure that you get an accurate diagnosis if you have anxiety, depression, IBS, fibromyalgia, or sleep disorder that accompanies migraine headaches. Your healthcare professional will be able to discuss your health history, do a physical exam, and order lab tests or scans that may be necessary to determine a diagnosis. 

Maintain A Regular Sleep Schedule

For the health of your circadian rhythm, sleep experts recommend going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Doing so can improve several aspects of your health, including reducing the risk of migraine symptoms. Migraines are very sensitive to change, be it weather, sleep cycle, or sickness. Keep consistent and you can avoid migraine problems. 

Avoid Potential Dietary Triggers

Not everyone has a migraine food trigger, but a lot of people do. Do your migraine symptoms worsen after you eat a certain type of food? If you notice a pattern, then avoid common food triggers to avoid migraines. Health experts advise migraine patients to minimize the intake of caffeine and sugar, in addition to processed foods, chemicals like MSG, and nitrites. 

After taking in all of that information, there is one thing left for us to tell you: make sure to live your life to the fullest. Take a holistic approach to manage migraines, instead of putting a microscope to every little thing that may worsen symptoms. Sure, you can take precautions, but make sure to live your life!

SHARE:

The post 4 Conditions That May Cause Migraines (And What To Do About Them) appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that causes symptoms that plague the nose and throat. Typically, most colds are harmless and you may only develop a few mild symptoms. Colds, more than anything, are very annoying and you just want to feel better to leave the sickness behind you. 

Common symptoms of a cold include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, mild headache, sneezing, coughing, or low-grade fever. These symptoms usually last for about one week, but they can last longer in older adults, young children, or people with weakened immune systems. It is very common for adults to get two to three colds yearly, while children get them more frequently. 

It is very easy for a cold to spread. An infected person can sneeze or cough in your vicinity and you inhale microscopic droplets that contain the bacteria or virus. You can also touch a contaminated surface before touching your face and develop a cold that way. Given that there are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold, catching one is relatively easy. The rhinovirus is the most common, but  enteroviruses, human parainfluenza (HPIV), adenovirus, and coronavirus (the common cold version) can all cause common cold. Continue reading to learn more about the types of common colds. 

Enterovirus

Enteroviruses belong to a group of over 300 viruses, including echoviruses, polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and rhinoviruses. These viruses can cause a range of illnesses, but the rhinovirus is the most common cold-causing virus. Other enteroviruses, including enterovirus D68 and coxsackievirus, can cause respiratory symptoms. There are non-respiratory enterovirus illnesses that can cause conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease, or aseptic meningitis. Common symptoms of enterovirus include cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, or pneumonia. 

Rhinovirus

Rhinoviruses account for about 50% of common cold cases. Although they can spread throughout the year, rhinoviruses are most active in the spring and early fall. They spread easily in crowded places, such as offices, schools, and public transportation. Symptoms, which can include cough, mild sore throat, sneezing, mild fever, or runny nose, tend to go away in seven to 10 days. Rhinoviruses can also cause other problems, such as ear infections, breathing issues, or sinus infections, especially in people with allergies or asthma. 

Adenovirus

Adenovirus can cause cold symptoms that last for longer than symptoms that result from the rhinovirus. In fact, some people can experience these symptoms for weeks, or months. This virus is more common in the early spring and winter, although it can occur year round. Common colds caused by the adenovirus can spread easily in hospitals, schools, daycares, and military barracks. Symptoms can include cough, runny nose, fever, and sore throat. That said, adenovirus is also known to cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) and bladder infections or diarrhea. 

Coronavirus (Common Cold Version)

Before anyone even knew about COVID-19, coronaviruses were a typical cause of common colds. In fact, coronaviruses account for nearly 15% of seasonal colds, usually peaking in the winter. Coronavirus colds are usually mild and tend to last for one week, but they can lead to more serious issues, including pneumonia, for people with weaker immune systems. The common cold coronavirus is different from the coronaviruses that cause COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 virus, however, you can test for your own safety and the safety of others. Common symptoms of coronavirus colds include sneezing, runny nose, stomach problems (not too common), mild cough, and occasional low-grade fever.

Human Parainfluenza Virus

Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) can cause infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract. That can affect airways in children under five years old, immunocompromised adults, and elderly people. There are four types of HPIV, with types one and two being the most common in fall. Type three occurs annually and is most common in spring and early summer, while type four tends to affect people year round. Symptoms of HPIV include fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, cough, or chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Determining which virus is behind your cold can be a little tricky, but certain patterns can clue you in to some degree. A barking cough usually indicates croup from HPIV, while a cold with pink eye comes from adenovirus. Your healthcare provider may want to run tests to detect the virus, depending on the severity of symptoms. 

SHARE:

The post Watch Out For These Types Of Common Colds appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Everyone knows when they are about to come down with a sore throat or cold. Be it the tickle in back of your throat or slight irritation in your nose, you just know. Once you start coughing or have difficulty breathing, perhaps you grab the decongestant and lather it all over your throat and chest. Some people put it under their feet and some want to really inhale the menthol, so they rub some under their nostrils. 

If you are congested and want to breathe easier, you may look to essential oils instead of a classic vapor rub. Some essential oils, including eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils, show particular promise, while others are not as effective at relieving sinus congestion. Other research indicates that essential oils may improve symptoms related to congestion. For example, some may help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and relieve pain. 

A Quick Note About Essential Oil Dilution

The key to using essential oils safely is proper dilution. For adults, a 5% dilution is generally safe. That means that 30 drops of essential oils per one ounce of carrier oil, or 15 drops essential oils per 10 milliliters (ml) of carrier oil. For pregnant or breastfeeding women, a 1% dilution is best. Six drops of essential oils per ounce of carrier oil, or three drops essential oils per 10 ml of carrier oil. You can use the same pregnant or breastfeeding dilution ratio for children. 

For this recipe, you will use a half-cup of olive oil, 1/8 cup of beeswax pastilles, and 150 drops of essential oils. You can choose the amount of drops you wish to use from the following list of essential oils that help promote decongestion. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

A lot of people find that peppermint oil has a cooling effect and may improve symptoms of sinusitis. Because it contains menthol, peppermint essential oil may open the airways by affecting mucus receptors in the nose. According to lab studies, peppermint oil may fight bacteria, a primary trigger of sinus congestion. You can try to add peppermint essential oil to a warm bath to help reduce stuffiness.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains alpha-sabine, a compound that exhibits anti-viral, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. Researchers believe that tea tree oil helps relieve sinus congestion by fighting bacteria and viruses in the airways. It’s also possible that tea tree oil reduces inflammation, which may bring down swelling in the sinuses. By reducing swelling you can relieve symptoms of congestion, such as runny or stuffy nose. 

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil is a common ingredient in chest rubs and other over-the-counter decongestants. It shows promise as an alternative remedy for sinusitis and congestion. Similar to peppermint essential oil, you can add eucalyptus essential oil to a warm bath to promote decongestion. Eucalyptus oil contains ceneole, which was proven to be safe and effective for sinus issues in several small studies. It helped to improve symptoms of sinusitis, including nasal obstruction, headaches, and runny nose. 

Essential Oil Chest Rub Decongestant

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 beeswax pastilles
• 150 drops essential oils of choice

Instructions:

• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt the olive oil and beeswax together. Stir frequently to melt evenly. 
• When the two ingredients are fully melted, remove from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. You can put it back over the heat and add more oil if the mixture is too hard, or add more beeswax if it is too soft. 
• Add the 150 drops of essential oils (your selection) and mix well to combine. Immediately pour the mixture into a four-ounce mason jar. Cover and let cool at room temperature. 
• Apply to the chest and/or the neck area during a cold to help reduce coughing and promote better breathing. 

SHARE:

The post DIY Essential Oil Chest Rub Decongestant appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Nearly two-thirds of the human body is made up of water. You can lose some of that water via sweat, for example, when you are outside in hot weather or working out in the gym. Drinking water not only works to keep you hydrated, but it also helps support the function of joints, tissues, and body temperature. Water also helps transport nutrients throughout the body. Failure to drink enough water can result in dehydration, which can lead to a host of symptoms and health complications.

Choose The Right Beverage

Depending on which gym you frequent, you may see gallon-size water jugs or any number of reusable Stanley cups. The water revolution is fantastic, but not everyone drinks water when they exercise. Some people don’t even drink any fluids! When you engage in physical activity, you lose water and electrolytes, so it is your responsibility to replenish them to avoid dehydration. 

Some people reach for the most sugary sports drink they can find and enjoy that during their workout. Others drink milk, protein shakes, or electrolyte powders with water. If you spend more than two hours strength training in a gym, you will likely need a beverage that contains sodium and calcium, which you lose via sweat. That beverage should also contain carbs, which work to refuel your energy supply, and protein, which helps repair damage. If you only want to drink water when you exercise, that is totally acceptable. You can replace electrolytes and nutrients lost via sweat by eating nourishing post-workout foods. 

Drink The Right Amount

You don’t have to follow specific water intake rules when you exercise. You don’t have to “drink to failure,” as though you treat hydration like bulking up. There are ways to calculate your sweat rate, and it involves weighing yourself before and after you run, plus a few calculations. If you lose a quart of sweat in an hour, you should drink eight ounces of water every 15 minutes. Want to skip that math because you know you sweat a lot? Consume four to eight ounces of water every 15-20 minutes during your workout. 

Don’t Drink Too Much

Although it is uncommon, it is possible to drink too much while working out; however, this is more of a risk during triathlons and marathons. Athletes who consume a lot of fluid without enough sodium can develop hyponatremia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of this condition include:

• Low blood pressure
• Loss of energy
• Vomiting or nausea
• Muscle weakness, cramps, or twitching
• Headache, confusion, or fatigue
• Restlessness or bad temper
• Coma or seizures

Fortunately, over-hydration is very rare, according to health experts. It is more common that people do not drink enough fluids while working out. 

Drink Before You Exercise

No need to hit the local pub before a sweat session; rather, drink hydrating fluids before you start your workout. If you are going to do something that requires a lot of stamina, such as a spin class, hydrating before a workout is extra important. In fact, you should start hydrating one and a half to two hours before you begin, especially for a marathon. People don’t usually drink enough during exercise, putting you in a hydration deficit once you finish. Instead of rehydrating from a dehydrated state, it is better to not put yourself in that hole in the first place. 

Enjoy Some Protein And Carbs

Exercising is a component to a healthy lifestyle. That said, it is common to incur some minor cell or tissue damage after working out. Proteins work to repair any muscle damage, so experts recommend rehydrating with a smoothie or consuming overnight oats or chia pudding post-workout. Protein isn’t the only nutrient you need, though. Exercising forces you to expend a lot of energy, so you also want to consume carbs, specifically three times more carbs than protein. 

It is beneficial for your health to exercise on a regular basis. Losing hydration, however, is one of the side effects. That is why you have to stay hydrated while exercising. Replenishing your fluids is the key to preventing dehydration!

SHARE:

The post What To Drink During A Workout appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Doesn’t the idea of sticking a bunch of needles in your skin when you have anxiety sound like a wonderfully relaxing idea? As terrifying as it may sound, acupuncture is an ancient healing modality that has been used for thousands of years to alleviate pain and treat numerous conditions. Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points in the body to address the given conditions. 

For anxiety, acupuncture needles go in areas like the insides of your wrists, ears, and between your eyes. Using acupuncture to alleviate anxiety is not merely anecdotal, as it also has scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness. Continue reading to learn how acupuncture may help people with anxiety. 

Does Acupuncture Really Work For Anxiety?

According to acupuncturists, acupuncture works to ease anxiety by regulating the nervous system. Specifically, it works to bring parts of the autonomic nervous system back into balance. The autonomic nervous system helps regulate involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion. Shifting the body back into a relaxed state allows the sympathetic nervous system to be more balanced. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that “qi,” the body’s internal energy, flows up and down throughout various pathways within the body. If that energy is blocked or it isn’t balanced, the body is put under stress. Acupuncture helps to restore the natural balance within the body and encourages healing as a result. 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a holistic approach to health and many include recommendations for nutrition, psychotherapy, and exercise to enhance the treatment. There is no separation between the physical and mental aspects of a person, according to TCM. If you explain to an acupuncturist that you feel anxious and wake up sweaty in the middle of the night, they will not think that these issues are separate. 

In fact, that description is a common symptom of “yin deficiency,” according to TCM. Yin, along with its counterpart yang, allows a person to experience aligned qi. TCM explains that a yin deficiency can indicate emotional problems, including night sweats, anxiety, depression, and tension. 

Where Do Needles Go For Anxiety?

An acupuncturist does not merely stick needles in random places on the body. There are specific acupuncture points that influence physical and mental symptoms. Some of these points can include:

• Insides of the wrists
• On the feet
• Between the eyebrows
• On your breastbone or ears

Benefits Of Acupuncture

One review looked at 20 studies of using acupuncture on people with generalized anxiety disorder. The authors’ conclusion was that acupuncture can be beneficial for alleviating some anxiety symptoms when compared to medication or other non-acupuncture therapies. At this time, though, it is still not clear whether people with other types of anxiety benefit from acupuncture. Higher quality, randomized controlled trials are still needed to understand how acupuncture could help treat different anxiety disorders. Such disorders to consider include:

• Panic disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Selective mutism
• Phobias
• Social anxiety disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder

Acupuncture may also be beneficial for certain surgical procedures. One study compared acupuncture to pharmacological treatment. People who receive acupuncture before gallbladder surgery or hernia repair experienced less preoperative anxiety than those who took Midazolam, an anti-anxiety medication. Acupuncture may also benefit people with knee, lower back, and neck pain. A lot of people find that it can alleviate headaches as well. Some evidence shows that acupuncture may be useful for easing anxiety in people with chronic pain. 

If you are feeling anxious, you may want to consider acupuncture as a natural remedy. Just make sure that you visit an acupuncturist for the best care. Research indicates that acupuncture may reduce anxiety symptoms and there are minimal risks when done correctly.

SHARE:

The post Can Acupuncture Alleviate Your Anxiety? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Intravenous (IV) therapy is a popular health and wellness trend. Many celebrities promote IV therapy on social media and podcasts, and some claim that it helps them feel more alive and healthy. Although it may not be a cure-all for hangovers, it may help relieve symptoms related to dehydration. 

IV therapy is not the standard medical protocol for hangover relief; rather it is somewhat of a boutique and elective treatment. During the treatment, the patient receives a high dose of vitamins directly into their bloodstream. This allows the body to rapidly absorb nutrients at higher doses. Some of the issues that patients claim IV therapy helps include:

• Migraines
• Fatigue
• Withdrawal
• Hangovers
• Dehydration
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Cold symptoms

The Myers’ cocktail is the most popular mixture of vitamins and minerals. The name comes from John Myers, who first administered this treatment in the 1970s. A Myers’ cocktail includes:

• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• B-complex vitamin
• Vitamin C

How Does IV Hydration Work For Hangovers?

The theory behind administering an IV for hangovers is that it can reduce dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and harmful metabolite buildup. Basically, injecting fluids directly into the  veins gives the body quick access to water and nutrients lost via urination or vomiting while drinking alcohol. By adding fluids, you can help dilute and flush out the harmful toxins left behind from alcohol breakdown. That helps support kidney and liver function. 

What Is In An IV Drip For Hangover Relief?

Simple IV fluid drips for hangovers aim to replenish fluids and relieve dehydration. They contain sterile water and at least one electrolyte. The most common fluids for mild dehydration are traditional saline (water and 0.9% sodium chloride) and Ringer’s solution (a mixture of water, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and lactate). 

Most hangover IV infusions contain a 0.9% sodium chloride base, but you can customize the therapy with other additives. Those additives may not improve or cure your hangover, but they provide vital nutrients that the body can use. Sometimes, an anti-nausea medication may be added to the drip to help relieve gastrointestinal issues. 

Are There Risks Of IV Therapy?

One of the risks of this type of therapy is that the nutrients bypass the body’s gatekeeping functions. That can overload your bloodstream with vitamins all at once, which does not allow the stomach to digest them slowly. Although it is rare, vitamin toxicity can occur as a result, but that depends on the amount of vitamins and minerals you receive via IV. A high dose of vitamin C, for example, may cause the body to produce oxalates, which increases the risk of developing kidney stones. For that reason, people with renal disease should be cautious about IV therapy. 

Using vitamin therapy too frequently may cause nutritional imbalances. It’s possible for IV therapy to upset electrolyte levels. Overhydration (yes, this is a real thing) is another possible risk from frequent IV therapy. You may also experience nausea, confusion, or headaches as a result of overhydration.

SHARE:

The post Can IV Therapy Work To Cure Your Hangover? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Hotter temperatures and summer go hand in hand. The heat should not come as a surprise to you during the summer. The heat may do more than make you sweat, though. Researchers note that rising temperatures increase certain health risks. 

A 2022 study of more than 219 million American adults over the age of 20 suggested a link between extreme heat and all-cause mortality. The most significant risks were associated with older individuals. Health experts note that everyone, regardless of age, should understand the health risks that come with extreme heat. That is especially true because there are a lot of outdoor activities that occur during summer. It’s easy to get distracted on a beach day, for example, and that can be a detriment to your health if you aren’t paying attention to bodily signals. 

Being aware of how extreme heat affects the body can help you take proper precautions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that 2023 was the warmest year on record. Early indications suggest that 2024 will follow suit, so be prepared and do your best to stay cool during these summer months. 

Health Risks That Increase With Hotter Weather

Specific populations are at a higher risk of experiencing health issues when temperatures rise. That said, nobody is immune to heat-related health issues. Understanding the signs can help you protect yourself (and others) from severe outcomes resulting from heat exposure. The populations at a higher risk include:

• Older adults, especially people with underlying health conditions
• Infants and young children because their bodies cannot regulate temperature as well
• Pregnant people
• People with chronic health issues

Heart Attack

According to research published in 2023, cardiovascular disease deaths caused by heat could surge by approximately 162% by 2036-2065. Another study from 2023 examined more than 202,000 heart attacks in Jiangsu, China. Study authors noticed a strong correlation between a person’s chances of dying from heart attack and extremely hot and cold temperatures. When the body is exposed to heat, especially temperatures higher than body temperature, the heart has to work a lot harder. It needs to circulate the blood out toward the skin to allow for sweating and other mechanisms that protect the body from heat. The harder the heart has to work, the greater the risk of heart problems in those at risk. 

Heatstroke

Although it seems obvious that heat increases the risk of heatstroke, a lot of people do not understand the symptoms or risk. Heatstroke, much like stroke, is a medical emergency. Signs of heatstroke include confusion, altered behavior, change in speech, or even seizure. Heatstroke differs from heat exhaustion, although the two are related. Heat exhaustion is the body’s warning sign that it is overheating. You may experience headache, dizziness, nausea, etc. You should slow down and rehydrate with fluids and electrolytes and seek shade if you experience these symptoms. Refrain from consuming caffeine and alcohol in the heat because they can dehydrate the body.

Higher Or Lower Blood Pressure

Hot weather can cause blood pressure to become too high or too low. When you sweat a lot, the body loses fluids and blood volume, the decrease of which can drop blood pressure. This issue becomes more pronounced when you change positions, such as standing up after lying down. Dehydration also puts undue strain on the kidneys, which can decrease blood pressure. On the other side of the coin, heat can elevate blood pressure because the body has to work harder to circulate blood in order to cool down. Although high blood pressure can be asymptomatic, it may trigger dizziness or headaches. 

Migraine Attacks

Speaking of dizziness and headaches, let’s talk about migraines. Data indicates that migraine attacks affect 12 to 15% of the general population, and the effects can be debilitating. Migraines can cause irritability, light sensitivity, dizziness, nausea, cravings, and seeing of odd shapes. According to recent research, hotter temperatures may increase the risk of a migraine attack. Heat can increase inflammatory effects that can prolong migraines. Plus, dehydration can decrease the body’s ability to fight a migraine. 

Stroke

A study from 2020 found that weather conditions, especially high heat, are becoming a factor for the risk of stroke. There may be a lag period of one to six days between extreme weather exposure and stroke. Another study from 2020, which has yet to be published in a scientific journal, found that stroke severity increased by more than 67% for every 9ºF uptick in average temperature over the course of three days. Extreme heat puts stress on the body, especially in the elderly, which can lead to an increased risk of stroke. Look out for vision changes, facial droop, slurred speech, and weakness of arms or legs (especially on one side).

SHARE:

The post These Health Risks Can Increase On Hot Days appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The Migraine Research Foundation estimates that nearly 39 million Americans experience migraines. If you are one of these people, then you understand the debilitating symptoms that migraines cause. Some of the those include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and odors
• Vomiting

What is A Migraine?

A migraine is a headache that is characterized by severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation. It typically occurs on one side of the head and is accompanied by the symptoms listed above. Migraine attacks can last for a couple hours to a couple days. Occasionally, the pain is so intense that it interferes with everyday activities. For some people, a warning symptom, or an aura, occurs before the actual headache. An aura can include visual disturbances, such as blurry vision, or other disturbances, such as tingling of the face or arm.

When you can identify and avoid certain triggers, you can minimize the chances of having a migraine attack. Continue reading to learn how to avoid a migraine before it happens. 

Keep A Headache Diary

When you keep a headache diary, you can better identify your specific migraine triggers. Writing things down can help you notice a pattern in your migraine occurrences, which can make avoiding them much easier. Some things you can keep track of include:

• The weather
• What you eat or drink
• Your medications and their side effects
• Your exercise routine and schedule
• Severity and timing of your headaches
• Intense emotions or feelings

Pay Attention To Hormonal Changes

Your hormones play a role in the development and severity of a migraine. Many women tend to experience migraine attacks during, or just before, menstruation. During this time, women may need to be extra cautious with food choices and exercise habits. The reason for this is because both diet and exercise can help you address symptoms before they begin. If you don’t exercise or eat the wrong foods, you may worsen symptoms. Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase the severity and frequency of migraines as well. If you take oral contraceptives, you may find migraine relief by switching to another form of birth control. 

Eat And Sleep On A Regular Schedule

When you fast or skip meals, especially if you are not accustomed to a fasting schedule, you may experience headaches or migraines. Ideally, you should eat within an hour or two of waking up, and then space your next meals about three to four hours apart. Both hunger and dehydration can trigger migraine attacks, so make sure to eat enough and hydrate regularly. Lack of sleep can also cause migraine symptoms, which is why sleep experts encourage everyone to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Getting too much sleep, interestingly enough, can also trigger migraine episodes. Find the right amount of sleep that works best for you. 

Pay Attention To Your Food Choices

As previously mentioned, maintaining a regular eating schedule can help reduce migraine attacks. So too can the foods and drinks you decide to consume. For example, the following foods may trigger a migraine attack:

• Red wine
• Sweeteners
• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Processed meats

When you know which foods, drinks, additives, etc. can bring about migraine symptoms, you can avoid them at all costs. Foods and drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, such as red wines or champagne, are common migraine triggers. If you regularly consume these items and experience migraines or headaches, consider reducing your intake per day, or cut them out and only consume them on occasion. 

Choose Low Intensity Exercises

Regular exercise is an integral part of achieving optimal overall health. If you engage in intense exercise, such as weightlifting, you may trigger migraines. The body responds differently to certain activities, so gauge your body’s response to various exercises. Activities that help you reduce stress, such as yoga, tai chi, or light aerobics, don’t put that much strain on the body!

SHARE:

The post Tips To Avoid A Migraine Attack Before It Happens appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There is a time and place for medication. Some people require them to ease their health issues, but too many medications come with a long list of side effects. One of the most common side effects is heartburn because certain medications irritate the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. That can cause heartburn pain that is similar to the pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Although some medications cause heartburn or make it worse, others can actually relieve heartburn. Typically, the ones that cause heartburn include iron or potassium supplements, antibiotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. Want to know if a medication you take is responsible for the heartburn you experience? Read on to learn which medications cause heartburn.

Aspirin

Whether you take it to ease your headaches or reduce the risk of heart attack, aspirin increases heartburn in those who already have it. The reason for this is because aspirin promotes more acid production in the stomach. Aspirin prevents the body from forming protecting prostaglandins in the digestive tract. The body makes prostaglandins, which act like hormones, and the ones in the stomach prevent cells in the stomach wall from producing and releasing acid.

Sleeping Pills And Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), work to relieve anxiety and aid relaxation. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which may cause heartburn. The unfortunate reality is that most people lie down after taking these medications. Lying down can increase the severity of acid reflux because reclining prevents gravity from keeping stomach acid down, meaning it can get into the esophagus. 

Iron Supplements

Iron supplementation is typically reserved as a treatment for people with iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can irritate the lining of the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux. According to research, iron erodes the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron pill-induced gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) has only been documented in people who take iron supplements in pill form, not liquid form. 

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen products, such as Motrin or Advil, can help mitigate pain, but may cause heartburn. These products increase acid production in the stomach and reduce protective prostaglandins. According to gastroenterologists, oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) can be better for the stomach than taking six Motrin tablets per day. That said, some narcotics cause heartburn and are habit-forming; not to mention, they can cause constipation. 

Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements can help regulate blood pressure, but they can also irritate the esophageal lining. Now, that isn’t to say that every person who takes potassium supplements will experience heartburn. You can reduce your chances of heartburn by taking the supplements while sitting up and drinking plenty of water with them. No matter what supplement you take, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting. The FDA minimally regulates dietary supplements and their effects vary from person to person. If you are nervous about dosage or negative interactions with current medications, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants, work in a specific way and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, some older tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or amitriptyline, may cause heartburn because they slow how quickly the stomach empties. Tricyclic antidepressants can also relax the LES, which increases the risk of heartburn.

Antibiotics

Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat common bacterial infections. One of the drawbacks is that they can cause heartburn. If you tend to experience heartburn regularly and require antibiotics, consult your health care provider to get one that is gentle on the stomach and esophagus. An enteric-coated pill may be less abrasive because the coating keeps the pill intact as it passes through the stomach. That means it dissolves in the small intestine, not your stomach.

SHARE:

The post Which Medications Cause Heartburn? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you experience migraines, you know when one is about to occur. You feel the pain creep across your forehead or up the back of your neck. People have different triggers for migraines, and determining what your trigger is can be a big obstacle to overcome. Once you identify your trigger, you can do your best to avoid it and reduce the frequency of migraines. 

Not a lot of people suspect their diet to trigger migraines, but certain foods can easily cause your head pain. According to research, a variety of foods and beverages contribute to nausea, throbbing, pounding, and some visual symptoms of migraines. If you want to experiment with your diet to be free of migraines, consider eliminating the following foods, which have been known to set off pain. 

Alcohol

This is a beverage that’ll give you a headache whether you get migraines or not. An evening cocktail is relaxing while you casually sip it, but it can contribute to migraine tension. The Association of Migraine Disorders lists alcohol as one of the most common dietary triggers. There are certain compounds in alcohol, such as histamine and congeners, which may be to blame. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which can cause dehydration (another migraine trigger). Regardless of what the research says, it may be a good idea to avoid beer, wine, and spirits if alcohol is your trigger. 

Foods With Phenylalanine

What is this compound? Well, it is an essential amino acid that exists in myriad protein sources. You can find it in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. High doses of this amino acid have been linked to headaches, including migraines. Because phenylalanine exists in many healthy protein sources, avoiding it completely may prove difficult, not to mention a questionable decision for your overall health. Avoiding all foods that contain phenylalanine creates a highly restrictive eating pattern. If you suspect this to be your migraine trigger, just consider cutting down on these foods, or make sure that you don’t overeat them. 

Caffeine

Caffeine is a mixed bag for migraines. It is a common trigger food for migraines, but some people drink a cup of coffee or soda and know relief is on the way. Unfortunately, there is not a sufficient amount of research on this matter, so scientists cannot give a definitive recommendation on caffeine consumption or avoidance for migraine relief. That said, if you experience migraines and know that drinking caffeine negatively affects you, avoid it to the best of your ability. If you exceed 200 milligrams of caffeine daily and you suddenly stop drinking caffeine, you may experience a migraine as a withdrawal symptom. 

Food Intolerances

Occasionally, headaches can stem from certain food intolerances. According to research, migraines are very common in the setting of gluten, soy, and other food intolerances. If you have a food intolerance, be it to gluten, soy, or something else, you will usually experience symptoms within 12 to 24 hours after eating. 

Foods With Tyramine

If you have never heard of this compound, don’t be hard on yourself because you won’t see it on ingredient lists. It exists in both plant and animal foods and is a byproduct of the breakdown of tyrosine, an amino acid. Some people experience headaches from foods that contain tyramine, such as red wine, figs, aged cheese, and smoked fish. Whether or not you get a headache depends on how much of these foods you eat or drink, according to health experts. Preliminary research shows that people who are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may experience migraines after eating tyramine-containing foods because of the chemical interaction that occurs.

SHARE:

The post 5 Foods To Avoid If You Get Migraines appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.