How to Prevent Headaches

Headaches are characterised by pain and pressure in different parts of the head. Headaches are not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition. Sinus headaches are caused by the overproduction of mucous in the membranes; vascular headaches result from the tightening and contraction of the muscles in the area of the neck, forehead and scalp; and migraine headaches are caused by the alternating constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain. The common migraine is accompanied by an uneasy feeling, nausea, depression and tingling in the arms and legs. The severe migraine is preceded by visual disturbances such as flashing lights, sensitivity to noise, weakness and dizziness.

Headaches can result from many causes, as follows: nutrient deficiencies such as a deficiency in vitamins B6 or C; food allergies; side effect of medication; caffeine withdrawal; lack of sleep; premenstral syndrome; birth control pills; hunger; constipation; reaction to food additives; alcohol abuse; air pollution; bacterial and viral infection; eye problems including improper eyeglasses; tension; low blood pressure; overexposure to the sun; dehydration; a deficiency in red blood cell chlorine levels; and a reaction to foods containing tyramine which include some cheeses, chocolate and bananas.

Doctors have responded to headaches by prescribing painkillers, anti-depresssants, ergotamine, or metbysergide for the prevention of migraine headaches. There are problems with all of these. Strong painkillers can be addictive; aspirin can cause bleeding from the stomach; and Phanacetin can lead to chronic kidney disease. Anti-depressants may cause drowsiness, blurred vision, nervousness and weight gain. One side effect of ergotamine can be the destruction of arteries in the limbs, eyes or heart. Metbysergide may lead to fibroid growth in the kidneys.

It is therefore best to concentrate on diet as a natural cure for headaches. If one food or drink is the root cause of your headaches, it is best to eliminate it from your diet completely. Avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea or cola; or drink decaffinated versions of them instead. Avoid foods containing tyramine such as aged cheese, nuts, shell fish, pork, bananas, chocolate and wine. Avoid dairy products, in so far as you can, if they are the cause of your headaches. Eliminate cold foods, ice cream, and ice cubes from your diet; and cut down on or eliminate alcohol.

Some headaches, such as migraine ones, result from the body being in an acid condition. It is best therefore to try to keep the body as alkaline as possible by eating raw fruits, vegetables and sprouts. There is also evidence that almonds, brown bread, salmon, lettuce, cucumber, spinach, mushrooms and watermelon can provide some relief from headaches. Vegetable juices such as carrot and celery juice can also provide some relief.

The following food supplements can also be employed constructively to get relief from headaches: niacin, 100mg. three times daily; magnesium citrate, 400mg.three times daily; vitamin B complex, 50mg.three times daily; vitamin E, 400 I.U.twice daily; fish oil, two 1,000mg. three times daily; and vitamin C, 1,000mg. three times daily.

The following herbs, for the reasons stated, can also be used to treat headaches: feverfew gives relief from the pain of migraine headaches; basil draws poison out of the body; blessed thistle helps oxygenate the brain and improves circulation; ginger removes congestion; peppermint allows oxygen into the bloodstream; white willow bark relieves pain; and thyme brings general relief.

Other measures that can complement the foregoing are:
(a) Relaxation techniques such as meditation and imagery in order to reduce stress.
(b) Daily aerobic exercises to strengthen and enhance lung capacity in order to improve oxygen intake.
(C) A 3-4 day fast taking liquids such as apple, carrot or celery juice only, in order to eliminate toxins from the body.

You now have sufficient information, above, in order to tackle the problem of headaches without resorting to prescription drugs.