Migraine preventative?

[Bethanial]

I'd like to be able to stop taking so many prescription medications, but I don't want to just quit my topomax - number of migraines has drastically decreased since I've started taking it. Are there any natural remedies, preventatives? I've also read a really neat article (can't find my bookmark ) about a specific tint for glasses that neutralizes the wavelength from florescents (rose colored, of all things!), but when I went to bed nice and easy and wake up 3 hrs later in pain, I think it's safe to assume that this particular migraine was not caused by the lighting....

I had a friend suggest CoQ10 and spinach (and even in the middle of my migraine hangover yesterday, I could think back and remember that when my diet is heavier in spinach, the migraines don't come around), and she said there was another food, but she couldn't remember what it was. Also supposed to be an enzyme or something in Gatorade 2 that if you drink it when you realize you're getting a migraine it helps it go away. But I won't drink G2 because of the fake sugars.

Anybody know what this enzyme is maybe? Or the other miracle food? Verify the CoQ10? Other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[noobiechickenlady]

My best girlfriend has migraines that are triggered by food sensitivities. She had a major episode of allergies and ended up in ICU for a while. She ended up becoming allergic to over 50 different known substances, including synthetic epinephrine, unfortunately.

Eating uncooked fruits high in citric acid will send her into anaphylactic shock and if she eats too much of those things even cooked, she'll develop a migraine. MSG gives her a migraine, being near fig trees gives her a migraine, being around seafood while its cooking, rosemary in her food, cedar trees & wood and a few others. She has learned most of these by trial & error and lots of Benadryl, unfortunately.

 

[Woodland Woman]

There are many foods that are triggers for migraines. You need to figure out which ones are yours. Preservatives, artificial flavorings and colors, msg, cheese, chocolate and many fruits are common culprits.

Another trigger which tends to get ignored is scents. I am talking about scented candles, air fresheners, all sorts of laundry products, personal products, and perfumes. Usually the artificially scented ones are worse but some natural scents can be your triggers.


I don't think there is anything you can consume to prevent migraines but there are many things to avoid to prevent migraines.

 

[murphysranch]

My migraines arise from mental stress. After a particularly hard time, a few days later, out of the blue, I get a migraine. They are not often and are not triggered by food, light, etc.

Midrin is the only drug that prevents the migraine from progressing (unless it starts when I'm asleep - happened 2 times so far in 21 years). I'm very very fortunate to have the aura letting me know its coming...

 

[Icu4dzs]

I'd like to be able to stop taking so many prescription medications, but I don't want to just quit my topomax - number of migraines has drastically decreased since I've started taking it. Are there any natural remedies, preventatives? I've also read a really neat article (can't find my bookmark ) about a specific tint for glasses that neutralizes the wavelength from florescents (rose colored, of all things!), but when I went to bed nice and easy and wake up 3 hrs later in pain, I think it's safe to assume that this particular migraine was not caused by the lighting....

I had a friend suggest CoQ10 and spinach (and even in the middle of my migraine hangover yesterday, I could think back and remember that when my diet is heavier in spinach, the migraines don't come around), and she said there was another food, but she couldn't remember what it was. Also supposed to be an enzyme or something in Gatorade 2 that if you drink it when you realize you're getting a migraine it helps it go away. But I won't drink G2 because of the fake sugars.

Anybody know what this enzyme is maybe? Or the other miracle food? Verify the CoQ10? Other suggestions?

Thanks!

Co Q10 is a very real body necessity that is destroyed by taking certain cholesterol lowering medications (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors) such as Lipitor, etc.

Go to MyEnergyMD.com It may offer you some options to think about.
Hope this helps.

 

[Bethanial]

thanks y'all - any more ideas, please keep them coming.

In all my years of migraines (first one in 3rd grade ), I've never noticed a specific food or scent trigger. I've learned being directly under florescent lights, or near one that's flickering, will trigger one. And stress is a huge thing oo, but the usual suspects - red wine, chocolates, smoked foods - none of those give me migraines. I'm hoping my current one is NOT from my brand new, yummy wonderful coffee that I've been waiting a whole year for (pumpkin spice flavor sold as a fundraiser by local BETA club). But ever since my first cup 2 days ago, I've been headachey, and it turned into full-blown migraine at 1 in the morning waking me out of a perfectly good sleep (I HATE when that happens!). So tomorrow I'll go back to standard Maxwell House, and see what happens.

I do have a prescription med I keep on hand (fioricet) that usually takes enough of the edge off that I can still function - brings it down to more of a tension headache level, but nothing was working the other night. Which is why I was hoping there was maybe some natural something I could start taking and/or add to my arsenal.

I've never had the aura - glad you're able to catch yours like that.

 

[Shiloh Acres]

Mine are caused by artificial sweeteners (lucky -- because of that I gave them up 25 years ago), dark chocolate eaten on an empty stomach, and most recently cocoa-added coffee. It's not really the drink that does it but either drinking it too fast or still all hot. Not sure which and not willing to experiment. I only mention that in case it's your new coffee but not REALLY. Maybe only certain conditions related to the coffee.

I don't know of anything natural to prevent them. I do know that while I was REALLY taking care of myself with lots of high quality supplements of many kinds and eating pretty well, I never got headaches and I was going through the most stressful years of my life. I took vitamins, minerals, coQ10, fish oil, and whatever else I thought I needed.

One thing I have since learned works very well for me is a mixture of essenti oils called TeiFu made by Natures Sunshine. I think it's mostly wintergreen with some other warming oils mixed in. I just dot it on my temples, wherever the pain is, and a tiny smear under the nose to breathe it in. It seems to work by warming the area a bit and probably increases blood flow. Usually clears up a headache or migraine, or greatly dulls the pain, within two minutes. If you DO use it or make your own, be sure not to turn your head quickly just after applying it, as the vapor will burn your eyes a bit.

Wish I could offer more, but wanted to mention it in case it helps.

 

[Woodland Woman]

That is funny that you mention the coffee. If my husband drinks any other brand than Maxwell House he gets a migraine.

 

[Bethanial]

Thanks for the added suggestions, y'all. No yummy wonderful coffee this morning, and no headache either. Think I've found my culprit BOOOOO