Headache

Headaches are a common problem and are generally transient and eased by a mild analgesic such as tablets containing a combination of acetaminophen, paracetamol, aspirin and codeine. Sometimes, headaches can be relieved by lying down in a dark room, drinking several glasses of cool water with fresh lemon squeezed in and placing a cold pack over the head and face.

What are the causes of headaches?

The causes of headaches are almost too numerous to mention. Causes may include, to name a few;

• Dehydration
• Hormonal imbalances such as Premenstrual Syndrome, peri-menopause or side effects of the Oral Contraceptive Pill or Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Liver dysfunction
• High blood pressure
• Food sensitivities or allergies
• Sinus, dental and ear infections
• Blood sugar problems
• Exposure to chemical toxins
• Eye problems
• Herpes virus infection in the nerves supplying the head/face (blisters may not be present)
• Meningitis
• Brain tumors
• Increased pressure inside the skull (intra-cranial hypertension)

It is important to see your doctor for tests to exclude serious causes of headaches, particularly if the headaches are constant, severe or frequent in nature.

What tests may be required?

• CAT scans or MRI scans of the head and neck
• Blood tests to check your immune system, liver and kidney function, blood glucose levels, hormonal levels and a full blood count
• General physical and neurological examination
• Check up with a neurologist (in cases of severe chronic headaches)

Migraine

Migraine headaches are a particular type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain in the whole head, or one side of the head. Migraine can be preceded by neurological symptoms such as visual problems, vertigo, weakness of limbs or facial muscles or numbness and tingling in the face.

Migraine is often associated with nausea and sensitivity to light (photophobia). The pain can be very severe and frightening and sometimes analgesia must be given in injection form. There are also specific medications that can be taken to prevent or abort an acute migraine, and the newest class of these drugs is known as the serotonin agonist drugs. Examples include Maxalt or Imigran.

General treatment

• It is best to avoid common triggers such as: chocolate, dairy products, amines, wheat, preservatives, MSG, sugar, pickles, yeast, tobacco and alcohol.
• You may have a food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity that is promoting headaches.
• Try to include more raw foods, particularly radishes, leafy greens, and foods high in omega-3 fats such as oily fish, chia seeds and hemp seeds.
• Maintain blood sugar levels by eating regular protein from eggs, seafood, poultry, red meat, Greek yogurt, protein powder and nuts and seeds.
• All migraine sufferers should ensure a good intake of water with the aim of drinking 8 to 10 glasses daily. This will help improve the circulation of blood to the brain. Dehydration will greatly increase the frequency and severity of headaches.
• Chiropractic and massage therapy can be beneficial for many headache sufferers.
• Consult with your healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist.

Raw juicing

See “Raw Juices Can Save Your Life” for juicing recipes to help with headache and migraine, like the recipe below:

Juice for Headaches

Ingredients

• 2 sticks celery
• 2 dandelion leaves or 2 cabbage leaves
• 1 cup chopped broccoli pieces
• 1 lemon
• 1 grapefruit
• 2 apples – whole
• 1 large carrot
• 1/2 inch (1.5 cm) ginger

Method

1. Wash, trim and chop and process through juicer. Drink 2 cups 16 oz (approx 500 ml) daily.

Recommended books

• “Magnesium – The Miracle Mineral”
• “Hormones, Don’t Let Them Ruin Your Life”

Recommended supplements for hangovers

• Livatone Plus Powder or Livatone Plus Capsules
  Take 1 teaspoon twice daily or 2 capsules twice daily with food. Most migraine headaches are usually associated with nausea and vomiting. In these instances, it is important to improve the function of the liver.
• Magnesium Tablets or Magnesium Powder
  Take 2 tablets twice daily or one teaspoon daily to get the headaches under control. Magnesium plays an essential role in maintaining and promoting efficient muscle function and nerve transmission. It is a potent muscle relaxant and is therefore useful in muscle spasms, twitches, cramping, headache and pain relief.
• N-Acetyl L Cysteine (NAC)
  Take one capsule twice daily to increase the production of glutathione in your liver
• Serrapeptase
  Take one capsule twice daily

 The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.