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A migraine headache can put a painful stop to your day. A classic migraine has three distinct stages. The aura stage begins a migraine with sudden numbness, dizziness, visual disturbances, and ringing in the ears.

This is quickly followed by the headache stage; nausea, sensitivity to light, perspiration, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea. Finally, the post headache stage, after the pain is gone, can leave the sufferer with weakness, exhaustion, and a tender skull.

Check out these five natural health strategies that can help you fend off, or even prevent, a nasty pain in the head:

1. Know and avoid your triggers. Aged cheese, luncheon meat, and alcoholic beverages are some of the foods that can trigger a migraine headache. Physical and emotional factors such as stress, fatigue, menstrual cycle, and even bright flashing lights can also lead to migraines.

Keep a headache diary to help pinpoint your triggers. Write down when your headaches occur and what else is happening in your life. Over time you may be able to notice a pattern so you can avoid, or at least minimize, those triggers.

2. Include migraine-fighting nutrients in your diet.

• Magnesium: Stock up on magnesium by eating nuts, seeds and beans. One simple way to boost your magnesium intake is to switch to whole grain bread.
• Riboflavin (vitamin B₂): Add more riboflavin to your diet with milk products, meat and mushrooms. If you prefer to take a supplement, consult with your health practitioner to make sure you are getting the proper dose.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are all rich sources of omega-3, which has been found to be helpful in dealing with migraine headaches.
  

3. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Research shows that sleep deprivation can act as a migraine trigger. While everyone’s needs are different, experts recommend about seven hours a night for most healthy adults.

4. Stay well hydrated. Don’t wait to feel thirsty before you drink—by then you’re already dehydrated and a migraine could occur. Try to consume about two litres of water spaced throughout each day.

5. Get some therapy. Acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, and relaxation therapy have all been shown to help sufferers deal with their headache symptoms.

Related alive Articles:

Heading Off Migraine Pain

Acupuncture for Headache

Migraines

Source: alive #September 08 Newsletter