Living Fit, Healthy and Happy

Possible Causes Of Headaches After Eating

Possible Causes Of Headaches After Eating
By Ann Marier

Eating is something which many people enjoy immensely. This is
obvious with the increase of overweight people in the world.
Eating is a very social time as well. Family gatherings, church
events, and business meetings often occur around some type of
meal or snack.

These times should not be a time of physical suffering but
often result in pain. Many people complain of suffering
headaches after eating. This can be a very serious health issue
and needs to be addressed to determine the cause of the headache
after eating.

Headaches after eating may be caused by some simple food
allergies or may be caused by something as severe as diabetes.
If a person frequently finds that they get a headache after
eating they need to consult a doctor to determine the cause and
find possible cures.

Headaches Caused by Food

People often eat crazy diets in the current times. With rushed
schedules full of work, family, church, sports and other hobbies
people find that quick meals work best. The problem with these
quick meals is that the foods eaten are often prepared,
processed foods with several chemical additives.

These chemical additives are not necessarily bad as they do act
as preservatives keeping the food fresh and bacteria free. Some
people, though, find that they suffer headaches after eating
these foods. There are even some natural foods that the general
public eats which may cause headaches after eating for some
individuals.

People find that they have intolerances to foods such as wheat,
other grains, fruits, dairy products and a variety of other
foods. If a person suffers headaches caused by foods it is
important to go through a process of elimination. Food
allergists can assist a person in eliminating probable food
causes one by one from the diet until the guilty foods are
found.

Headaches After Eating Related to Diabetes

Diabetes is a very serious disease which can be treated and
controlled. It is important for a person who gets headaches
after eating to rule out the diagnosis of diabetes. The
headaches after eating in the case of diabetes are a symptom of
high blood sugar. High blood sugar can cause many problems for
an individual, the most severe being death.

High blood sugars left untreated can cause blindness, kidney
failure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and many other
problems. Early intervention in treating diabetes can prevent
these problems. Getting headaches after eating can be an early
sign that diabetes may be a problem.

If a person gets headaches after eating they should consult a
physician to rule out diabetes as a possible cause. If diabetes
is the cause of the headaches, dietary changes and medications
can cure the problem very quickly.

About the Author: Ann Marier writes informative articles about
family life and general health issues, Her lastest are about
headaches. Click on http://www.headache.ultimatehealthinfo.com
to read all her headache articles Click on
http://www.ultimatehealthinfo.com to see the other general
health issues.

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Migraines Play Havoc With Emotions-or Is It The Other Way Around?

Migraines Play Havoc With Emotions-or Is It The Other Way Around?

By J. Wes Tanner, MD

Migraines play havoc with emotions. Migraines are disabling in many ways, but none is worse than feeling like you are an emotional cripple. If migraines are mild, the impairment is mild. Upon reaching the state of transformed migraine (a condition of more unrelenting migraines) a migraineur, one who has migraines, feels as if someone used dynamite on his emotions. If this has happened to you, you feel distraught from letting people down by being unable to fulfill your part in planning and participation in everyday functions. This guilt is depressing and you feel that migraines are ruining your life. You may feel that your relationships with others have changed. You may experience a feeling of isolation believing that no one can understand your pain and you resent other people just going on with everyday life with no problems. Have I described you?



Emotions play havoc with migraines. People who suffer from migraines have a more sensitive body to light, sound, smell, food, and/or stress. Emotional difficulties are stressful and can trigger migraines. Migraines are much more than headaches. The migraine syndrome can manifest itself in many ways: panic attacks, palpitations, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neck pain, chest pain, hypoglycemia, vertigo, and even fibromyalgia.



The sensitive body is a set up for panic and emotional upset. The migraineur is stimulated easily, and the body can vigorously overreact. Disorder in medical jargon refers to disturbance or dysfunction in physical or mental health. There are several disorders that can prime the patient to have a panic attack—panic, anxiety, phobia, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar, and post-traumatic stress disorder to name a few. Panic attacks, for example, can present as complication of drug abuse, poisoning, hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, migraine syndrome (which would include fibromyalgia), and chronic fatigue syndrome, among others.



A migraineur must understand that he is dealing with a lifelong illness. However, he is certainly not unique in this position. Counseling can be extremely helpful in dealing with the emotional aspects of migraines. There are also self-help groups available for support of family. By communicating your needs to your family you can educate them, thus allowing them to provide additional support. If noise reduction is needed, tell someone. Learn to say “no” or qualify your response with, “If I am able.” Tell your significant other not to rattle off a “to do” list. Rather, give a short written list or only one verbal request at a time. Around the time of migraines, avoid making decisions. Maintain routine. Have your family members be your advocate, coming to your defense when dealing with others. Explain to children your situation, but remember: repetition is the mother of teaching—do not resent teaching. Do not wait until a migraine to decide on sex. Gentle cuddling and massage can be reassuring. Think of how situations would be handled, if someone in the family had anginal chest pain. Stress and excitement would be muted. Care and concern would be directed toward the patient. The patient would treat angina with respect, trying to avoid danger. Treat your migraines as you would any other serious disease.



About the Author: J. Wes Tanner, MD is a family practice and headache specialist who has been treating people for about 30 years. He has extensive experience in treating migraines and fibromyalgia with excellent success. In "Doctor, Why Do I Feel This Way?", Dr. Tanner exposes the secrets and myths about fibromyalgia and the migraine syndrome. To find out more, go to http://www.migrainesyndrome.net.



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Fibromyalgia And Migraine Syndrome

Fibromyalgia And Migraine Syndrome
By Wes Tanner

Fibromyalgia is the great impostor! It can present as
depression, neck or low back aches, chest pain, headaches, panic
attacks, insomnia, memory problems, tennis elbow, ear pain, plus
many others. I have seen patients with so many different
complaints that turn out to have this frustrating disorder. I am
hesitant to give a possible presentation scenario for
fibromyalgia. In short, fibromyalgia is the migraine syndrome
(explained below) gone haywire. Treatment has to be directed
toward controlling the migraine syndrome which can lead to a
cure for fibromyalgia! That’s right; I said a cure for
fibromyalgia is possible! I have had so many patients have their
fibromyalgia resolve that I am optimistic that I can really make
a difference in the quality of life.

Let me explain what I mean by the migraine syndrome. It is the
outward expression of the body’s sensitivity to light, sound,
smell, food, and/or stress. Some people are more sensitive than
others; therefore, their reactions to different stimuli are
greater. This sensitivity can be manifested in the body as
migraines, sinus headaches, neck aches, palpitations, irritable
bowel syndrome, motion sickness or vertigo, reactive
hypoglycemia, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), panic
attacks, and/or fibromyalgia. Now that’s a mouthful!
Understanding what is going on with you is very important in the
healing process.

Fibromyalgia is traditionally defined as a syndrome which may
feature constant pain, fatigue, sleep loss, headache, TMJ,
restless legs, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, irritable
bowel, bladder symptoms, memory impairment among other
complaints. Physical exam reveals tender points or what we call
“trigger points.” There are 18 specific trigger points to be
examined. 11 out of 18 tender trigger points are required for
diagnosis; however, usually I find 16-18 out of 18 tender
trigger points on most of my patients. Fibromyalgia should be
treated by a headache specialist that understands that
fibromyalgia comes from the migraine syndrome. An enlightened
primary care physician could be your answer.

About the Author: J. Wes Tanner, MD, is a family practice and
headache specialist who has been treating people for about 30
years. He has extensive experience in treating migraines and
fibromyalgia with excellent success. In Doctor, Why Do I Feel
This Way?, Dr. Tanner exposes the secrets and myths about
fibromyalgia and the migraine syndrome. To find out more, go to
his web site, http://www.migrainesyndrome.net.

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Fight Chronic Migraines With Omega-3 And Herbs

Fight Chronic Migraines With Omega-3 And Herbs
By Darrell Miller

Chronic migraines are a disorder in which a person will
experience at least fifteen migraines or more each month. Even
though both migraines and headaches generate in the head, they
are nothing alike. Even the smallest degree of light and noise
can be extremely intolerable. Intense nausea is even common in a
migraine. While the migraine begins in the brain, it usually
sweeps through its victim’s body, causing both physical and
emotional torture. Migraines can begin at any age and continue
throughout a person’s life. Conversely, migraines can end as
suddenly as they began without a known reason for their onset or
final episode. However, it is often possible to target some of
the migraine triggers and prevent or at least minimize their
frequency. A physician will often ask a migraine patient to keep
a journal of their diet and other routines they perform each
day. This helps to target any allergies or lifestyle patterns
that may be causing or contributing to the onset of a migraine.
Be aware and pay attention to your lifestyle, as it adds
possible clues to the reason you are experiencing migraines in
the first place.

Many of us who have been suffering from acute migraine
headaches for years have tried various medicines, with none of
which seeming to be very effective. However, there are natural
alternatives for treating this immense pain. Although the
specific causes of migraines are still unknown, the main
contributing factor seems to involve blood flow instability in
the brain. When the arteries constrict, a rebound dilation
follows, bringing on the migraine. There are other contributing
factors including heredity, alcohol consumption, monosodium
glutamate (MSG), emotion stress, hormonal changes, birth control
pills, fatigue, chocolate, cheese, citrus and cured meats.
Migraines are usually treated through drug therapy, but there
are often considerable side effects. There are alternative
methods for treatment, which include dietary changes such as
avoiding chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, shellfish, and
alcohol, all of which contain amines that can cause the brain
vessels to constrict. Low blood sugar can also be a contributor
to migraines. By eating several small meals, blood sugar swings
can be inhibited. Avoiding aspartame, which is found in
NutraSweet, is also helpful because this particular chemical has
been shown to be a migraine inducer in various studies.
Additionally, some nutritional supplements are recommended
including Ginkgo biloba and feverfew. These two herbs deliver
oxygen to the brain cells while serving as powerful
antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be used to treat the
most severe migraines because the brain itself is comprised of
these fatty acids. Hormone imbalances can be restored with
essential fatty acids like Omega-3. Recent research has
determined that magnesium deficiencies are also linked to
migraines. By taking a magnesium supplement, you can alleviate
this problem. Be sure to take calcium with magnesium supplement
for maximum absorption. Additionally, biofeedback is recommended
by many experts, in which you learn to relax muscles and control
blood vessels. Stress may also be a big trigger, so look for
ways to reduce the physical and mental stress linked with
migraines.

About the Author: More information on omega-3 fish oil and
herbs to help reduce pain can be found at
http://vitanetonline.com/ where a large selection of articles
and supplements are available.

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Caffeine Headaches: Causes, Prevention, And Remedies

Caffeine Headaches: Causes, Prevention, And Remedies
By Dr. Beth Paxton

Caffeine is an interesting compound. We “need” it first thing
in the morning, when we’re working late, and when we’ve gotten
too little sleep the night before. If we don’t get enough, we
get a headache. Get too much, and get a headache. Sometimes if
you have a headache, getting a little caffeine makes it all go
away.

What is caffeine anyway? Caffeine in its pure form is a white
crystalline powder that alone tastes very bitter. It is found
naturally in its highest doses in the coffee bean. It’s
estimated that more than 90 percent of us consume something with
caffeine in it every day. You’ll often hear people say they
aren’t into all that caffeine stuff because they don’t drink
coffee, but if they eat chocolate, or enjoy tea, or even pop a
pain reliever now and then, they get some caffeine in their
diet.

A caffeine headache occurs when one of two things has happened:
You regularly drink coffee or another caffeinated drink and
suddenly don’t. You might develop a headache from not getting
enough caffeine. As well, you can develop a headache if you
consume too much over the course of a single day. For most
people, however, they must drink a huge quantity of caffeine
before they’ll develop a headache from it.

Those who stay away from caffeine might be surprised to
discover many best-selling headache remedies on the market
contain caffeine. But it’s the caffeine that can help relieve
pain. If you are suffering from a headache that just won’t go
away, you can certainly drink a cup of coffee or pour a glass of
soda, but you might also avail yourself of one of a best-selling
pain reliever.

The Food and Drug Administration regulates how much caffeine
can be found in any over the counter or prescription drug.
Caffeine also has to be listed as an active ingredient in the
drug. What drugs contain caffeine? Let’s take a look:

Excedrin is one of the best-selling pain relievers on the
market. Recently, its manufacturers got approval to call it a
migraine relief headache medicine, and it’s likely the caffeine
in the drug is the main factor in its headache relieving
abilities. Excedrin contains about 65 milligrams per tablet. So
if you take two tablets for your headache, you’re consuming
about 130 milligrams of caffeine, which is about what’s found in
a cup of coffee (which generally has about 110 to 150 milligrams
of caffeine in it).

Other over the counter remedies that contain caffeine include:

Anacin, which has about 32 milligrams per tablet
Midol, which has about 32 milligrams per tablet
Vanquish, which has 33 milligrams per tablet

If you have a headache and need a boost of caffeine for that as
well as so you can stay up for some time driving, studying, or
working, the stimulant drugs contain larger amounts of caffeine.
Vivarin tablets contain about 200 milligrams each.

About the Author: Dr. Beth Paxton is a family physician and
educator who specializes in pain management including migraine
headaches, tension headaches and natural headache remedies.
http://www.headache-guide.com

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Understanding A Cluster Headache

Understanding A Cluster Headache
By Jared Winston

Headaches are not an uncommon phenomenon. Many people
experience headaches from time to time. Most are mild, temporary
annoyances that are easily remedied, and often are simply a
symptom of a larger issue such as a sinus infection. Some
headaches (such as migraines) are more severe and often more
consistent than your basic pains. However, the garden-variety
headaches and even migraine headaches cannot even hold a candle
to the pain and suffering of a cluster headache. The experience
of a cluster headache has been compared by those suffering it to
the feeling of having an amputation performed on them without
the use of an anesthetic.

Needless to say, this is a condition that is debilitating to
those who suffer from it. Often times the frequency of the
headaches is quite a bit more trying on a person the pain of a
cluster headache is. As the name suggests, these headaches occur
in 'clusters.' These groups of headaches may last anywhere from
a few days to a matter of weeks, and headaches may occur several
times a day during these periods.

There are two types of this condition, which are distinctive
due to the differences in the frequency of the attacks between
the two types. In the first type, known as episodic headaches,
is typically characterized by a 'cluster' of headaches that will
last for days or weeks, followed by a period of remission in
which the sufferer will not have headaches at all. These periods
of remission may be as long as several years in length, and both
begin and end suddenly and without warning. The second type is
chronic cluster headaches. This form of the condition is
characterized by very little if any period of remission between
attacks. These clusters are a nearly constant fixture in the
lives of those who suffer from the chronic form.

The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown. There are a
number of possible theories that are being investigated within
the medical community, but they remain unproven. The condition
is rare, and as such it is often difficult to obtain enough data
on these headaches to make any significant analysis of the
condition. What is known is that men are several times more
likely to experience a cluster headache than women are, and that
the majority of attacks occur at night, shortly after the
sufferer has fallen asleep.

Distinct changes in a person's everyday life, most particularly
their sleeping patterns, seem to be likely to bring on a cluster
headache attack, indicating that a person's natural rhythm may
be somehow responsible for a cluster headache. Again, the
connection is unclear, but there is hope for breakthrough in
future research. Until then, there are a few methods of treating
a cluster headache. These treatments generally include two
medications, one that prevents headaches, and one which eases
the pain of attacks when they occur. Taken together, these drugs
are usually effective in bringing the condition down to levels
that a person can handle, but they are most certainly not a
cure.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

About the Author: Millions of people suffer from brutal
headaches every day, whether they be temporary nuisances or
repeat offenders. Conquering Headaches helps educate about the
causes of headaches as well as solutions:
http://www.conqueringheadaches.com

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