Supplements for Migraine

Migraine is a severe, throbbing headache that usually begins on the side of the head but may affect the whole head. Attacks can persists for hours even days and this proves to be a very painful experience for the sufferer.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by:
Allergic reactions
Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes
Physical or emotional stress
Changes in sleep patterns
Smoking or exposure to smoke
Skipping meals
Alcohol
Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition
Tension headaches
Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)
Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.

In what way supplements can help?

It is recommended that everyone who has migraine to take magnesium and calcium for a long term period. These materials are known for their effects in maintaining healthy blood vessels and low levels of magnesium are common in people who have migraine. Other herbs that can help are Feverfew and Rosemary. Whereas, Riboflavin, Vitamin C and Pantothenic acid (also called Vitamin B5) can help too.


To minimise the occurence of migraine you may ask yourself or find out, what causes and what can eliminate your migraine triggers. You may also tery biofeedback or relaxation techinque to help you cope with stress. Exercise regularly and drink plenty of water.

Saw Palmetto

The saw palmetto, a small palm tree that grows wild from Texas to South Carolina, gets its name from the spiny, saw-toothed stems that lie at the base of each leaf. Its medicinal properties are derived from the blue-black berries, which are usually harvested in August and September.

USES:

Shrinks the prostate; reduces symptoms of BPH, such as urgent or frequent urination or urinary leaking. Other claims are made with little or no evidence—for example, that saw palmetto helps treat baldness, low libido, bladder disorders, prostatitis, and migraines.

Native Americans used the fruit for food, but also in the treatment of a variety of urinary and reproductive system problems. The Mayans drank it as a tonic, and the Seminoles used the berries as an expectorant and antiseptic.

How It Is Used

The ripe fruit of saw palmetto is used in several forms, including ground and dried fruit or whole berries. It is available as a liquid extract, tablets, capsules, and as an infusion or a tea.


Possible side effects:

Mild abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and headache.

Please consult your doctor if problems persists.

Acidophilus

Some 500 species of bacteria inhabit the digestive tract. Among these, the most beneficial is acidophilus and bifidus - two strains of lactobacilli bacteria. Both of them are probiotics, meaning that they help to maintain proper balance of health-promoting bacteria in the intestine. They also manufacture natural antibiotics that kill dangerous microbes.

Among foods that encourage the growth of lactobacillus in the body are green leafy vegetables which contains chlorophyll, slippery alm powder and jerusalem artichokes, milk products e.g. yoghurt and whey powder: miso and sauerkraut.

Yoghurt, a traditional source of acidophilus has been used as an elixir in folk medicine for a long time.

Uses:

Acidophilus helps to restore a normal balance of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina, which combats digestive disorders and vaginal yeast infections. It may contain cancer-fighting agents, and may possibly lower serum cholesterol levels. Acidophilus helps to manufacture certain vitamins in the intestines, including vitamins B12 and K, thiamine and folic acid.

Acidophilus may prevent or control vaginal yeast infection or Candida albicans. Acidophilus also creates an inhospitable environment for harmful types of Escherichia coli, as well as for salmonella, streptococcus and many other strains of bacteria that can be dangerous or even life threatening.