Alternative Herbal Remedies for Headache Relief

After weight loss surgery we are warned about taking over the counter pain relief medications for a variety of reasons in addition to the common health warnings on the labels. In frustration many WLS patients suffer with headaches not knowing what to do. Some traditional herbal remedies may be just the trick to take that pain away. Learn more:

Headaches - Three Effective Herbal Remedies

By Kaye Bailey

While it may seem quick and easy to grab over the counter treatments for headaches there are actually time proven herbal remedies that may be even more effective in headache treatment without the harsh chemical side effects. Unlike allopathic medicine (drugs) that focus on chemistry and treatment, herbal medicine concentrates on prevention. Consider these three herbal medicines in your treatment of headaches. And of course, always seek the advice of qualified health care professionals when seeking treatment for illness.

Feverfew: this herb, a member of the daisy family, is a common garden plant and has long been used by the British for self-medication. Research has shown that the active ingredient in feverfew is parthenolide. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology suggests that feverfew inhibits serotonin release and the amount released from platelets is controlled by the parthenolide content in the dose of feverfew. Parthenolide is the main active ingredient in feverfew. Several studies indicate feverfew may reduce headache suffering. Feverfew products should indicate the proper amounts of parthenolide per dose at 165 milligrams as determined in a 1992 study published by J Pharm and Pharmacol.

Ginger: As more research indicates the prevalence of headaches to blood flow abnormalities we are learning that ginger reduces clotting time of blood cells and also blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are linked to the inflammation associated with headaches. Ginger has long been known for its therapeutic properties to relieve headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Modern science suggests that headache sufferers who take 1.5 to 2 grams of powdered ginger daily report fewer headaches and less severe headaches. Ginger is widely available in the vitamin and supplement section of major stores and can be purchased in the correct dosage in encapsulated form.

Chamomile: The use of chamomile to relieve headaches dates back to the ancient Egyptians who used chamomile for its therapeutic and relaxing qualities. Chamomile tea, commonly available, is a light and flavorful tea and is employed to ease pain, headaches, and insomnia. High levels of flavonoids are present in chamomile which help the body fight allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. These are the active properties that make chamomile effective as an anti-inflamatory nerve tonic, and mild sedative. Those with chronic headaches report fewer sleep disturbances when having a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime.

Feverfew, ginger, and chamomile may all be used to prepare a warm compress to use for immediate relief of headaches. Soak a cloth in a warm brew of herbal tea and apply to forehead. Relax and enjoy the warm compress as it helps relieve headach pain.

All of these herbal treatments provide effective relief for people who suffer headaches as a result of a high protein diet.

5DPT - Top 100 Diet Books on Kindle!

We achieved a new milestone today!

The 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual is ranked 94 in the top 100 diet books on Amazon's Kindle!  Check out our page and read the reviews to learn why so many love this program for getting back on track and staying there with healthy weight management after weight loss surgery.

Kindle is great for our International friends who want to take control with the 5 Day Pouch Test.

5DPT for UK

5DPT for Canada

5DPT for Australia - New Zealand

Anybody can read Kindle books—even without a Kindle device—with the FREE Kindle app for smartphones, tablets and computers.

Project 2014: Connect with like-minded Friends

Peer Support:
Facebook Groups
We enjoy high caliber membership and positive support in our active Facebook groups: 5 DAY POUCH TEST SUPPORT Group and the LivingAfterWLS Project 2014 Group. The 5DPT group actively supports, educates, and encourages people using the 5DPT correctly as a tool to get back to the basics of WLS post-op living. For sustained support turn to LAWLS Project 2014. We are actively empowering individuals to harness their inner strengths for life-long weight management with weight loss surgery. Personal empowerment through education, thought, community support, and validation. We are LivingAfterWLS. (Please note both groups are closed and require membership admittance by an administrator before participation is allowed. Please review the Facebook terms of service to understand the conditions of a closed group and join us today!)

Links:
LivingAfterWLS Project 2014

5 DAY POUCH TEST SUPPORT GROUP

"This is my second day on the 5 Day Pouch Test and I can already feel the difference. I was dreading to try it, but it is just fine. I am not starving! My pouch still works!"~ CKC

"I did this program (5DPT) and lost 12 pounds. It's amazing and my pouch felt tight and eliminated carb cravings. I am starting it again Monday to remind myself how good it is. Then proceeding to move forward with the tools I was given after surgery and not eat snacky foods like I was. Love it. Thanks Kaye. Most of all this makes your get back to the basics and the purpose for going through surgery.~ FT

"I'm on day 5. Just a HAPPY reminder folks...It's only 5 days..to start...to feel awesome to feel fresh, to feel renewed! You can do this. FIVE days ONLY!"~  EEH

"With the support of Project 2014 the best change I've made to my health this year is remembering the 4 rules; Protein FIRST, LOTS of water, NO snacking and Daily Exercise." ~ KMMW

"With the support of Project 2014 the best change I've made to my health this year is to remember that I am not alone in my struggles and that with the help of others I can reach my personal goals."~ LD

"With the support of Project 2014 the best change I've made to my health this year is to reach out for help when I can't do it alone." ~ JG-P

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LivingAfterWLS Publications on Kindle

Get your favorite 5DPT books on Kindle for immediate download. Don't have a Kindle device? No problem. Download their free software for computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone and enjoy your books on any and all devices. Check out our page here:

LivingAfterWLS Kindle

List Price: $9.95 per title - Instant Download
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Also available in paper copy on Amazon:

LivingAfterWLS Paper Publications

5DPT Bulletin is Back & Better than Ever!

Check you Inbox - the 5 Day Pouch Test Bulletin is back by popular demand. You can also find it in our archive - Great topics and FAQ's. Your best resource for doing the 5DPT and getting it right.

"Welcome back to the 5 Day Pouch Test Monthly Bulletin from LivingAfterWLS! Great to see you. Earlier this year we ceased publication of this newsletter to concentrate on our Project 2014, our new year-long education and support program. So many of you missed the Bulletin we are pleased to bring it back full of great content and inspiration to support you on the 5 Day Pouch Test and beyond.

Link to our Archive: 5DPT Bulletin May 2014

Dumping Syndrome: How to avoid it this summer

Learn more about WLS Dumping in our Spring Season: Unit 4 of Project 2014
 

Summer is a time to celebrate warm weather, sunshine, good friends and good times - often with food and drink. But for people with weight loss surgery celebrations bring the potential for a dietary crisis called dumping syndrome that has the potential to ruin a day of good old fashioned summer time fun.

Gastric Dumping Syndrome, or rapid gastric emptying, is a condition where partially digested food bypasses the stomach too rapidly and enters the small intestine. This causes the pancreas to release excessive amounts of insulin into the bloodstream and symptoms of hypoglycemia occur. Dumping Syndrome is most commonly associated with malabsorptive gastric surgery, specifically gastric bypass surgery. Patients will experience the symptoms of dumping syndrome immediately after eating or within three hours of eating. The symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, profuse sweating followed by chills, dizziness and fatigue. When insulin levels return to normal symptoms subside. Many patients experiencing dumping syndrome find comfort in lying down or sipping fortified water or energy drinks served at warm temperature.

Clearly an episode of dumping syndrome will disrupt any celebration and most weight loss surgery patients will benefit from taking precautions to avoid such an occurrence. Here are four basic dietary and lifestyle guidelines to follow that will help prevent a dumping episode from ruining your summer celebration:

Hydration. Drinking lots of water is the second sacred rule of weight loss surgery. This is of keen importance during the hot summer months when bodies release more fluid through perspiration thus becoming susceptible to dehydration. On warm days filled with outdoor activity be mindful to sip water throughout the day. As a guideline drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight to ensure proper hydration. Vitamin fortified water or non-calorie sports drinks fortified to balance electrolytes may be enjoyed as well to prevent hydration. The symptoms of dehydration often feel like mild dumping syndrome, and some weight loss surgery patients report a higher likelihood of dumping syndrome when they are not properly hydrated.

Protein First. It is particularly important to follow the first rule of weight loss surgery, "Protein First" when partaking from an array of party foods including barbecue, picnic salads and sides, and bountiful desserts. Eating protein first will buffer foods that may potentially cause a dumping episode. Be wary of barbecue sauces that may be high in sugar or breaded and fried protein which is also known to cause dumping. If fried chicken is the only protein offered remove and discard the skin and breading and enjoy the meat without it. Remember to eat two bites of protein to every one bite of complex carbohydrate. When taking small bites of protein three forks will measure about one ounce of protein. The tight feeling in the gastric surgical pouch is a sign of fullness and the signal to stop eating. Avoid discomfort by following this signal and cease eating.

Taste Wisely. Celebrations are often a showcase for friends and relations to share their best dishes including gorgeous calorie and fat laden desserts. Who has not been tempted by the display of outrageous desserts at the annual family reunion? For the weight loss surgery patient unchecked enjoyment of such foods is likely to cause dumping syndrome in the short term and, in the worst case, weight gain in the long run. Patients can find a safe place in simply tasting one or two select desserts without imminent fear of dumping if they have stayed hydrated throughout the day and if they have eating a reasonable amount of lean protein prior to sweet indulgence. One or two bites of a sweet dessert should satisfy the palate and the persistent requests of a beloved relative who urges, "Come on, one little piece of my deluxe super duper chocolate mess is not going to hurt you."

Contribute Good Food. When the occasion allows take the opportunity to provide a weight loss surgery friendly side dish or dessert that you can safely enjoy and others may enjoy as well. It is a great time to demonstrate that healthy can be delicious and attractive. Present salads or side dishes featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and homemade dressings made of pure ingredients that are low in fat and sugar. Prepare sugar-free desserts or snacks following recipes that use popular sugar substitutes which, when enjoyed in moderation, do not cause dumping syndrome. Sugar free pudding and gelatin dishes also fare well at any potluck summer celebration. When a weight loss surgery patient provides safe food for a potluck meal they decrease the temptation to eat foods that are likely to cause dumping syndrome and ruin an otherwise fabulous summer celebration.


Learn more about WLS Dumping in our Spring Season: Unit 4 of Project 2014

What the *HAIL* Happened?

Season II: Spring Unit 4
Life is Abloom and Inspired

Visit the Project 2014 newsletter here: Spring Season: Unit 4

Are you down in the dumps after WLS?

Welcome to Season II - Spring of our LivingAfterWLS Project 2014. I am so pleased you have joined me for this exciting and meaningful approach to health and weight management using our weight loss surgery tool empowered by our collective knowledge and strength. I hope Spring abounds in your area - here in Wyoming we were pounded with hail on May 7 doing damage to plants, vehicles, and structures. And of course there was the day-long mandatory post-storm power outage just to increase the frustration factor. I suppose a mid-spring hail storm from out of nowhere is quite like a dumping episode. After it hits you wonder what the "HAIL" happened.

In this unit we take a good detailed look at dumping syndrome.

Dumping syndrome is a phenomenon, primarily reserved for Gastric Bypass Roux-en-Y patients which is characterized by unpleasant symptoms when the patient's blood sugar is adversely affected by simple sugars, simple carbohydrates, and fatty foods. When these foods are rapidly absorbed by the small intestine dumping syndrome may occur. Some Roux-en-Y patients never seem to experience dumping, others are surprised when some foods trigger an episode and others do not, and still there is always the surprise dumping event that occurs on food that has previously been enjoyed without incident. Learn more - link to the download:

Spring Season 2: Unit 4 Download

Have a terrific week, stay safe and prepared. Thank you for joining me!
Kaye

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Diet Cheat Day? Think Twice

More inspiration: LivingAfterWLS Project 2014 Facebook Group

LivingAfterWLS Project 2014: Wanted! Breakfast Ideas

We are collecting great recipes and ideas for breakfast after WLS in our Project 2014 Facebook Group. Jump on over and contribute your best breakfast to the project. Our collection deadline is Sunday night, May 11. At that point we will close to submissions and prepare the recipes and ideas in a printable compendium to print and enjoy as a supplement to our Project 2014. Please join us and share your knowledge - We are all in this together!

Add your submission to the pinned post at the top of the group page.

Link Here:  LivingAfterWLS Project 2014 Facebook Group

LivingAfterWLS Publications Now on Nook Books!

Great news for our eReader friends who enjoy their words on a Nook - Our LivingAfterWLS publications are now available for immediate download on Barnes & Noble Nook Books. Check-out our listing and load up your Nook with the best information available for long-term success and inspiration with Weight Loss Surgery.

Link Here: LivingAfterWLS on Nook