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.

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.

Kaye Bailey (C) 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Kaye Bailey is an internationally recognized writer, speaker and weight loss surgery advocate. She is the author of the highly successful weight loss surgery back to basics plan: 5 Day Pouch Test and the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual. Her follow-up book, Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test, was published in December 2009. It provides guidance for long-term weight and health management with all bariatric surgical procedures. Ms. Bailey is known for her powerful "you can do this" manner and her belief in the power of personal responsibility. She is the founder of LivingAfterWLS, LLC parent company to the LivingAfterWLS.com and 5daypouchtest.com websites. Supporting both websites is the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood, an online compassion-driven community for weight loss surgery, gastric bypass and gastric banding patients.

LivingAfterWLS
LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood
5 Day Pouch Test

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Bailey

http://EzineArticles.com/?Headaches---Three-Effective-Herbal-Remedies&id=3693661

Headaches With the Weight Loss Surgery High Protein Diet

Why do we suffer from headaches when we transition from a high-processed carbohydrate diet to a high protein diet? Many weight loss surgery patients are asking this.

There are, actually, several reasons for headaches when abiding a high protein, low carb diet. More importantly, there are several little things we can do to relieve the headaches:

First, when we transition from a processed carbohydrate diet to one rich in protein as advised by most weight loss surgery (bariatric) doctors and dieticians we increase our intake of tryptophan. A short list of foods high in tryptophan includes cheese, meat, nuts, and soy. Ingestion of tryptophan releases serotonin in the brain, which is considered a vasoconstrictor: it tightens our blood vessels. In modest amounts this helps us feel good; but in greater amounts to which we are not accustomed it causes headaches.

To balance the increased tryptophan (an amino acid - good thing) intake we should include appropriate complex carbohydrates in our weight loss surgery eating rhythm: 2B/1B (2 Bites Protein/1 Bite Carbohydrate). Here are some smart food choices for your weight loss surgery diet::

Carbs:
apples
artichokes
basil
bean sprouts
beets
carrots
celery
cranberries
cucumbers
green beans
pears
spinach
squash

Fat:
olive oil

Protein:
lamb
lentils
tuna
turkey

Next, we absolutely must be certain to supplement our diet with essential vitamins and minerals, and in this list I personally include herbal supplements that centuries of human use have proved beneficial to our health and well-being. Please review the list of supplements:

Feverfew: 200-300 milligrams daily

Ginger: 1,500 milligrams taken in 3 (500-milligram) doses daily

Magnesium: 1,000 milligrams a day (WLS post-ops are known to be deficient of magnesium)

Calcium with Vitamin D: 1,000 milligrams daily

Vitamin B6: 50-100 milligrams daily

Vitamin B Complex as prescribed by your doctor, oral, sublingual or injected

If you wake in the morning with a headache I encourage you to have a serving of Emergen-C. I strongly believe Emergen-C is healthful to us because in a single dose you get 60mg magnesium, 200mg potassium; 60mg sodium; 50mg calcium carbonate; (your electrolytes); in addition to vitamin B6 and B12; vitamin C, niacin, thiamin, zinc, and few others. Our little gastric bypass and gastric-banded tummies can absorb this supplement rapidly and it is not difficult or painful to take. If you have not tried Emergen-C please do. As a note, continue your regular vitamin regimen when taking Emergen-C. Use this water soluble product to get just a little extra nutrition.

If your headaches are chronic and you suspect more than the weight loss surgery high protein diet please keep a headache diary in an effort to identify the cause of the headaches. Dr. Alex Duarte suggestions tracking these things:

Diet - Diet and food allergy is the most prevalent cause of headache.

Hormones - Fluctuating hormone levels are known to cause frequent headache.

Weather - Changes in barometric pressure and other weather conditions can trigger headaches.

Stress - Frequent cause of headaches.

Change in Routine - Disruption of regular routine (such as change in diet) is known to cause headache.

Dental Problems or Endodontic surgery are known to cause headaches

Sensory Stimuli - sight, smell, and hearing can cause headaches.

Hypoglycemia causes headache.

Herbal remedies for headaches are, in my opinion, more effective and less disruptive than chemical OTC remedies. Try supplementing your diet with Feverfew, Ginger, Ginko Biloba, Chamomile, Capsaicin, and/or Valerian.

Learn from others who are battling headaches as a result of the weight loss surgery high protein diet: LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood

Kaye Bailey 2010 - All Rights Reserved

Kaye Bailey is an internationally recognized writer, speaker and weight loss surgery advocate. She is the author of the highly successful weight loss surgery back to basics plan: 5 Day Pouch Test and the 5 Day Pouch Test Owner's Manual. Her follow-up book, Day 6: Beyond the 5 Day Pouch Test, was published in December 2009. It provides guidance for long-term weight and health management with all bariatric surgical procedures. Ms. Bailey is known for her powerful "you can do this" manner and her belief in the power of personal responsibility. She is the founder of LivingAfterWLS, LLC parent company to the LivingAfterWLS.com and 5daypouchtest.com websites. Supporting both websites is the LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood, an online compassion-driven community for weight loss surgery, gastric bypass and gastric banding patients.

LivingAfterWLS

The LivingAfterWLS Neighborhood Online Community 5 Day Pouch Test

Article Source: Headaches With the Weight Loss Surgery High Protein Diet