In our stressful world their is a growing number of migraine sufferers searching for effective, long term relief. Migraine headaches are a common condition that affect women more than men. Typical symptoms include painful, throbbing headaches and nausea. In many cases migraines are pulsating, one sided headaches (cluster headaches-named so because they tend to occur one after another) that last between 4 and 72 hours. About 1/3 of migraine sufferers report strange odors or a blinding light. Other symptoms are vomiting, problems with speech, numbness, dizziness and sensitivity to light and noise. Researchers have found that there is a relationship between fluctuating hormones and migraines: Seventy five percent of migraine sufferers are female, migraines affect an equal number of boys and girls before puberty and a large number of female sufferers experience relief from migraines during pregnancy.

Migraines are a type of headache that involve changes in blood flow to the brain due to expansion and contraction of blood vessels. Common triggers are hormonal changes, intense anger, anxiety, and sudden relief from continual stress can bring on an attack. Poor diet, food and chemical sensitivity, whiplash, lack of sleep, strong perfumes and tobacco can also cause migraines. Foods containing amines such as pickles, chocolate and cheese or common sensitivities to milk, oranges, wheat and eggs are more common triggers. Iron deficiency causes a shortage of oxygen to the brain which causes migraines.

Conventional migraine medicine used to treat migraines is temporary, does not cure the problem and has several side effects. Many of these drugs cause headaches as the number one side effect. Unfortunately, these drugs also contract the arteries in the heart increasing the risk of heart attack.

Effective alternative treatments are available that treat the root of the problem and provide long term relief. The first step in treating this condition is to eliminate possible triggers of migraine headaches. If an allergy or food sensitivity is suspected as the cause of a migraine, fasting for one week and adding suspected allergy foods back to diet one at a time will reveal the source of the food allergy. The most common allergy foods or food additives that cause migraines are chocolate, eggs, cheese, sausages, cold cuts, smoked or pickled fish, wheat, oranges, milk, red wine and monosodium glutamate.

It is important to reduce animal fat intake because they contain arachidonic acid which increases blood clotting which has been associated with migraines. To inhibit blood clotting choose a diet which includes fish, unrefined flax, garlic and onion. An alkaline diet which is predominantly vegetarian will keep acid forming foods under control. Foods high in vitamin B3 and B6 will help balance hormones which affect the constriction of blood vessels. Green leafy vegetables and beets are high in iron which provides the brain with oxygen.

A recent study revealed that 200 mg of Vitamin B2(riboflavin) twice daily can reduce the number of occurrences of migraine headaches by half after 3 months. This high level is safe but some people experience temporary redness in the face or indigestion. This can be remedied by lowering the dose until symptoms disappear. Another effective nutrient to decrease the number of migraines is Co-Q10. Through a study at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia it was found that 150 mg per day for three months more than halved the occurrences of migraines. Magnesium deficiency has also been found to cause migraines. A daily dosage of 600 mg decreased occurrences of migraines by approximately 41 percent.

The herb Feverfew has been found to effective in reducing symptoms associated with migraines such as nausea, pain, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. The effective dosage is 125 mg one to three times per day. Fever must not be used if you are pregnant or nursing.

Moderate aerobic exercise for 40 minutes three times per week has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraines by the release of pain killers in the brain known as endorphins.

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for migraines recognized by the world health organization. Acupuncture works by stimulating key points in the body which help regulate blood flow in small blood vessel that get constricted during migraines. Acupuncture also regulates serotonin levels which can restrict blood vessels, releases endorphins to provide pain relief and relaxes tense muscles which can help relieve migraines. Typical acupuncture treatments range from 1/2 hour to 1 hour. Studies have shown that the improvements made by acupuncture have a long lasting effect. Frequency and pain of attacks were greatly reduced and remained low over the next 3 years.