(Foreword: This is our continuation of our response to Thelma C. on her desire to prevent migraine attacks.)
DEAR Thelma C.,
Now, as we continue with our quest in conquering your migraines, here are more of the migraine triggers.
j. Smoking and secondhand smoke
Avoid them as the toxins in the smoke can really hurt you bad.
k. Be cautious of these triggers:
Strong emotions, like depression and anxiety.
Don’t push too hard when you exercise. When you feel it hurts, stop. Avoid aspartame, an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used as sugar substitute in some foods and beverages.
Avoid Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Avoid Nitrates in cured meats like hot dogs, bacon, and cold cuts and in canned foods.
Avoid Tyramines in pickled or marinated foods, aged cheeses, and yeast. Only one drink or two of caffeine is allowed.
Be cautious about birth control pills and hormone therapy.
Vasodilators, like nitrates and anti-hypertensive medications -- like nifedipine, amlodipine and the likes.
Using too much analgesics for your headache can lead instead to rebound headache. So, don’t over treat.
You should also get a headache diary handy – so, you’ll be able to take note of anything that triggers your migraine. Be sure to write every single one of them for about three months.
Anything that you eat and drink
What are the kinds of exercise or activity that you do and when did you do them?
If you are well or not
The weather for that particular day – is it hot, cold, gloomy, or rainy?
Whether you have strong feelings or under the weather? Or are you stressed out?
Well, as much as there are still more things that we need to discuss about your problem, then,
Let me then continue this in my next issue. Until then!
Dr. Fritz
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.”.For your questions, you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)