A new drug may alleviate agony for scores of migraine patients who are not deemed suitable for other drugs, according to Daily Mail. Current migraine medications work by narrowing blood vessels — a method which is not deemed safe for people at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
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Instead of narrowing blood vessels, the new drug blocks a protein in the nervous system involved in pain signaling, blunting any discomfort.
Migraine affects an estimated 1 in 7 people worldwide and is the third most common disease globally. In the U.S., self-reported migraine and severe headache affects 1 in 6 and women are up to three times more likely to suffer with migraines than men.
Despite those numbers, decades of research have failed to pin down the exact mechanisms behind the attacks — most of which tend to recur once or twice a month. The pain, which often occurs on one side of the head only, can be moderate to severe in intensity.
Researchers found those who suffer from migraines have a different variety oral bacteria than those who don’t, breaking down more nitrates and increasing production of nitric oxide.
To prevent migraines and reduce pain, try not eating foods that are high in nitrates, applying essential oils to your head and increasing intake of foods high in magnesium and CoQ10.
A nutritional deficiency that could significantly raise your risk of migraines is riboflavin (vitamin B2). Riboflavin has been shown to improve symptoms of migraine. Foods rich in riboflavin include spinach, beet greens, crimini and portabella mushrooms, pastured eggs, asparagus, almonds, organic turkey, grass fed beef liver and beef tenderloin.
In one study, 400 milligrams of riboflavin per day reduced migraine frequency by 50%, from four days a month to two days a month, after three months of use.
Children get migraines, too. Up to 10% of children report getting migraines, which impacts their schoolwork and athletics, and affects their relationships.
Migraine headaches in children may also include abdominal pain and mood changes. Concurrent symptoms of migraines that have been reported by both adults and children include visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sensitivity to sound, light, touch and smell.
Research has shown that placebos are as effective as medications to prevent migraines without the adverse side effects of the drugs. Simple lifestyle strategies may also help to prevent migraines, and drug-free techniques can also help to ease the pain of a migraine.
The most common culprits known to trigger a headache in many children include caffeine, stress, hormonal changes, changes in weather, certain foods, lack of sleep or good eating habits, depression, dehydration and computer screens and mobile devices.
There are several ways for an adult or child to treat a migraine naturally, which include:
- Turn down the blue light emitted by digital devices and LED light sources.
- Eliminate processed foods high in nitrates.
- Maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- Eliminate processed sugar, aged cheeses, refined grains, red wine, MSG, gluten or yeast and pickled or cured fish.
- Use essential oils to sooth tension and reduce stress.
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night — remember that children need more sleep than adults.
- Find your favorite relaxation technique for stress relief, be it yoga, meditation, biofeedback, deep breathing or guided imagery.