Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Headaches and Migraines

headache-painMigraine Basics

What is a migraine? It is a severe, painful headache that can last anywhere from several hours to several days. Migraines differ from traditional headaches in that they are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or flashes of light.

Who is affected? Migraines can affect adults and children, but are most often reported by adults. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men.

Migraine Versus Headache: Which Do I Have?

To better understand headaches and to differentiate migraine headaches from other types, see common signs, symptoms and frequencies of headaches listed below. Our certified wellness counselors recommend keeping a headache diary—noting when your headaches occur, what your headache signs and symptoms are, and any diet or lifestyle triggers you can identify. This detail will help our professionals provide a personal assessment of your situation and make recommendations for you. There are many options for taking a natural approach to headaches and migraines.  Continue reading “Pain Series: A Natural Approach to Headaches and Migraines”

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Help Prevent Migraines With Butterbur

Doctors from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society say there are seven prescription medicines and one herbal remedy that have been shown to make a difference in preventing migraine headaches.

The guidelines, which are based on research evidence from 29 migraine prevention studies, found that prescription anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure drugs, and an over-the-counter herb called petasites, more commonly known as butterbur, can help.

Butterbur can have profound physiologically-altering effects, but does so in a subtle fashion that requires sustained supplementation for longer periods of time. The most prominent studies were 12 weeks long, and were double-blind and placebo-controlled involving 128 people. Butterbur proved to be quite effective with patients who experienced as much as a 60% drop in frequency of migraine attacks compared to the placebo group. Other improvements in the petasites group included a reduction in the duration and intensity of such attacks, as well as a decrease in migraine-associated symptoms.

To learn more about butterbur and its benefits, please contact Village Green Apothecary or email us through Ask the Expert.

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6 Common Symptoms of Food Sensitivities in Kids

  1. Headaches
  2. Dark under-eye circles
  3. Earaches / Ear infections
  4. Eczema
  5. Asthma
  6. Irritability

There are many factors that can cause these symptoms in children. Therefore, it is critical to look at all possibilities. Food sensitivities is an important area to investigate because there are many common foods in one’s diet that can aggravate the body. For example, foods such as gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, corn, citrus, and eggs are often the main culprits. These foods can trigger the immune system and result in delayed food reactions. These reactions are different than a true allergic response such as anaphylaxis that occurs immediately after ingesting a certain food. Sensitivities to foods tend to show up anywhere from hours to days after ingesting troublesome foods. There is also a wide variety of symptoms beyond the 6 listed above. Other symptoms include behavior and attention problems, depression, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and anger. Because symptoms are so varied and are delayed, it can be a bit challenging determining which foods are causing the problem.

Fortunately there is simple blood test done through Village Green that can screen for food sensitivities. Based on the results, a plan is created specific for the child. In general, all foods that rank moderate/high are best eliminated from the diet for a period of 3-6 months while other foods are rotated in the diet. This allows the digestive system and immune system to begin the process of healing. Other beneficial supplements such as glutamine, probiotics, digestive enzymes, fish oil, and a high quality multivitamin can also provide added healing support.

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
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