Prevent or Treat Headaches

Nobody wants a headache. Learn how you can prevent headaches, in addition to learning how to stop a headache as your experiencing one.

Types of Headaches

There are two types of headaches that are the most common for people, which is either a tension headache or a migraine.

Tension headaches account for 90% of all headaches. This type of headache is generally a dull ache or a feeling of tightness all over the head.

Migraine headaches effect an estimated 28 million people. This type of headache is more intense and painful than a regular headache, even to the point of becoming disabling.

How to Prevent a Headache

Headaches are absolutely miserable, but the good news is that you can prevent both tension and migraine headaches. Here are some things you can start doing now to prevent a future headache.

•Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

•If you drink alcohol, limit your intake -including red wine. Ultimately, you will want to avoid alcoholic drinks entirely, but I say to take it one step at a time.

•Eat regularly, and don’t skip meals! Especially if you are hypoglycemic, skipping meals will just cause painful migraines. It’s worth the extra effort to eat food every couple of hours to prevent such pain. Trust me, I know.

•Proper nutrition is important in the prevention of headaches. If you avoid fried and processed foods – especially those containing MSG, Amines and Nitrates, since these are known to trigger painful headaches.

•Limit or completely eliminate your Caffeine intake. This means you should avoid coffee, energy drinks, and chocolate. I understand that chocolate is hard to get rid of, but when you think of the migraines it can cause for some people, it becomes a little easier to let it go.

•Increase your omega-3 fatty acids. You can start eating meals containing healthy fish like salmon, or just start taking a high grade fish oil.

•Make sure that you get enough sleep! This is easier said that done when you are busy juggling your life, but I promise that the benefits will be much worth your effort to get your needed rest.

•Exercise is a great way to prevent tension headaches and migraines.

•Life can get pretty hectic, and that means we are prone to stress.  It’s important that we relieve the stress in any way we can. How do you relieve the stress in your life? Sometimes you can’t change your hectic schedule, but maybe you can squeeze in a little “me” time once in awhile. Try a warm foot bath or hot shower to relax your muscles, or even aromatherapy.

How to Stop a Headache -Now!

There are plenty of things you can do to prevent a headache, but when you have a headache right now,  I understand you don’t want to know how to prevent it because it’s already too late for that.

Here are some ways you can stop your headache right now.

•Studies have proven that the active ingredient in Cayenne pepper, capsaicin, relieves headaches.

•I realize that not everyone will have immediate access to acupuncture, but if do have access to this type of treatment, it has been proven to prevent and relieve headaches.

•Lemons can be used internally or externally to get rid of your pesky headache. You can either drink some freshly squeezed lemon juice and water, or add some lemon juice and lemon skins to the temples to ease your headache away.

•Sometimes your headache is caused by your back or neck being out of alignment. Be sure to visit a trusted chiropractor to provide an adjustment. There have been plenty of times where I had headaches for several days, and once I saw my chiropractor for an adjustment, my headaches were gone.

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Sources: Clinical Journal of Pain June 1998;14(2):97-106

Image Credits: Thad Zajdowicz

Tags: cure, headache, Natural Healing, prevent, prevention, treat

10 Reasons why you’re STILL overweight…

1) You think “Fat Free” or “Sugar Free” means that it is “Healthy”

Marketing campaigns know that we are all trying to be healthier, and they are doing everything they can to sell you their product in an angle that makes you think their product makes the cut. They aren’t trying to make their products healthier. What does this all boil down to? The companies just want to make money, and the only way to make money is if you buy their product –whether it’s good for you or not.

Read the labels and ingredients and start learning how to understand what they really mean. It’s almost guaranteed that if something it marketed as “Fat Free” or “Sugar Free”, they are using dangerous replacements which usually end up being worse for you than the actual fat or sugar.

Most people still buy into this marketing scam – don’t let it be you.

2) You don’t get enough sleep

Sleep is underrated – by far. You should get the recommended 8 hours each night, and you will notice some very positive effects from this. Your body will feel rested and better through out the day. You will be more likely to exercise (you have the energy to make it happen), and you have a better chance of overcoming any junk food cravings you may have during the day. When you are more tired, you are more likely to “give in” to temptations. A lack of sleep negatively effects your immune system, which can make you sick. When you are sick, the chances of you keeping up (or wanting to) your work out routine is unlikely. You should consider sleep as being mandatory.

3) You like to try new “Diets”

I have already said in previous posts why I don’t like to “Diet”, but I will briefly say it again here. “Diets” tend to be short term! Make your healthy eating habits a Life style change, and you will see lasting results, which is what you want anyways? No one wants to just gain it all back again and again…so don’t! Lose it and keep it off for good.

4) You think having the occasional treat doesn’t really add up

This one almost makes me laugh, but it’s a reality check for most of us. Just one Oreo cookie is about 60 calories.

And let’s be honest…who only has one Oreo cookie? In my not-so-healthy days, I remember easily eating 10 Oreo cookies (or more), which is half of my daily calorie count. What’s worst is that I find myself still craving more cookies, and I am still hungry!

Check the calories. If your little treat is high in calories and you won’t be able to stop at just one, move on. Find something that will satisfy your hunger. A great alternative is finding a Fruit or veggie that you love and won’t resent when it becomes snack time.

5) You think you are “Naturally this Big” or “Big Boned”

That’s what happened to me too. I thought I was naturally a size 10 or 12. According to all the “medical” and “scientific” charts out there that tell you what your healthy weight range is for your age and height, I was supposed to be around 170 pounds. I don’t know who made up that bull, but if I were 170 pounds, I would not be close to healthy unless I was some body builder. As we all know, most of us aren’t body builders, so I consider those little “healthy weight charts” a piece of trash.

Once I started to get my act together and start taking my health more seriously, and listening to my body’s needs, I got down to 130 pounds and fit nicely into my size 2 jeans. Find your true healthy weight.

6) You think Skinny people don’t need to exercise

This one gets me every time. I hate how I will mention that I went to the gym and someone has to make the statement “You’re skinny, you don’t need to go to the gym”. Yes, someone really did say that to me, and No, I did not listen to them!

Just because you are Skinny, doesn’t mean you are privileged and somehow don’t need to exercise. I don’t care what size you are – Skinny or Overweight, you can benefit from exercising on a regular basis, and quite frankly, your body needs it.

For those who think Skinny people don’t need to exercise: How do you think thin people got to be thin in the first place? The answer is that the thin people exercise and eat healthy regularly. I didn’t become a size 2 by accident and neither did they.

7) You are (still!) skipping Breakfast

Ok, so this one I still don’t get. We have all been told how Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and people are still skipping it! It may be for many reasons. You are “too busy”. Not a good enough excuse people! I wake up at 4:00 AM to go work out, make a healthy breakfast and lunch, work for 8 hours or more, make dinner, clean up, work some more, etc.

We all live a crazy and busy schedule. That’s life, and I get that. But there just isn’t an excuse anymore for skipping breakfast.

Be sure to eat something healthy – anything with processed sugar should be completely avoided.

8) You think you will reach your Goal Weight in 30 days or less

Guess what? You didn’t gain your weight overnight, and you won’t lose it all overnight either! Just because you aren’t seeing huge results your first month, doesn’t mean you should give up and say exercising and eating healthy doesn’t work. Just like you were consistently unhealthy and gained weight, you now need to work on consistently being healthy and exercising.

You will eventually lose the weight, and before you know it, you will be able to fit back into those skinny jeans!

9) You drink Energy Drinks and Sodas that are “0 Calorie” and think it’s a Healthy choice

Zero calories do not mean that the drink is Healthy. Energy Drinks and Sodas with Zero calories are another marketing tool to make these drinks seem “healthier” or “not as bad” for you. Reality is this: Energy Drinks and Sodas have zero nutrition, and there is absolutely nothing good in there for you. Nothing! Doesn’t matter if it has 300 or no calories, it’s just not good for you, regardless of the number of calories it says on the back. Your best bet is to just drink water.

10) You keep saying you are “Fat”

The way you feel about yourself plays a huge role in whether or not you will succeed with your weight loss and overall health goals. Ever heard of the popular Movie “The Secret”? Well, the Law of Attraction is real. Your mind is very advanced and sophisticated, and if you keep telling yourself that you are “fat” and “overweight”, then your brain keeps telling you to do things that will keep you in that state of being.

Start thinking “healthy” and “thin”, and your brain will start programming your thoughts and actions to lead you to a lifestyle that will help you become healthier.

It’s not all about wishful thinking, because action is involved. You need to do your part. Bottom line: Believe you will succeed and continue to exercise and eat healthy. Know that you will get there!

Good luck with your Health goals!

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Mini Whole Grain Sandwich Cookies by Late July

These cookies have it all –Better Nutrition, a Worthy Cause, and Great Taste!

Nutrition

What I like about these cookies, is that they are a good source of whole grains (8 grams per serving), calcium (10% of Daily Value), and they are USDA Organic. This product does not have Trans Fats or Cholesterol,  they are low in sodium,  made without any artificial sweeteners, and they do not have any High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Yes, there is sugar in this cookie. Remember, it is supposed to be a treat, not a meal.  Keep in mind, this treat is not “healthy”, but considered a much healthier alternative when compared to other cookies on the market.

Worthy Cause

The Mini Whole Grain Cookies have the “Good For All” Seal, which is Dr. Jane Goodall’s seal for ethically produced products.  Ten Percent of Profits from these Mini Cookies are being donated to the Jane Goodall Institute, which raises awareness for Endangered Animals such as the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Red Wolf, Chimpanzee, Sumatran Rhino, Pygmy Rabbit, Black-Footed Ferret, and the Giant Panda. Know when you are buying these cookies, not only are you getting a great treat, but you are also supporting a wonderful cause.

Taste

From Late July’s products, expect nothing but the best. Not only is health and nutritional value important, they don’t sacrifice taste in any of their products. Mini Whole Grain Cookies are no exception to the rule, and they taste great! There are two flavors to choose from, which is “White Chocolate” and “Milk Chocolate”. I can’t decide which one is my favorite- both taste great!

Serving: 10 cookies

Calories: 140

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