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Search Results for: migraine

December 6, 2024 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 3 Comments

MIGRAINE – AN EXPLOSION IN YOUR HEAD

brain-headache-migraine“I don’t want that explosion in my head that my father used to have,” said Ramesh N., an 18-year-old engineering student, during his visit to my clinic. He was distressed by a severe headache that had lasted 5-6 hours, especially with exams around the corner. The throbbing pain made it impossible for him to concentrate.

Headaches are a common reason for visits to physicians, with migraine being the second most common cause of headache globally. Despite its prevalence, migraine often goes unnoticed or misunderstood, especially in childhood and adolescence. Many parents and teachers dismiss it as an excuse to avoid studying or working.

Migraine is a benign, episodic syndrome characterized by headache and accompanying neurological symptoms. A positive family history of migraines is common in those affected.

What Is Migraine?

A migraine attack can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. While predicting when an attack will occur is challenging, the pattern of each attack can often be identified. Understanding the stages of a migraine and sharing a detailed history with a doctor can help in diagnosis and treatment, reducing the intensity or frequency of attacks.

Stages of Migraine

Prodormal Phase: This phase includes subtle physical or mental changes like mood swings, thirst, or tiredness. It may last for minutes or hours.

Aura Phase: Neurological symptoms appear during this phase, such as:

    • Visual disturbances (dark spots, colored spots, or zigzag lines)
    • Numbness or weakness
    • Dizziness or vertigo
    • Speech changes or confusion

Attack Phase: The headache begins, often behind the eyes. It is typically severe, throbbing, and unilateral but can sometimes be bilateral. This stage is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia).

Postdromal Phase: After the headache subsides, many experience lingering effects like fatigue or a “hangover” feeling, which can take hours or even days to resolve.

Diagnosing Migraine: A simplified diagnostic criterion includes repeated headaches lasting 4-72 hours with no underlying physical or neurological causes. Migraine symptoms include:

  • Unilateral pain
  • Throbbing sensation
  • Worsening with movement
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound

While the exact timing of an episode is unpredictable, lifestyle changes and triggers management can reduce the frequency or severity of attacks.

  1. Identifying and avoiding triggers is one of the most important ways to avoid an attack.
  2. Research shows that foods like nuts, cheese, citrus foods, chocolates, hot and spicy food, fermented, sour foods, alcohol and smoking can trigger a migraine attack.
  3. Untimely meals, irregular sleeping patterns which result in lack of sleep, excessive intake of processed or junk food, overthinking, extended exposure to laptops, mobile phones can all be responsible for triggering an attack.
  4. Increased exposure to direct sunlight is known to cause an attack. If sun exposure cannot be decreased or stopped, one must wear glasses and have to protect oneself. One must also be aware of strong odours and changes in weather.
  5. Being constantly acidic or constipated will always make you prone for repeated attacks.

A lifestyle change with proper sleeping hours, adequate water and the right food intake along with minimum 30minutes exercise will cause wonders in the management of Migraine.

  1. Certain yoga postures are extremely beneficial for migraine. Some of these are moon salutation, boat pose, bow pose (dhanurasan), spinal twist (matsyendrassana), tree pose and standing on toes.
  2. Meditation puts your mind at ease and reduces stress levels which brings a balance in one’s being.
  3. Pranayam (breathing exercises) has a long term impact in maintaining good health.
  4. 5 drops of brahmi ghee in each nostrils sometimes helps relieve the pain.
  5. During an attack it is best that you confine yourself to a closed dark room to avoid any loud sounds and excess light.
  6. You can also try tying a scarf or dupatta around your head if the pain is too much. Place some eye cubes wrapped in a towel on your eyes.
  7. Medicines are available to halt the progression of aura to a full-blown attack or to manage pain during the headache phase. However, always seek a doctor’s advice before taking any medication.

Migraines often improve over time, with many experiencing reduced severity and frequency after early adulthood. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can bring long-term benefits, making migraine episodes less frequent and more manageable.

If this article helped you understand migraines better, share your thoughts in the comments below! For further information or guidance, reach out to our certified experts by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

February 22, 2024 By Madhu Soni 1 Comment

6 Foods That Trigger Migraine

migraine

Migraine is a severe headache accompanied by nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Initially the pain may be very mild, but gradually builds up to a throbbing pain. You may experience pain in one area or the pain may shift and sometimes, affect the entire head. It varies from person to person. The pain can go on for hours or even days. 

What Triggers A Migraine? 

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact triggers for a Migraine. Medical science states that inflammation of the neurotransmitters causes migraine. Hormonal imbalance, stress, change in season, change in physical activity, etc. are all possible causes for this debilitating condition. However, certain foods have shown to play a major role in provoking the migraine. 

  1. Alcohol: High consumption of alcohol causes dehydration and this causes the brain to react in a different way. This could be a major trigger. Apart from other alcohols, red wine, which is considered to be good for health, can cause migraine.
  2. Chocolate: Although nitric oxide is very good for the heart and blood vessels, nitrates present in chocolates tend to cause migraine as dilation of blood vessels can activate this condition.
  3. Processed Food: Most fast food, chinese food, ready to cook meals, instant noodles, pasta, oats, chips and other fried snacking options have an active ingredient called monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is considered safe to eat, but is said to be linked with migraine.
  4. Fermented Food: contains histamine which may be a possible reason. Cheese, pickled vegetables and fruits, dry fruits, sauerkraut, kimchi and vinegar come under the umbrella of fermented food. The high salt content in most of these foods may act as a trigger.
  5. Citrus Fruits: like oranges, lemons, melons etc. are also known to trigger this condition. These citrus fruits may cause gas formation which may kickstart the migraine
  6. Leftover food: Stale food is said to be one of the reasons for igniting a migraine as the tyramine content increases  during the storage period, hence making one more vulnerable to this pain. If food is not stored at the right temperature, it can trigger the pain.

 We hope this article helps you! Stay away from these foods if you have a migraine condition. Do consult your doctor and stay safe! For more on nutrition, what to eat and what to avoid, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

December 24, 2024 By Luke Coutinho 3 Comments

Holiday Health Tip: It’s All In The Chew!

Holiday Health Tip: It's All In The ChewIt’s precisely between this week and January 1st when people tend to put on most of their weight. There are two reasons for this – The crazy festive season filled with weddings and parties followed by Christmas, New Year’s Eve and the tendency to let loose during this time, with the justification that they’ll start fresh with ‘healthy new year resolutions’ in January.

  • What if I told you that you could enjoy this season and it wouldn’t impact your weight?
  • What if I told you snacking on a cookie or dessert occasionally wouldn’t effect your weight goals?
  • What if you could eat rice, roti (Indian flat bread), and bread at lunch and dinner without it impacting your weight or health?
  • What if you could enjoy this festive season, have loads of fun, eat your favorite foods and still maintain your health and weight?

The human body is a miracle, and we are living examples of this miracle. The way our brain and body function, blood flow, smell, feelings, emotions, the ability to recover from the deadliest of diseases and the ability of our cells to heal and repair – is nothing short of extraordinary. Every day, trillions of cells in our body work non-stop to fight off germs and bacteria that could otherwise make us very sick or even threaten our lives. This miracle is called immunity.

Our stomach produces enough acid to dissolve a razor blade. Such is the power of our digestive system. So what’s an ice-cream, chocolate bar, or cookie going to do when it enters our stomachs? Our body is made to digest even the toughest foods. Red meat, for instance, is hard to digest, but the body will break it down. Vegetarians don’t escape either—cellulose in vegetables is extremely difficult to break down, but the body eventually does the job. This is one reason vegetarians may experience more flatulence than non-vegetarians.

The body can break down meats, vegetables and desserts alike! The secret lies in the ‘chew’. Food tastes so good because you’re meant to enjoy it—slow down and savor it, not just rush it to your stomach.

How Does Chewing Thoroughly Help? 

Chewing your food thoroughly is actually the first step in the complex process of digestion, and if you compromise this process, a common mistake, it can affect your overall health.

We have teeth not just to smile for a pretty picture but primarily to tear down and break up food into small bits. Saliva mixes with these small bits, further softening them.

Let’s dive into the basics:

Why Should You Chew Your Food Thoroughly? 

When you chew, more saliva gets produced and your saliva contains enzymes that break down FATS and CARBS. Yes!!! Digestion starts in the MOUTH! By the time your food reaches your stomach, it’s already processed by enzymes, making it easier for your stomach to complete the digestion process.

  • You feel light
  • You feel full for a longer period of time.
  • You reduce flatulence, gas, indigestion and burping.
  • You learn to savor and enjoy the taste of your food.
  • Your body absorbs all the goodness of your food (vitamins, minerals) better.
  • You eat just the amount your body needs to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.

Imagine all the times you’ve gobbled down your food. You’re left with undigested chunks sitting in your stomach, causing gas, discomfort, and increasing the chances of food converting to fat.

Chew your food. Enjoy a dessert, but eat it slowly and savor it. Over time, you’ll learn not to overindulge. The more you chew your food, the cleaner you keep your intestines, stomach and colon because the body can cleanse itself more effectively when digestion happens correctly. Say goodbye to constipation, fatigue, and migraines.

Try This Exercise Today!

At your next meal, eat slowly. Take a spoonful of food, chew it several times, savor the flavor and taste, then swallow. Put your spoon down before taking the next bite.

You’ll find yourself getting fuller quickly and will naturally eat less. This habit helps you save calories over time. Eventually, you’ll serve yourself smaller portions—fewer calories mean better health, a longer life, and a healthy weight.

Take one serving spoon less at every meal, chew thoroughly, and eat slowly. You’ll find that this is enough. All these saved portions add up to a significant calorie reduction, helping you lose fat and feel healthier.

Most diseases are caused by overeating. Even if you think your portions are appropriate, eating too quickly can lead to overconsumption. Chewing thoroughly ensures you eat mindfully, eliminating the need for restrictive diets.

Meal times are sacred—they’re your personal moments to nourish and care for your body. Respect this time, as it’s essential for keeping you healthy and strong.

This is a lifestyle change and if you master it, you can enjoy all your favorite foods in moderation.

We hope this article helps you make that lifestyle change. For more tips like this, check out Healthy Reads or ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

October 15, 2024 By Dhwani Bagadia 1 Comment

Leaky Gut: Symptoms and Causes

leaky gutThe gut is considered to be the “Gateway to Health”. It consists of approximately 80% of the immune system. 95% of “serotonin”, the “feel-good” hormone, is also produced in the Gut. Healing and improving your gut is of the utmost importance to lead a healthy and happy life. Your gut is responsible for stomach conditions, pain and even eagerness. Poor gut health can cause various issues such as a Leaky Gut.

A Leaky Gut is one of the most puzzling illnesses/diseases to be diagnosed and to get treated. It is a very puzzling disease or illness majorly due to the gut having a very extensive and complex structure. “There is still so much science that proceeds with finding newly developed methods, where the gut can have an impact on the health of the heart to brains being young and active,” says Dr. Alessio Fasano, Director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

What is Leaky Gut?

The digestive system is where food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. It also plays a major role in safeguarding your body from detrimental or dangerous substances. The intestinal walls act as a barrier/hurdle to check what is passing into the bloodstream, to be carried to different organs of the body.

Water and nutrients are passed into and out of the small holes (tight junctions) in the walls of the intestine when obstructing the movement of detrimental substances. Intestinal Permeability is defined as an easy passage of the substances through the walls of the intestine. When the small holes (tight junction) of the intestinal wall become loose, the permeability of the gut increases and results in bacteria and toxins passing from the gut into the bloodstream. This event is termed as “Leaky Gut”.  

Due to Leaky Gut, toxins and bacteria enter the blood-stream, resulting in inflammation and activating a reaction from the immunity. Proponents declare that it is one of the major causes of several medical conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, food sensitivities, thyroid abnormalities, mood swings, skin conditions, and autism.

Many Health-care professionals say that an increase in the permeability of the intestine occurs in a few chronic diseases. It is a challenge to calculate the strength of an individual’s gut barrier, so it becomes difficult to identify whether a person has a leaky gut and what impact it will have on the body.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

As per Dr. Leo Galland, the director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine, the symptoms below could indicate a Leaky Gut.

  • Digestive issues such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • Nutritional Deficiencies such as anemia, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin deficiencies
  • Excess weight, obesity, diabetes
  • Poor immunity such as frequent cold, flu, and infection. Auto-immune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease or chron’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Brain: Headaches, brain fog and memory loss and Depression/Eagerness/ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder)
  • Excessive tiredness or fatigue
  • Rashes on skin such as acne, eczema
  • Cravings for refined carbs or sugar
  • Bones: Arthritis or Joint Pain and Osteoporosis
  • Seasonal Allergies or Asthma
  • Imbalance in the hormones such as PMS or PCOD i.e. Pre-menstrual Syndrome and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Diagnosis of candida overgrowth
  • Food Allergies, food sensitivities or intolerances

What Causes a Leaky Gut?

There are several factors that can cause a Leaky Gut. Gluten, food, infection and toxins being a few of them. The following factors can also be considered.

  • Food Sensitivities, Candida or yeast over-growth, Parasites, Medications and Drugs
  • Excessive sugar intake and other un-healthy food affect the barrier of the wall of the intestine
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s): Excess and too much use of NSAID’s like ibuprofen leads to leaky gut due to an increase in the wall of intestinal permeability
  • Excess alcohol intake may also cause intestinal permeability
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies of Vitamins such as A, D and Zinc result in increases intestinal permeability
  • Inflammation: Can also result in the leaky gut
  • Stress: Excess Stress also results in gastro-intestinal disorder, leading to leaky gut
  • Poor Gut Condition: There is a mix of good and harmful bacteria which are almost in millions in the gut. If the balance of the good and harmful bacteria is affected, it can affect the intestinal wall.
  • Yeast Overgrowth: Natural existence of yeast is there in the gut, but excess growth of yeast can lead to leaky gut

Stay tuned and stay healthy. For more topics on Gut Health, click here. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult a doctor or speak to our experts for lifestyle changes that will help you heal. 

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

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