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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 tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. 

#BeTheForce 

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MIGRAINE – AN EXPLOSION IN YOUR HEAD

brain-headache-migraine

“I don’t want that explosion in my head, my father used to have,” says Ramesh N, 18 year old BE student when he came to my OPD after a severe headache of 5-6 hours. He was upset since he had his exams in a few days and he was not able to concentrate due to the throbbing pain. We all have visited physicians many times with the complaint of headache. Out of all the primary and secondary causes, migraine is the 2nd most common cause of headache amongst all.

Migraine is common in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. It is ignored many times by parents and teachers assuming it as a reason to avoid studies or work. Migraine is benign episodic, syndrome of headache associated with other symptoms of neurological dysfunction. Most of the people have a positive family history of migraine.

A migraine attack can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. It is difficult to predict as to when a migrane attack will occur. However, one can predict the pattern of each attack as there are well defined stages. Once you know the stages of migraine and a proper history is given to the doctor, a diagnosis for migraine can be reached and medication can be taken to reduce the intensity or frequency of attacks.

Prodormal Phase: It includes certain physical or mental changes like mood changes, feeling thirsty, tiredness etc. It may last a few minutes or hours.

Aura Phase: It includes a wide range of neurological symptoms like changes in the sight like dark spots, colored spots, zigzag lines, numbness, weakness, dizziness, vertigo, speech changes, confusion might also occur before headache.

Attack Phase: Headache normally starts behind the eyes, is mostly severe and sometimes unbearable. Typically it is throbbing. It is unilateral but, can be bilateral as well. One may feel nauseated or might vomit in this stage. People generally also become sensitive to light and sound.

Postdromal Phase: Most of the attacks slowly fade away but, some stop suddenly after crying or sleeping for a while. It can take hours for many people to restore or days for that feeling to disappear. It is like a disturbing hangover.

Simplified diagnostic criterion: Repeated attacks of headaches lasting for 4-7 hours without physical examination & neurological investigation and no other cause found.

  1. Unilateral pain
  2. Throbbing
  3. Aggravated by movement
  4. Nausea/ vomiting
  5. Photphobia/ phonophobia

One can never be sure as to when the next episode would occur. However, many things including lifestyle changes can be done to either prevent an attack or reduce the frequency.

  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 which can stop the aura from progressing to an attack, otherwise painkillers may be used to decrease the eye pain and headache during the attack. Kindly consult your Doctor before popping any form of drug.

On a positive note your migraines can change over time for the better and it has been seen that the severity of the attacks tends to go down post early adulthood. One can opt for a healthy lifestyle which has been shown to not only reduce the intensity of each attack but, also the frequency.

 

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Recover and Reclaim Your Health – Yashas Ranganath User Journey

Yashas Ranganath

More often than not, we find ourselves moving passively through the world revelling in all it has to offer and more. Wading way beyond moderation in the beauty of excesses till the consequences of our actions pile up. Lifestyle diseases are caused because of indulgence in unhealthy habits, something that one of our players Yashas Ranganath found out first hand. How did he manage? How did he recover? Let’s find out!

Life Before GOQii

Yashas Ranganath, an IT professional from Bangalore led quite a normal life. He used to eat, drink and do whatever he pleased, paying no attention to health and fitness. His physical activity was almost nil and he paid no attention to his lifestyle to even make a change.

In 2016, he was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. He was also admitted to the hospital for a severe migraine attack and put under medication for both. His health only got worse with time. In September 2018, he was hit by a stroke due to a cyst in his left brain. This left the right side of his body completely paralyzed.

Enter GOQii

Initially, Yashas Ranganath had joined GOQii in 2015 when he was exploring the market for a good fitness tracker. He chose GOQii as he was intrigued by the personal coaching feature. However, he says he completely wasted that subscription and did not take it seriously at all.

In December 2018, after 50% recovery from the paralysis, he began thinking about making lifestyle changes. He turned to GOQii and renewed his subscription. He says that his life took a complete positive turn after that!

Making a Positive Lifestyle Change

Yashas’ goal was to get all his vitals under control and completely recover from paralysis. His GOQii Coach advised him to completely stop the consumption of oil, sweets, salt, junk food and all types of processed food. He was also asked to stop eating maida and consumed bottled beverages. From a foodie, he had turned into a monk – eating to live and not living to eat. But his sole focus was recovery and he was ready to give up on everything.

His daily routine became structured in terms of eating habits, activity and sleep:

  • He wakes up at 4 in the morning to leave for work at 6:30 AM. He eats his breakfast and lunch at work – both are customized to his requirement.
  • His breakfast consists of upma, poha or idli. For Lunch, he eats 2 cups of rice with salads and vegetable curry.
  • Dinner consists of chapatti with a curry.
  • His coffee intake is limited to 1 in the evening and he eat fruits as mid meal snacks.
  • Under the rare occasion when he eats out, he manages to customize his food.
  • He exercises for 2 hours a day, doing what his physiotherapist suggests along with numerous stretches recommended by his GOQii Coach. He concludes this with 15 minutes of meditation.
  • He has also started cycling and performs Yog Nidra at night.

After following this routine, Yashas says that he feels no cravings at all and doesn’t even get tempted after seeing other enjoy different delicacies. He enjoys his current lifestyle modifications.

What Changes Did Yashas Ranganath Experience?

When he joined GOQii in 2018, his weight was 75kg, HBA1C was above 8 and blood pressure was 200/170. He now weighs 63kg. His vitals improved drastically too with his HBA1C at 5.4, blood sugar – fasting at 80-90 mg/dl and postprandial at 80-100 mg/dl. Blood Pressure is 130/80. He is on minimal medication, feels more active physically and positive mentally. He has also made a 90% recovery from his stroke.

“You have to get hit before your eyes are opened and then you change in ways you never thought you could,” says Yashas.

His wife and parents are overwhelmed with his recovery. He attributes the change in his lifestyle to his GOQii Coach and says her contribution has been 100%, constantly guiding him on what to eat and what not to eat. Yashas has also explored the features on the app like Play and watches videos as and when he finds time.

Recently, Yashas Ranganath spoke to our Founder & CEO Vishal Gondal about his recovery and journey with GOQii. You can watch the entire episode of GOQii Health Talks here:

What Did His GOQii Coach Have to Say About Him?

“Yashas is one of the most disciplined player I have ever seen. He has been very regular in following
all the habits formulated for him. After the treatment of his stroke and during recovery, he used to suffer from episodes of hypoglycaemia in between. He used to feel dizzy and uncomfortable. Slowly, we started making him have small and frequent meals with portion control. We started millet based meals for better glycaemic index and on the side, he was doing his physiotherapy as well. All of which contributed to his lifestyle change.”

Yashas Ranganath made a positive lifestyle change, what about you? Subscribe to personalized coaching now to get healthier with GOQii: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Do check out more inspiring stories on Healthy Reads and #BeTheForce 

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A Complete Guide To The Benefits Of Oil Pulling

oil pullingImmunity has become a common discussion during these pandemic-stricken times. No doubt that good immunity is the key to a healthy and disease-free body. The Ministry of Ayush has listed some immunity boosting measures for self care during the pandemic and oil pulling is one such Ayurvedic procedure. 

What Is Oil Pulling? 

It is an ancient Ayurvedic practice known as Kalava but not many are familiar with it. It is known to improve immunity and prevent more than thirty systemic diseases when practiced regularly. The oral cavity harbors billions of microorganisms, some of these contribute to the development of systemic diseases. In oil pulling, edible oil is swished around the mouth, continuously for 20 minutes like a mouthwash. Ayurveda believes that the tongue is connected to every organ of the body. Microbes and toxins build up in the mouth and swishing oil in the mouth for a prolonged amount of time draws out impurities from the mouth. Oil acts as a cleanser before these microbes get a chance to re-circulate and spread. 

How To Do It? 

It is quite simple, no side effects and involves a few steps with just 1 ingredient. 

  1. Take 1 tbsp of coconut oil.
  2. Swish it around in the mouth, between teeth, all over the gums, tongue, towards the cheek for 20 minutes.
  3. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth well with water.

Caution: Oil may thicken and clog your drain so spit it in the dustbin. Children shouldn’t do it as there are chances they’ll swallow the oil.

Initially you may find it difficult to swish oil for long, so just start with 5 minutes and gradually build it up to 15–20 minutes. Coconut oil contains lauric acid which is proven to be anti-inflammatory and can kill harmful pathogens like bacteria, virus and fungi. Early morning is the best time to practice, even before drinking water. During sleep, the body detoxifies and the tongue gets coated with a white film which is full of toxins and microbes.

Benefits Of Oil Pulling On Oral Health 

Oil pulling is beneficial for oral hygiene as it reduces a number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. It is helpful for conditions like: 

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Plaque
  • Cavities
  • Oral candidiasis
  • Gingivitis
  • Reduces tooth pain
  • Reduces problems like dry mouth, sore throat and chapped lips
  • Gives whiter teeth, pink lips and gums.

Benefits To The Skin

When you oil pull, you constantly exercise your facial muscles which encourages blood flow to your face. Oil Pulling can: 

  • Reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dry face and other signs of aging
  • Improve skin elasticity
  • Reduce double chin
  • Define your jawline 

Apart from the above, it can call help with: 

  • Improving gut health, metabolism, digestion and immunity
  • Detoxifying the mouth and body
  • Improving energy levels and sleep 
  • Balancing hormones
  • Reducing acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems
  • Alleviating headaches and migraine
  • Providing relief from stiff joints and allergies

We hope you try this ancient Ayurvedic method of detoxifying your mouth and body. Do share your experience with us. For more articles on health and wellness, check out Healthy Reads.

To get these tips directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

#BeTheForce 

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