lates the sympathetic nervous system (which controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the “fight or flight” response), which in turn delays emptying of the stomach into the small intestine, thereby impairing absorption and ef- fectiveness of oral medications. MH pharmacotherapy includes drugs that treat nausea, anxiety, pain, and inflammation, such as steroids, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers, and serotonin promoters. MH pre- vention drugs include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, serotonin blockers, and anticonvulsants. Each of these toxic drugs presents po-
tential undesirable side effects, including: (1) NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) – overuse/ex- tended use can interfere with immunity and cause ulcers/other types of internal bleed- ing; (2) Triptans (pain relievers) (e.g., Imitrex, Amerge) – nausea, dizziness, stroke, heart attack; (3) Opiates (e.g., codeine) – like heroin, can cause addiction; and (4) Rebound Head- aches (most common adverse reaction)– usu- ally treated by substituting pain relievers with MH preventive medications.
Natural Remedies If you no longer wish to rely on often
ineffective medications to treat or prevent your MHs, the remedies discussed below are a great place to start after discussing your choices with your medical practitioner. Consider trying a number of remedies to determine what works best for you. Butterbur – Experts believe that this herb’s anti-inflammatory components may prevent the blood vessel constriction thought to cause or accompany MHs. One study showed that pa- tients who took 75 mg of butterbur twice daily experienced 48% fewer migraines (Neurology 2004); however, a previous study found that even 50 mg twice per day was more effective than a placebo. Select a product free of pyr- rolizidine alkaloids (PAs). DMSO – This sulfur-rich, safe, anti-inflam- matory and local anesthetic was originally created from wood pulp, but is also found naturally in vegetables, fruits, and grains. Historically known as a solvent and a remedy for injured race horses, DMSO can be used internally or topically. Feverfew - One of the oldest herbal remedies for migraines, feverfew can be taken in capsule or tea form. Alexander Mauskop, M.D., a board certified neurologist and found- er/director of the New York Headache Center, supports use of this herb to treat migraines due to its widely-studied key component, parthe- nolide. In one 4-month British study, patients experienced both a 24% reduction in the number and severity of MHs, and a significant
www.NaturalNutmeg.com 29
Give Them What They Want!
Freeze-Dried Complete Canine Chicken Meal Oma’s Pride
308 Arch Rd., Avon CT 06001 860-673-3259 •
www.omaspride.com
Expires 4/30/14
20% OFF with this ad
2oz., 4oz., 16oz., sizes (retail only)
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44