The Best Natural Cure for a Headache

What is the best kitchen cure for a headache? Well, water of course!

Since an estimated 80% of headaches are caused by dehydration, it is safe to say that water is the best kitchen remedy for most headaches.

Water is the leading kitchen cure superstar for that which ails you! So before running off to your medicine cabinet, try running to the kitchen to drink a large glass of water. Chances are in twenty minutes or less you won’t need any medicine.

Remember that dehydration is not just about water, it is also about electrolytes. Sodium, potassium, and other trace electrolytes are necessary for properly regulating our blood volume.

I like Emergen-C and Recharge as my top sports drink choices. You can easily make your own sports drinks with ingredients straight from your kitchen. Here is my recipe for Homemade Sport’s Drinks. Exercise, alcohol, and caffeine are the common culprits that leave us dehydrated and headachey. To prevent dehydration induced headaches drink in the ballpark of 60-80 ounces of water daily. You may need more than that if you are an endurance athlete.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen table!

~ Dr. Nicole Sundene

Naturopathic Physician

www.KitchenTableMedicine.com

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Rosemary for Remembrance

Rosemary is a great herb for memory.

Rosemary is often added to recipes dedicated to those that did not survive breast cancer for “remembrance”.

William Shakespeare even wrote in the play Hamlet, “There is rosemary, and that is for remembrance”.

Not too long ago we had some random spring snow here in Seattle, and whenever the sun is not shining (almost all the time) I am drawn to the garden for some sort of UV-free inspiration. Read more

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McInflammation: Are You Really “Loving It”?

Recently a friend reported over dinner that his inflammatory problem (and let’s just say almost all medical problems are caused by inflammation) was not much better.

He said he was diligently taking everything I had recommended, and had only noted minor improvement.

Although natural remedies take time, I was curious how the dietary recommendations were going….you know, the most important part of his prescription? To no surprise, he was struggling to make the necessary changes.

As I climbed in to his car to head to our next destination I noted the eight bags of fast food littering his car floor.

“Well here is the source of McInflammation in your diet right here!” Read more

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Hydrotherapy for Headaches

WHAT CAUSES HEADACHES?

Almost all of us have had a headache at one point in our lives. In fact 5-10% of the US population seeks medical help for their headaches. Most headaches are caused by either muscle tension or temporary changes in blood circulation in the brain. Common triggers for the muscle tension that can lead to these headaches are stress, joint misalignment in the neck or jaw, emotional factors, and poor posture. Triggers for headaches caused by changes in blood flow are often food allergies, poor blood sugar regulation, fatigue, hormonal changes, alcohol, chemicals, and toxins.

Naturopaths often use the application of hot and cold water to change blood flow and release muscle tension. The following can help to relieve headaches whether they are of muscular or vascular origin. Read more

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Foods Most Likely to Trigger a Migraine Headache

Studies show that ingestion of the following foods or substances may induce migraine headaches in susceptible individuals.

Fruit:
Apple, banana, grapes, melon, peach, strawberries, avocado, citrus fruits, pineapple, raspberry, red plum

Vegetables:
Carrots, corn, onion, tomato, potato, cabbage, eggplant, pickles, spinach

Beans/Legumes:
Black eyed peas, peanuts, pinto beans, soy, broad beans

Nuts:
All types

Grains:
Oats, rice, rye, wheat

Animal Products:
Beef, cheese, chicken, cow’s milk, egg, fish, goat’s milk, pork, wieners
Aged Meats, canned or smoked fish, cheese, chicken or beef liver, dry pork & beef sausage, egg white, pickled herring, sour cream

Beverages:
Coffee, tea, wine (esp. red), beer, and other types of alcohol

Sweets:
Cane sugar, chocolate

Additives:
Benzoic acid, MSG, tartrazine

Miscellaneous:
Fried foods, garlic, yeast and yeast extracts, fermented foods, Marmite, sauerkraut, soy sauce, vinegar

References:
1. Pizzorno JE, Murray MT: Migraine Headache. In Textbook of Natural Medicine, 2nd ed. Harcourt Brace and Company Limited 1999, pp 1406-1408.
2. Shils ME, Olson JA, Shike M (eds): Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 8th ed. Lea & Febiger 1994,p 1607.
3. Joneja JM: Biogenic Amines. In Dietary Management of Food Allergies and Intolerances, 2nd ed. JA Hall Publications Ltd. 1998, pp 149-163.
4. Joneja JM: Diet and Migraine. In Dietary Management of Food Allergies and Intolerances, 2nd ed. JA Hall Publications Ltd. 1998, pp 311-317.

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