Archive for the ‘Migraine / Headaches’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Oxygen – The Free Health Food

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Perth, Australia has the most intense white sunlight compared to anywhere I’ve ever been. It lightens up your heart and soul. I spent good quality time with my family there recently. Lying on the beach and body surfing in the ocean was amazing.

It was while lying on the beach and breathing in the beautiful fresh air, that my thoughts led back to the importance of oxygen for our minds and bodies. It is absolutely vital for good health. And the lack of it can create many health issues.

I am sharing a rather simplistic description of this process and why it is so important.

We are all aware that we need food for survival. However, food without oxygen will not do us much good.

Our bodies require energy sources to survive. We do obtain part of that energy from the food we eat. Oxygen, though, is the component that makes it possible for our bodies to turn the raw materials (food) into the energy source.

The oxygen is transported throughout our bodies through hemoglobin to various cells. These cells then turn oxygen into water. Usable energy is then created for our bodies.

The process is kicked off by breathing. We are obtaining oxygen about 20 times a minute through our noses by inhaling. In short, oxygen has to take a rather long and winding journey in order to reach the lungs.

Oxygen passes through the nasal passages, throat, windpipe, chest and eventually the lungs. The process is actually more complicated than this as there are various tubes and so forth that splinter off to deliver oxygen to appropriate destination.

Carbon dioxide is then exhaled more or less in reverse.

When this process is disrupted, problems (often times serious) occur.

Headaches including migraines can occur. The brain is starved for oxygen and eventually the veins and cells around the brain swell up and horrible headache pain results.

You may also experience dizziness or vertigo due in part to the lack of necessary oxygen.

I’ve also dedicated specific articles to the importance of oxygen to weight gain or rather weight loss. In order for anything to burn (including fat), three things are necessary; material to burn, heat to burn it with, and you guessed it - oxygen.

Shallow breathing means we’re not getting enough oxygen supply to adequately equip our bodies to burn the excess fat and we gain weight.

Deep breathing on the other hand allows us to intake necessary oxygen as well as relax our bodies. Relaxing results in stress reduction, which can also help result in normalized blood pressure.

Arming ourselves with improved oxygen flow is something we have to practice. Breathing itself is something that just occurs. But breathing “just enough” to maintain consciousness is not sufficient to ward off health problems.

But think about improving your health as a trip (often times a short one.) Summer is never more than 24 hours traveling time away. The same is true about health and happiness. It’s often much closer than we think. It’s just hard to imagine when all we see is rain.

All of my programs address the importance of oxygen to our bodies and maximizing this process through all natural exercises. In addition, I am elated to share with you that I am currently working on an Alzheimer’s program related to oxygen deprivation to the brain. You can find more information on all of my programs through the links on the right hand side of my blog.

EL331001

Posted in High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea, Vertigo / Dizziness, Weight Loss | No Comments »

Snoring, Apnea and Headaches – Are They Connected?

Monday, May 11th, 2009

When researching and creating my programs, I often find that my original intention is expanded. What I mean is that because so many health problems are inter related (based on shared causes) that I may have intended to specifically address snoring but find that either research or client experiences will suggest that links to other conditions or better yet cures exist.

A good example is the connection between snoring and/or apnea to headaches and migraines. A client explained in this case (as with others) that “Your program was supposed to help me with my snoring, but also helped with my headaches.” Hence, in cases like this, a new program will be born based on the previous one.

Are the two related? Can a migraine headache, or headaches, period be caused by snoring?

One recent study found that those who suffered from chronic headaches (occurring daily or almost daily) as opposed to episodic headaches (coming and going without a pattern) also tended to suffer from chronic snoring.

Additionally, those who suffer from sleep apnea (sufferer actually stops breathing several times during sleep) also suffer from early AM headaches, including migraines. One reason for this is that the arteries in the neck harden over time, restricting blood flow (and the oxygen it carries) to the brain. And the next thing you know, you’ve also got a whopper of a headache.

Now comes the classic “chicken vs. egg” scenario – experts don’t know if excessive snoring causes headaches or if chronic headaches cause snoring. Many believe it’s both.

If one takes into account other contributing factors to snoring – drinking alcohol to excess, obesity, smoking, all things which are known to raise blood pressure and lead to headache, it may not be snoring alone which causes the migraine or other types of headaches.

It is also known that chronic headaches disrupt sleep patterns, which can lead to snoring, as wells as taking pain medications which can also cause snoring.

If you are suffering from headaches, sleep apnea or snoring (probably all three if you’re like many), I highly recommend my Stop Snoring Program and/or my Migraine and Headache Relief Program. They are both all natural and easy to use. They often offer improvement to your condition immediately.

EL331002

Posted in Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Tinnitus - Will the Noise EVER Stop?

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Vertigo and dizziness are conditions I’ve written about on numerous occasions, and will continue to do so. While for some, these are occasional discomforts, for some the problems are so severe that the overall quality of life is threatened.

Another related topic many clients have inquired about it tinnitus. This too while sometimes fleeting, can also create constant day to day issues that affect a person’s lifestyle.

The word tinnitus is Latin for “ringing.” Subjective tinnitus is not heard by others but the sufferer perceives it in their ears, or head. Objective tinnitus while rare can sometimes be heard during an examination normally as the result of problems with the bones in the inner ear or blood vessel problems.

While some people do in fact hear a nonexistent “ring”, there are number of other sounds people hear. It’s been described by my own clients as well as others as “locusts” that won’t stop “buzzing.” Some describe the noise as clicks, beeps or other high pitched tunes.

Like vertigo, tinnitus is actually a symptom rather than a disease. It may present itself as a result of ear infection, fluid drain, injury, extreme external noise exposure or due to causes that simply cannot be identified.

Some people are more likely than others to develop tinnitus. It (like many ailments) is more common among older adults. Those who spend a great deal of time exposed to loud noises or if you’ve suffered hearing loss.

Tinnitus is problematic due to stress, concentrations problems, disturbed sleep and even memory loss people suffer as a result of this distressing noise.

Tinnitus is also often accompanied with vertigo or Meniere’s disease. Some sufferers explain that tinnitus increases just prior to a vertigo attack (in which the person perceives movement or spinning.)

Since an actual cause cannot always be determined, treatment of the tinnitus is in order. Some people who suffer from mild forms of tinnitus obtain relief through removal of ear wax. Others find that decreasing certain medications help alleviate the problem.

Adding certain noises to one’s sleep environment can also help at least to help promote more restful sleep. These would be “white noises” such as a fan or sounds of the ocean to help drown out the stressful tinnitus noise.

Certain medications are also prescribed for those with severe tinnitus, but they too tend to bring on other side effects including blurry vision, dependence, nausea and constipation.

A treatment that has been extremely effective is my Dizziness and Vertigo Program. It is completely natural and has shown phenomenal results whether you suffer from one condition or tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo combined.

EL331001

Posted in Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Vertigo / Dizziness | No Comments »

Our Health and the World We Live In – Both Can Change

Friday, April 17th, 2009

These are trying times for a lot of people. Maybe its health worries for some and likely the economy for many. There’s so much uncertainty that accompanies these things.

Traveling so much, I’ve talked to many people who fear the future and are struggling with the present. There is the stress of trying to achieve “perfection” in their jobs, for fear of losing them. There is added frustration when working with others who are in the same plight.

Added to this personal stress is the news. It seems the news broadcasts are nearly always bad (perhaps since most good news doesn’t seem to have a place in broadcasting.) And lately, the bad news has been even more intense than before. This alone seems to make the news itself more depressing than whatever the story was about.

I have to ask, how can all of this negativity possibly be good for our health – both mental and physical? Actually, it’s a rhetorical question. I’ve done enough research and experienced life enough to know that it’s not!

Stress leads to so many disorders – most of them in my opinion. Physical problems range from headaches to hypertension. So now a person is juggling economic woes along with health problems if it gets too bad. So, what to do?

I’m a big believer in positive thinking. I don’t mean living a fantasy life where you deny every problem. You have to address things you want to be different but it’s important that you do it in a positive way. There is nothing you can’t do something about. All it takes is time and energy.

Remember, problems are not always problems. Research has shown that six months after a major event, say a person winning the lottery and a person losing both legs in a car accident, are pretty much equally happy.

I’m not talking about maintaining a positive attitude here. This is the general average statistic – they are just as happy. What we believe will make us happy, doesn’t always work out that way – at least not for the long term.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do things to improve our lives. But do it with the awareness that the act of going after what we want (be it a new sofa, vacation, new house, collage degree etc.) is probably going to create more happiness than the actual prize. So remember to enjoy the ride.

Many people, in a misguided effort to address their stresses end up worrying more rather than focusing on the positive steps and actions they can take to alleviate the problem.

But, I’ve found that many people are extremely happy when they are working on a health problem. Numerous people have told me that while working one of my program and steadily seeing their health improve, (doesn’t really matter what they were working on), felt such a great level of accomplishment and relief.

Apply this same logic to money and relationship problems. Again, simply taking positive action, however small it may seem, seems to do more for a person’s long term well being than being handed a “magic pill.”

Like one person told me “There are so many out there born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They never have to fight for anything - just get everything they want automatically. These are not the winners. I on the other hand had lots of problem - mostly health problems - some that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. But I fought them all and won every time and that’s a true accomplishment and I believe what makes me a winner.” I’ll never forget the shine in his eyes as he proudly told me this. And he was right.

I too gain true satisfaction in knowing that my work is reducing stress and increasing happiness among my customers. It is worth more than anything I could possibly imagine. The work, as frustrating as it can be sometimes is still my personal reward.

The world really is a great place, so let’s enjoy it.

If you are struggling with stress or health issues, please check out my all natural programs. They have proven extremely successful and require nothing more than a little effort and commitment toward improving your health and well being. You can find the details on all of my programs on the right hand column of my blog.

EL331001

Posted in Genera Natural Health, High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches | No Comments »

Can Migraine or Headache be Causing My Weight Gain?

Monday, April 13th, 2009

A client recently wrote to me and asked if her migraine headaches could be the source of her weight gain. She explained that she had suffered from migraines for most of her life but within the past 2 years, she had gained over 90 pounds.

That is a considerable amount of weight to gain, especially considering the brief span of time in which she gained the weight. I set out to perform research while at the same time, asked my client about any other medical conditions such as sleep problems and any medications she might be taking for the migraines or other medical conditions.

My client responded, letting me know that she had, over the course of the last 2 years, been put on 4 different migraine medicines, only to build a resistance to the drug and weight gain along the way.

This was not surprising as I know from previous research that most prescriptions for migraines carry the unfortunate weight gain as a side effect. In fact, many prescriptions for conditions from depression to high blood pressure carry with them a side effect of weight gain (among other serious side effects).

Additionally, these same medications also carry the potential for headaches. The same medications which treat the migraine cause a “rebound” effect and can trigger a headache.

For some, a thyroid condition (including hyperthyroidism) can be the cause of both weight gain and migraines. To know for sure, you should see your doctor.

Another reason the migraine headache could appear to be causing the weight gain is the sedentary lifestyle one tends to adopt to deal with the triggers (light, loud noises, certain smells, changes in weather or air pressure) of migraines.

As if that weren’t bad enough, there is the “chicken vs. the egg” dilemma of weight gain and migraines. While the drugs that treat migraines can cause weight gain, obesity itself can trigger migraines.

Most of all, one of the biggest triggers of migraine is lack of oxygen delivery to the brain. At the same time, one of the biggest reasons for weight gain is lack of oxygen in the body. So you see there is a obvious connection between the two.

While everyone knows that I believe in all natural therapies for health conditions (including migraines, headaches and weight gain!), I do want to stress that if you are currently taking prescription medicines for a health condition, do not just stop taking them. Suddenly stopping a prescription medication can bring about serious and even life-threatening effects.

What I would suggest instead is that you try my all natural Migraine and Headache program or my Weight Loss Breeze program. They offer breathing and relaxation exercises and results are seen immediately! Many of my clients have been able to gradually reduce and even stop taking prescription medicines to treat their conditions after using my programs.

EL331002

Posted in Migraine / Headaches, Weight Loss | No Comments »

How Natural Migraine Treatment Can Help a Sinus Headache

Friday, April 10th, 2009

A good friend of mine, whom I’ll admit I am only able to see once a month or so had been battling a sinus infection. Not strange, until I recently realized she’d been battling the SAME infection for over three months!

In asking her about her symptoms (fever, sweating, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion and headache in the beginning) they seemed accurate, however, her doctor prescribed her an antibiotic which cleared up all of the side effects but the headache and nasal congestion.

I encouraged her to see her doctor again to ensure this wasn’t a lingering infection. Sure enough, what my friend was now suffering from was sinus congestion, not sinus infection.

Sinuses are air-filled spaces or cavities in the cheekbones, forehead, and behind the bridge of the nose. Normal sinus cavities produce thin mucus which then drains out of the nose.

Sometimes, though, sinuses can become inflamed (typically as a result of infection or allergies) and it will prevent the mucus from properly draining out of the nose, which leads to a buildup.

This buildup can result in pain, usually in the cheekbones, forehead and bridge of the nose where the sinuses are located. In fact, my friend’s doctor, in diagnosing her actually pressed in on her cheekbones to illicit a response.

For some, the buildup can also cause symptoms of nasal discharge, difficulty hearing and swelling in the face. For my friend, a sudden movement of her head either forward or backward, would intensify her headache.

After awhile, my friend’s headache spread to one side of her brain, then the next and she experienced pain, nausea and an “aura” she’d never felt before. Her only relief was to lie still for several hours until it passed.

Having performed much research into the different types of headaches and treatments involved, what she was describing to me, sure enough, sounded like a migraine. Her doctor, in fact, said that constant sinus congestion can lead to migraines.

Medications were prescribed for this but lead to “rebound” headaches, and other side effects including dizziness, and dependency. I was more than confident that my migraine/headache program would provide relief and her doctor also recommended oxygen therapy when the headaches would occur.

To her doctor’s credit, he also asked her about her sleeping habits, exercise habits and work habits.

My friend likes to keep the house cooler in the winter to reduce energy waste and save on utility bills. So, this means when she’s sleeping, she tends to pull the covers over her head and breath in the warmer air under the covers. What she’s actually doing is breathing in carbon dioxide she’s actually just exhaled.

When my friend exercises, she tends to do a lot of cardiovascular routines and headaches often result suddenly.

Finally, when my friend works, she tends to lean forward in her chair (I’ve witnessed it) with her head unaligned with her neck.

What we discovered together is that my friend is actually, in all of the above three situations, severely limiting her oxygen intake.

Given my years of research of headaches – all types, there are two constants. The biggest being LACK OF OXYGEN to the brain. The second, body position, ties into how oxygen is being delivered to the brain.

For my friend, simply changing her sleeping habits, and body position while working weren’t enough. She refused to give up on exercise and who could blame her, so I asked her to try my Migraine and Headache Relief program.

Sure enough, with my all natural breathing and body position exercises, she was able to live her life the way she wanted without the plague of headaches, sinus or otherwise. The moral of the story is that we need oxygen and assuming that just breathing in and out isn’t always the delivery method we need.

EL3001002

Posted in Migraine / Headaches | No Comments »

Noise Pollution – More than Just an Annoyance

Monday, March 9th, 2009

One thing that makes me good at my profession is my passion (or curse, at times) for knowledge and learning. I’ll start with an idea and then go from there – research, interviews, research, testing, research, research, research.

My friends and family have lovingly referred to me as “Mr. Fix It” (or “Mr. Know-it-all” when they don’t like my conclusions) due to my need to take a problem and find a solution – all naturally if possible.

One friend likes to play a game with me where she will “nutshell” a problem and ask me to find the cause with very little to go on. For example, she recently told me that her friend who lives by an airport suffers from high blood pressure.

I am then to tell her why this is so. I must also assume that since she has given no information about her friend’s health history, age, and lifestyle choices (alcohol, cigarettes, etc.) that these have been checked out and are not a major contributing factor.

As the title of this article has exposed, airports are noisy. So? Why would this be important? In order to answer that I applied my research techniques and found an amazing amount of information on noise pollution and its effects on one’s health.

Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise is unwanted or unpleasant noise created by both people and animals and machines.

When noise is at 45 decibels, we are unable to sleep. When it reaches 85 decibels, hearing begins to become damaged, causing tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and hearing loss. At 120 decibels, ear pain can be felt.

Sometimes the noise is simply annoying, for example, loud people, barking dog or loud stereo system registering at a decibel level low enough not to cause damage but to still produce symptoms such as irritability, or frustration.

Commons sources of noise include cars, trains, airplanes, factory machinery and construction machinery.

Even when exposed short term to loud noise, people can experience high blood pressure, lack of sleep, indigestion, confusion and forgetfulness.

If exposure becomes chronic (i.e., working or living near high noise areas such as an airport), the effects can be devastating to one’s health. These effects include: heart disease, ulcers, permanent hearing loss and can even lead to mental illness.

While the U.S. does have laws governing noise pollution, they vary from state to state, city to city, with some having no laws at all because many still view the problem as a nuisance and not a health issue.

The best solution of course is to avoid the source of the noise but when that’s not possible for say working in or living near high noise areas, take steps to mitigate the risk of damage by following proper hearing safety protocols at work and insulating ones home to noise as much as possible.

While I can’t offer these tools, I can offer my program for regulating blood pressure with my High Blood Pressure program. This program includes exercises which reverse the stress caused by the high noise - therefore lowering your blood pressure even if you have to stay around the noise.

EL331002

Posted in High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Vertigo / Dizziness | No Comments »

Stress – Can it be Good for You?

Friday, March 6th, 2009

Practically everyone over the age of 30 who has seen a doctor knows what stress can do to the body. It can trigger high blood pressure which can, over time, contribute to several health issues. So then, what does the term “good stress” imply?

Let’s start with a definition of stress. No problem, right? Wrong. Even though every one of us has experienced stress, the condition itself is subjective and difficult to pin down. Everyone experiences stress in different ways so how do we define it if it’s different for everyone?

The term “stress” was first used in the 1930s by the endocrinologist Hans Selye to identify physiological responses in test subjects. He defined stress as a “nonspecific response of the body to a demand.”

He then broadened the term to humans. Stress referred to the reaction of the individual to the “stressor,” or threat, whether real or perceived in dealing with challenges of everyday life.

Today, we use the term as a catch-all to point out a non-specific problem - “I’m stressed out!”

During a stressful situation, one’s brain releases stress hormones which trigger a series of responses which cause blood-sugar levels rise, allowing glucose to be redirected to the muscles for fighting or fleeing dangerous situations (fight or flight response), the heartbeat speeds up and blood pressure increases. Blood is redirected from the stomach to the extremities to keep up with the demand for energy.

This worked well for humans historically but today we rarely need to physically flee or fight a dangerous situation. Overall, today’s stressors tend to be emotional. It is not realistic to think that we can “flee” conflicts at work or with family.

Stressors need not be great to cause the body to react and typically, if the stressor is small the physical response will be small but over time, when we are not able to respond and adapt to stressful situations, a physical toll on the body is the result.

This can lead to many health issues including, ulcers, diabetes, migraines, allergies, asthma, and even heart disease. But what about “good” stress?

Positive, or good stress tends to be physical (i.e., subjecting the body to an exercise workout and the result is positive for the body) but can also be mental. Some of us don’t view a deadline at work as a challenge but rather an opportunity to succeed. Others of us dread it and can expect typical stress reactions.

Fortunately, there are several natural methods of dealing with negative stress. These include: Deep breathing and relaxation exercises, physical exercise, talking with a therapist about your problems, allowing yourself to cry when you need to, and even avoiding situations where there is a pattern of stress you can’t deal with.

If high blood pressure is the result of your long term stress, I encourage you to try my all natural High Blood Pressure program. I recommend my Headache and Migraine program if headaches are the result of your stress. My programs have helped thousands help lead more stress-free healthy lives!

EL331002

Posted in High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches, Sleep Disorders, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Cluster Headaches – Are Natural Remedies Available?

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

Over ninety percent of us will experience some type of primary headache in our lifetime. Primary headaches are headaches which do not have an underlying medical condition associated with them, causing the headaches. There are three types of headaches in this group: tension, migraine and cluster headache.

Based on the feedback I’ve received from my clients, they have achieved phenomenal results for their tension and migraine headaches without the need for drugs, using my all natural Migraine and Headache Relief program.

Recently, though, I’ve been asked if my program will help with their cluster headaches. In order to answer that question, I’d like to provide some information on each of the different primary headaches in order for those reading to be able to better assess which type of headache they are experiencing.

Tension Headache – this is the most common type of headache. In fact, over 80 percent of headache sufferers fall into this category. A tension headache is described as pain or discomfort in the head, scalp or neck and usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Sufferers describe the pain as that of a rubber band squeezing the head and sometimes neck.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from tension headaches as men. Although the pain can sometimes be severe, for most it’s not debilitating and most sufferers are able to complete their daily tasks uninterrupted.

Symptoms include: Triggers or stressors for tension headaches include: Emotional or mental stress, depression, anxiety, fatigue, bad posture, lack of sleep and over exertion. These headaches can last from 30 minutes to an entire week. They are either episodic (lasting 15 days or less per month) or chronic (lasting over 15 days per month).

While some doctors do prescribe medications for tension headaches, relaxation exercises including deep breathing exercises, have provided long term relief for most sufferers.

Migraine Headache – this is the second most common type of headache. Unlike a tension headache, these headaches are considered vascular, meaning they involve abnormal sensitivity of the arteries in the brain and abnormal blood flow in certain parts of the brain.

The abnormal flow of blood results in the artery rapidly constricting, causing other arteries to dilate. This results in moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, sometimes spreading to both sides of the head.

Women are three times as likely as men to develop migraine headaches. For some, the attacks are infrequent but for others, they happen frequently and can be debilitating, hindering daily activities. These headaches generally last from 4 to 72 hours but can sometimes persist for weeks.

Symptoms include: Nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound or smell and pain that worsens with physical activity. About 15-20% of sufferers experience an “aura,” meaning some sort of visual distortion.

Triggers for migraine headaches include: Foods (red wine, certain cheeses, chocolate, aspartame, MSG and processed meats), changes in weather (temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, etc.), smells or fumes, loud noises, lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits, emotional or mental stress, and certain headache medication. Traditional painkillers have been known to cause rebound headaches – these are more similar to tension headaches.

Many migraine sufferers have responded well to oxygen treatments after the fact but relaxation and breathing exercises as a preventative have proven extremely effective for many sufferers. Most migraine sufferers have found relief by eliminating certain food triggers.

Cluster Headache – also known as the “suicide” headache, this type of headache is by far the most painful and debilitating known. Its ominous nickname came about because historically, people have actually committed suicide just to get relief from this headache. Women have described this pain as worse than childbirth.

Cluster headaches have been so named because they occur in groups or clusters. They tend to happen several times a day for several weeks. For most, they will subside for a few months but then recur again with the same frequency and intensity.

Cluster headaches are the least common of the three primary headaches. They tend to come on without warning. The headache is described as intense unilateral (one-sided) non-throbbing pain usually located behind one eye. The attacks tend to last less than an hour and although they can happen several times a day, they tend to happen at the same time each day.

Unlike migraines, the sufferer gets no relief from lying motionless and will oftentimes pace or even bang their heads. The intense pain is caused by the dilation of blood vessels which creates pressure on the trigeminal nerve. Like migraines, the cause of the abnormal blood flow is unknown.

Unlike the other two headaches men are five times as likely to suffer from cluster headaches as women. In addition to the above mentioned pain, other symptoms can include: a drooping eyelid on the affected side, watery eyes and blocked nasal passages. Cluster headaches are often misdiagnosed as sinus infections.

Triggers include: Lack of sleep (even though many who suffer the attacks during REM sleep will often avoid sleep in order to avoid an attack), sleep apnea, snoring, Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate),stress, alcohol, smoking and certain food allergies. Like tension headaches, cluster headaches are either episodic or chronic.

Cluster headaches follow a seasonal rhythm and most are affected during spring or fall. In fact, the headaches, while typically occurring several times a day, tend to happen at the same time each day. For many, the attacks start just as the sufferer enters REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Studies have shown that sufferers with sleep apnea or excessive snoring where much more likely to experience cluster headaches than those without the disorders. When these conditions were treated, the cluster headaches subsided.

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history (including family history since cluster headaches are partly genetic) and physical examination. A CT or MRI may be performed to rule out other conditions. A diagnosis is usually generated based on the above and the description of the pain.

Treatment for cluster headaches include, pain medication but most of these medications are not preventative – they only treats symptoms once they appear. Certain other medications which, help to prevent symptoms but carry with them severe side effects including high blood pressure, angina and liver conditions.

Oxygen therapy has proven the most effective – the sufferer directly breaths in oxygen for 10-20 minutes. This is not convenient though, as the user must always carry an oxygen tank and, it once again only treats symptoms after they appear.

Recently, studies have shown that deep breathing exercises (like my Migraine and Headache Relief Program) have proven beneficial toward preventing an attack. Oxygen is the key and my program works to get the body and the brain the oxygen it’s starving for. Additionally, if you suffer from snoring (a trigger for cluster headaches), my Stop Snoring Program could also help treat this problem.

EL331001H

Posted in Migraine / Headaches, Snoring / Sleep Apnea | No Comments »

Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medications

Monday, January 26th, 2009

My wife and I were watching a program on television one night when a commercial came on touting a new prescription medication and its great benefits. I admit I was barely paying attention to the commercial when my wife muttered, “With those side effects, the cure truly is worse than the disease.” Huh? Thanks to digital recording technology I was able to rewind the commercial and listen to possible side effects. They did seem bad indeed, especially when “possible stroke or heart attack” was mentioned.

As often happens, one idea leads to many and soon I was relating that commercial to the numerous email correspondence I’ve received from clients relating to my natural High Blood Pressure Program. The two most consistent messages I’ve received from clients are: My program has helped them dramatically lower their blood pressure without medication and that those who were previously on prescription medication sought out my natural remedy because they just couldn’t bear the negative side effects of the medicine.

Many of my clients even went so far as to name their medications. This led me to research the many high blood pressure medications and their side effects. Even though I’d received first hand information from clients, my research findings were eye opening.

Let’s first discuss high blood pressure and why intervention is even considered necessary. High blood pressure or hypertension is a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90. While many treat this as a disorder, it is in fact, a symptom of a larger disease or ailment. Most of the time doctors do not know what the larger issue is so they treat the symptom – high blood pressure.

Why is high blood pressure a bad thing? High blood pressure can lead to weakening of arteries, heart disease, heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure can affect not only the heart but the brain, eyes and kidneys.

Even the non life threatening dangers of high blood pressure are disturbing – blindness, erectile dysfunction, loss of sleep and the list continues. An added negative trait about high blood pressure is that often times; there are no symptoms, hence, the label – “silent killer.”

For others though, symptoms of high blood pressure include: blurred vision, headaches, dizziness and nausea. The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to have it measured.

One high blood pressure reading does not always indicate chronic high blood pressure so it’s important to schedule regular physicals and keep your doctor informed about your family history, medical history, medications you are taking (even over the counter medications can cause high blood pressure).

If your doctor prescribes high blood pressure medication, you should know what possible side effects are. While there are several different types of high blood pressure medication, I am going to focus on four of them: ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors – These drugs help blood vessels relax by blocking the production angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. Commonly prescribed ACE inhibitors include: benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) ,quinapril (Accupril, Mavik) and ramipril (Altace).

Side effects include: Increased potassium levels, lingering cough, headache, dizziness, nausea, joint pain, weakness, chest pain, fever and in rare cases, kidney disease.

Beta Blockers – These drugs reduce nerve signals to the heart and blood vessels which causes the heart to beat slower and use less force, thus reducing blood pressure. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include: acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), penbutolol (Levatol), propranolol (Inderal) and timolol (Blocadren).

Side effects include: fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, impotence, depression, memory loss and even hallucenations.

Calcium Channel Blockers – These drugs block calcium from entering heart and blood vessel muscle cells, thus preventing the blood vessels from constricting and lowering blood pressure. Commonly prescribed beta blockers include: amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR) felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan).

Side effects include: nausea, heartburn, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, and in some cases, stroke and heart attack – one of the very things the drug is designed to prevent.

Diuretics (water pills) – These drugs flush the body of fluid and sodium so that the blood vessels do not hold as much fluid, and in turn lower blood pressure. Common diuretics include: chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix) and indapamide (Lozol).

Side effects include: electrolyte imbalances, impotence, breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia), gout, menstrual irregularities, increased blood sugar, blurred vision, and fever.

If you are currently taking high blood pressure medication and are experiencing any of the above symptoms (the above list is by no means complete), DO NOT stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. Discuss your valid concerns with your doctor and discuss reducing and eventually removing medicine from your system.

I recommend my all natural High Blood Pressure Program because it works. Don’t be concerned if your doctor is hesitant to natural remedies, as most traditional doctors are.

Start out using my program in conjunction with the medicine and as your blood pressure lowers, and that will be your proof that the program works. Keep seeing your doctor and reducing the medication and using my High Blood Pressure Program until you eventually no longer need medication.

EL331001H

Posted in High Blood Pressure, Migraine / Headaches, Vertigo / Dizziness | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
Natural Health Alternative Blog Weight Loss Program Erectile Dysfunction High Blood Pressure Weight Loss cure vertigo and dizziness /insomnia Neck Pain - Whiplash