Day 2 of Cycle - Migraine Free So Far!

Hi Readers,

Well, this is exciting - I am currently on day 2 of my cycle, and I have not yet experienced a migraine! Yay!

All that I have had so far (on day 1 of my cycle) was a little bit of neck stiffness (that didn't last longer than 30 minutes), and a little nausea, which passed very quickly.

But - NO PAIN!!

I am very pleased, as you might well imagine if you have similar problems.

If you saw my last post a couple of days ago, you will have seen that I recently tested low for Vitamin D, so I have begun supplementation in order to raise my levels. This is the only change I have made, so it seems logical that this may have something to do with it.

I would like to suggest looking at this lady's website: http://drgominak.com/headache-migraine which explains much more about the link to Vitamin D/sleep/migraine etc.

This lady is also on YouTube (I think I posted a link to the 1st video in my last post, but I can't remember, so may link to them all again on here in a moment!).

I will update again in a day or so, to let you guys know if any migraines pop up, but so far, it's all good news!!

Keep well!

Lou.

(To view the full blog click here)

PS, here's the clips:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7cbBB1c0IM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1APENOUWxBQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JUq4fphjC0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeb3PtkCd_c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUybbVOoRU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Long time no see! Probably as I'm low in Vitamin D!

Hi readers,

Apologies for the long absence, but I think I may have finally got to the bottom of my problems.

I recently had my Vitamin D level tested with these people: http://www.grassrootshealth.net

It turns out that my level is rather low.

This would explain a great deal, regarding my health issues (including menstrual migraines).

My aim now, is to get my vitamin D levels up to the ideal range (using supplements/the sun - if we ever get any/tanning beds for short periods/eating oily fish), so that I can see if it makes a difference!

I am planning to test my levels again in about 2 months to see if there's any progress.

There are some very informative clips on YouTube that you may find interesting, here are a couple of really cracking videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHCD3fONV1k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lRtx-4_FOY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

(I'm not sure if those links are working, so you may need to copy & paste the link into your browser.)

There are also many books on Amazon etc that are very informative on the subject.

I would be interested to hear of other people's experiences with this and whether they managed to eliminate their menstrual migraines by getting their Vitamin D levels back up into the optimal range. Please comment if you have anything to add.

Thanks for reading!

Lou.

(To view my full blog click here)

These Migraines still keep coming...

Hi Readers,


My new cycle began on Friday, this is how the pattern went:


Friday (Day 1): Bad headache which turned into a migraine.
Saturday (Day 2): Headache in the afternoon, mega uterine cramps (felt like contractions) in the evening.
Sunday (Day 3): Felt extremely tired and had a real lack of concentration.
Monday (Day 4): Still very tired, (mild headache lurking in the background) concentration still difficult.

So, it's hard to say whether any of the stuff I am doing is helping or not, however, I managed to get through it all with only two doses of painkillers, which is pretty good.

For the rest of this cycle, I will continue with the:

• Oil Pulling (with Organic Virgin Coconut Oil)
• Butterbur Capsules (75mg twice per day)
• Yoga
• Pranayama Alternate Nostril Breathing & Brahmari (Humming Bee Breath)
• (and anything else that may crop up!) and keep you all posted on the progress of these.

The Butterbur capsules take a while to work apparently, so it may be a few months before I get any benefit from those - here's hoping!

Hope you are all having a good day!

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

Oil pulling for Health Benefits & Whiter Teeth!

Hi all,

This cycle seems to be going well so far, I did not have an ovulation migraine (I sometimes get those) and I am feeling pretty good in myself (not too much PMS) so all in all, I'm happy!

My next cycle is due to begin on Jan 29th, and in addition to the regimen on my last post I have added a few extras:

• Oil Pulling with Organic Virgin Coconut Oil  - (yeah, I know, what's that?!) I've included the link at the beginning of this sentence, so read all about it if you're interested to find out more. There's so much info on this website about it, I was intrigued and figured it had to be worth a try!
• Yoga - I've just started this, and am aiming at doing half hour Yoga per day. It's relaxing and calming (just what I need!) who knows if it will help, but it's worth a go.

When you begin doing the Oil-pulling, a little healing crisis can take place apparently. I just found that I felt very tired for a few days to start with, and I did come out in a few zits too!
The advantages have been: Whiter teeth! (even my Hubby commented that he thought they looked whiter!), less PMS (so far...)

I am still following this too:

•A dental splint (NTI-TSS, see link: http://www.nti-tss.com/) to prevent me from clenching my jaw during sleep (I am aware that I do this, and often have a sore jaw in the morning).



•Butterbur Capsules 75mg (Swanson Brand), one capsule twice a day with food, which are said to be good for preventing/relieving migraines.


I will update soon to document any other changes

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

Let's try again...

Hi readers,

I posted last month to say that I would be trying the NTI-TSS dental splint, and the Butterbur 75mg capsules.

Since then, I have had a nasty bout of stomach flu, and was unable to take the capsules.

I will begin the experiment again, and let you all know what I think.

If anyone else has tried the above, I'd be keen to hear your thoughts!

Next cycle due to begin 29th Jan 2011. Will keep you all posted.

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

Onwards and Upwards

Hi readers,


Just popping in to update you with the next experiment!

As from today, I am going to be trying:

• A dental splint (NTI-TSS, see link: http://www.nti-tss.com/) to prevent me from clenching my jaw during sleep (I am aware that I do this, and often have a sore jaw in the morning).
• Butterbur Capsules 75mg (Swanson Brand), one capsule twice a day with food, which are said to be good for preventing/relieving migraines.

My next cycle is due to begin on 2nd Jan 2011, so I will update soon to let you know if either of these seem to be helping.

In the meantime, Merry Christmas to everyone!

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

Ideas, anyone?

Hi all,

Since my last post, I have remained mostly vegetarian, which has helped my migraines to an extent, however, I have still had a few migraines in the meantime, so I know that I haven't completely kicked this thing.

So, now I'm opening it up to you, the reader, to put forward your suggestions, anything's worth a try!

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

Going Vegetarian helps my Menstrual Migraines!!

Hi Readers!!

I haven't been around for a while (sorry) but I do have some new stuff to tell you!

Since my last post in March, I have become Vegetarian (mainly due to some digestion issues I was having) and, as well as helping the digestion issues, it has also made a huge improvement to my migraines - yay!!

I decided to go Veggie in May 2010 as an experiment initially, and only weeks later realised how much it was helping me in the migraines department.
(If you see my post from July 2009 you will see that I tried cutting out only red meat, to no effect. This time, I have cut out all meat/fish/flesh, and I have been using Quorn as a replacement)

Since that time I have not had to:

• Take any Sumatriptan tablets
• Miss any family days (I have a 4 year old boy)
• Spend the day lying in a darkened room

Since then, on the recommendation of a friend, I have also been to see a Kinesiologist (don't ask me to explain what they do!) who tested me with various foods, and told me to lay off wheat & sugar.

I will see how that goes over a period of time.

(To view my full blog click here)

The amazing Coconut Oil!

Hi all,

I've been researching Virgin Coconut Oil as a health product recently, and decided to try some. It's one of those things where you often feel worse before you feel better, but I decided to go for it anyway! Here's my experiences with it:

When I first got hold of my tub of VCO, I enthusiastically tucked in and took 1tbsp straight away - what a big mistake that was! I felt lousy, had a banging headache which painkillers wouldn't touch, my joints ached, awful brain fog and I felt as though I was coming down with flu.


The next day, I decided to take a bit less, and so went for 1tsp, however, even this was too much for me by this point, so I had to cut back even further.


The following day, I reduced my total daily amount down to one eighth of a teaspoon (and I even split that in two and had half in the morning and half in the evening). This did seem to help, although I still had a bit of brain fog.


I gradually increased the amount by one sixteenth of a teaspoon per day (I know it sounds ridiculous, but I had to take it slow, as I couldn't bear the headaches otherwise).


I am now on a total of ½ a tablespoon per day (divided up into 4 separate doses) and seem to be doing quite well on that now. I will continue to increase the amount, until I am up to 3½ tbsp per day (hopefully).


Also, I have found a couple of products which help to reduce the die-off effect, these are Molybdenum drops and Pantethine Capsules. They seem to make a big difference and really help to reduce the brain fog & other symptoms so that I can get on with my life. Google it for yourself for more info.


The benefits I have noticed so far since taking the VCO internally are:


1. I feel generally calmer & happier.
2. I feel like I'm smiling more.
3. I have less anxiety.
4. I have lost weight - yay!
5. I have lost my sugar cravings.
6. I don't feel the need to keep snacking all the time.
7. I don't get as lightheaded when I get out of bed/stand up/get out of the bath.
8. My heartbeat has stopped racing.


I'm sure there are many more that I haven't thought of, I'll update if I think of any more. I'm hoping that it will help with my PMS symptoms & menstrual migraine this month too. I will post again to update with regards to that.


I have also been using it externally with excellent results:


1. On my scalp (which has been itching for the last 15 years!) it helps enormously.
2. Inside my ears (they've been itching for about a year or so) it makes a huge difference.
3. All over my body after showering, but before towelling dry (I picked this tip up from the forum on the above website) it makes my skin feel great. I also seem to feel 'cleaner' in between showers.
4. As my facial moisturiser in the morning and before bed.
5. My husband has been using it to prevent shaving rash and it has made a big difference.
6. My husband also has large patches of very dry skin on his back, I've been massaging it in every day, and it's really helping with that too.


So, I have to say that I am very impressed with this amazing oil so far, now that I have got through the initial die-off period. It was well worth it!


Any questions/comments, please feel free to message me.
(There's LOTS of info online regarding the health benefits of VCO, have a good read if you're interested!)


Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

I'm back

Hi readers,


Apologies once again for not posting sooner.


I believe the problems I had were side effects from the Maca that I was taking. I was experiencing some awful abdominal cramps, which have since cleared up.  I won't be taking the maca in future! If anyone wants to buy my supply, get in touch!


Anyway, the latest thing I'm trying is a product called 'Pure Epa' from a company called Mind 1st. Click on the link if you'd like to read more about it (it's a UK company, but if you Google 'Pure EPA', you may find a supplier in your country).

On the website, it says that you have to take it for 12 weeks so really see the benefit. I have been taking it for 1 week so far, and I already love it! I won't go into too much detail about the benefits I've experienced so far, but let's just say - my husband isn't complaining! ;)

Also, I'm back on the celery juice! (I took a break from it while I was I'll).


Lou :)


(To view my full blog click here)

Update, January 2010

Hi Readers,

Apologies for not updating the blog for a while, I have been unwell for the last 3 weeks (not Menstrual Migraine related!) and haven't really been up to it.

I'll get back to you all when I'm feeling better and let you know my latest experiments!

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

Adding Maca to the Mix (Dec '09 - Jan '10)

Hi,

It's day 7 of my cycle, and on reflection, I think it has been a fairly successful one.
I did have a headache on day 1, which I managed to get under control with OTC painkillers. It only lasted about 4 hours (which is a great improvement on the 7 day stretch I have had in the past!)

The things I tried this month were listed in this post.

In that post, I listed a product called Maca, which I was looking into at the time. Since then I have purchased some, and have been taking them alongside all the other stuff (I was using a fairly small dose) but didn't notice any effects from them at the time. I since decided to up my dose, and will let you know how that goes (sorry I forgot to post these details sooner). The main reason I decided to take them is that:

1. I believe my headaches/migraines to be hormonal.
2. Maca is reported to help to normalise/balance hormones.
3. If you remember my previous post here about oestrogen/estrogen dominance - it's supposed to help with that side of things too, from what I have read.
4. Maca is believed to help with many health issues (google it and see for yourself) which I think I might benefit from. Only time will tell. I'll update about this once I've taken it for a while longer at the increased dose.

As for the forthcoming cycle (Dec '09 - Jan '10) I will continue on the following regime:

• Celery Juice in the mornings
• Magnesuim Supplements 3 times per day on an empty stomach
• Pantothenic Acid Supplements (vitamin B5) once per day (with food)
• Maca Supplements
• The 'Water Cure' all day every day. I drink a pint of water straight after my celery juice, and make sure I have at least 4 pints of water per day, along with a dash of real sea salt (I'm using Maldon).

And - if you have anything you can suggest which might be of use, then please, drop me a line! The comments section can be used, to contact me. Please feel free to share any ideas you may have!


(To view my full blog click here)

Avoiding migraines during Menstruation (I hope!)

Hi Readers,



Today is day 1 of my cycle (Dec '09 - Jan '10), and as yet, I do not have a migraine!! Woohoo!

As usual, I'll document the progress of this cycle as I go along:




(To view my full blog click here)

	Morning	Afternoon
Day 1	No Migraine	Moderate headache & nausea (took OTC painkillers and it went by 6pm)
Day 2	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 3	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 4	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 5	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 6	No Migraine	No Migraine

Avoiding migraines - (Nov 09 - Dec 09 cycle)

Hi Readers,

So far it has been a good month, with no migraines - yay!

I have continued to drink the 'celery juice' each day, and it seems to be helping (and having a fantastic effect on my skin too!).
Also, I have maintained 'the water cure', by following the recipe as per the watercure website.

My next cycle is due to begin on Friday 11th Dec, I will post the progress as I go along, as usual.

If anyone else is trying this, I'd love to hear from you!


Lou :)


(To view my full blog click here)

The power of Celery Juice (Nov 09 - Dec 09 cycle)

Hiya readers,




I have to say that I was very impressed with the 'Celery Juice' experiment last cycle! I had a couple of headaches, but at no point did they turn into migraines. I got through the whole experience without needing to take a Sumatriptan tablet (yay!). Just a couple of Ibuprofen.



Also, I have been continuing with the Pantothenic Acid supplements, Magnesium Citrate Supplements and the Water Cure (which you can read all about if you follow the link on my post regarging that recently).


I've been taking the Magnesium since June 09, however, I only added the Pantothenic Acid, and the Water cure to my regime a couple of days before my new cycle began, so I doubt that they would have had much of an effect in such a short time.

This is why I think the celery juice is the main thing that has helped this time. I took the celery juice for a good couple of weeks before my new cycle started.

I've been using the celery juice as a preventative - I juice up a big batch, and freeze it portions, and I drink a portion first thing in the morning every day. I haven't had a migraine since. Also, I have recently had what I think was swine flu (normally when I get colds/flu, I also get a migraine) but I was surprisingly migraine-free for the whole time that I was ill. Fab!



It's certainly helped this cycle, however, I'd prefer to not even get so much as a headache, and so I'm continuing to read around and research different things which may help.



One thing which has grabbed my eye recently, is a supplement called 'Maca' (which can be obtained in capsule or powder form) it is said to be beneficial for a variety of things, including helping to balance the hormones (which is what I believe is causing these migraines, seeing as I get them at ovulation and menstruation) and all sorts of other benefits. Google it for yourself and see what I'm talking about!

So, for this month, this is my regime:

• Celery Juice in the mornings
• Magnesuim Supplements 3 times per day on an empty stomach
• Pantothenic Acid Supplements (vitamin B5) once per day
• Maca Supplements (haven't decided what dose to start on yet, if any of you have tried it, please let me know what dosage worked well for you!)
• The 'Water Cure' all day every day. I drink a pint of water straight after my celery juice, and make sure I have at least 4 pints of water per day, along with a dash of real sea salt (I'm using Maldon).

Also, if you're interested in following the progress of this blog, there is a link on the right of the page, which will send you an update whenever I update this blog. It's an automated service, so your e-mail address does not get passed on to me.

And - if you have anything you can suggest which might be of use, then please, drop me a line! The comments section can be used, to contact me, and if you don't want your comment published on here, let me know, as I moderate them anyway. Please feel free to share any ideas you may have!

I'm due to ovulate in a few days, so it will be interesting to see what happens then!

Edited to add: since I have been following the regime above, I have noticed that my facial skin is looking and feeling much better (smoother & less blemishes) and also, the skin on my elbows is lovely and soft again, like it was when I was a kid! It's worth doing just for that!

Lou




PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Progress so far (Oct 09 - Nov 09 cycle)

Hi readers,

Here's the progress of my current cycle so far:

	Morning	Afternoon
Day 1	No Migraine
Day 2	No Migraine (mild headache in the afternoon).
Day 3	No Migraine (another mild evening headache)
Day 4	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 5	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 6	No Migraine	No Migraine

I'll update again soon

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

New cycle has begun (Oct 09 - Nov 09)

Hi readers,

My new cycle has begun today.

Since my last post, I have continued with the Celery Juice, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), and the Water Cure (see previous post for links).

I have also continued the Magnesium Citrate Supplements (I've been taking this since June).

So far, I'm feeling pretty good, and I don't seem to have had too many of the usual PMS symptoms going on and I don't have a migraine, although I have my Sumatriptan tablets on hand just in case anything develops!

I'll keep you all updated as I go along
Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

The plan for next month (Oct 09 - Nov 09)

Hi readers,

Having had a disappointing cycle last time, I have been reading around some more....

I have found a few things which might be useful, and have started them already (it's currently day 22 of my cycle).

Here goes:

• Celery juice (don't laugh until you've seen the link!).


• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - here's the link (apparently it also helps with oily skin and anxiety - both of which I have, amongst other things).


• 'The Water Cure' - This is a must read! Here's the link and another one here. I've been doing this for the last few days, and have already noticed a difference!
• For those that are interested in reading more about this, there's books on the subject below (I haven't read them yet personally, but when I do, I'll post my thoughts)

Will post more soon when I've given this a go for a while!

Lou :)

A new cycle begins...(Oct - Nov 2009)

Hi Readers,

My cycle began on Saturday (a day early) and here's how I've been getting on:

	Morning	Afternoon
Day 1	Severe Migraine :( (Took a Sumatriptan tablet)
Day 2	No Migraine
Day 3	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 4	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 5	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 6	No Migraine	No Migraine

As you can imagine, I was hugely disappointed after last month's success.
I've been trying to figure out if I did anything differently.

I'll keep you updated as I go along...

Lou.

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Will the success continue? - Day 26 of cycle (September - October 09)

Hi readers,

It's day 26 of my cycle, and a new one is due to begin on Sunday.

I'm continuing to use the 5-HTP capsules, and am hoping that the success I experienced last month, with it will be repeated this month.

I'll keep you posted as to how it goes!

Lou :)

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Day 6 of cycle (September - October 09) the killer tomatoes!

Hi readers,

If you've been following my updates this cycle, you'll be aware that I've been having some considerable success this month (in fact, I'm on cloud nine!).

As you may have noticed, on days 1, 2 and 3, I did have mild headaches in the afternoon, and I believe this was due to what I was eating at lunchtime.
I checked back on what I'd eaten, and it turns out I'd had tomatoes (or tomato sauce based dishes) on all of those days.
On days 4 and 5, I deliberately omitted tomatoes, and felt absolutely great on those afternoons (unheard of!).

I put the fact that I haven't woken up with headaches down to the fact that I have been taking 5-HTP supplements.
They're best taken on an empty stomach, so I take one dose as soon as I wake up in the morning 7am, another dose at 12pm and another dose at 6pm. I make sure I take them an hour before eating.
This seems to be giving me such great results, that I can't wait for next month now to see if it was a one off!

Also, I've been following the diet & exercise recommendations in a book I got from the library, which is all about boosting serotonin naturally (see below).
It's a very interesting read.
Also, another book which is specifically about the 5-HTP supplements, which is also very informative.

(To view my full blog click here)