Are you a cluster headache sufferer? If so, then you know how debilitating these headaches can be. An attack can cause severe pain, redness and tearing in the eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, sweating and a flushing or pale complexion. In addition, many people experience loss of appetite, as well as difficulty concentrating and having difficulty sleeping due to the severity of the pain. Cluster headaches can be difficult to treat with traditional medications, leaving many people to suffer with their symptoms.
Fortunately, there’s hope for alleviating your cluster headache symptoms. There are a number of dietary and nutritional strategies that can be implemented to help manage cluster headaches, and as it turns out, Bend’s local experts are the perfect ones to guide you through.
Understanding Cluster Headache Triggers
When it comes to addressing any health issue, it’s important to first address the triggers. Although the causes of cluster headaches are not fully understood, there are certain triggers that can lead to the development of cluster headaches or can make the symptoms worse when they occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, some common triggers of cluster headaches include those from lifestyle, medication-related, and environmental sources. Common lifestyle-related triggers include heavy drinking, night shifts, and changes in the sleep schedule. Common medication-related triggers include various nitroglycerine medications used to treat heart conditions, as well as vasoactive medications used to manage high blood pressure and cholesterol. Environmental triggers of cluster headaches might include strong-scented substances, such as air fresheners, cigarette smoke, and paint thinners.
Quality Sources of Diet and Nutrition Help
In addition to identifying and avoiding cluster headache triggers, there are nutritional strategies that can be employed to help relieve symptoms. Bend’s local experts are the perfect people to turn to for these plans, as they have the knowledge and experience to know the best sources of foods, nutrients, and recipes that can help manage cluster headaches.
Some of the local professionals to look to for advice on nutrition and diet changes are local physicians and dietitians. In addition to working one on one with such professionals, there are also a number of local health food and supplement stores that can be visited for suggestions and advice.
Nutrition and Diet Tips for Cluster Headache Relief
When it comes to curatively managing cluster headaches with diet and nutrition, there are a number of strategies that have been shown to be beneficial. Four primary dietary strategies have been found to help provide relief from cluster headaches:
1. Eliminating Food Triggers
-It’s important to identify any common agricultural products that trigger cluster headaches and to eliminate them from the diet. Some common dietary triggers include chocolate, nuts, and legumes.
2. Increasing the Intake of Mediterranean Foods
<br-Mediterranean foods have been shown to reduce inflammation, which can help prevent the development and severity of cluster headaches. Such foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, fish, and legumes.
3. Reducing Sugar Intake
<br-High sugar foods can cause inflammation of the scalp blood vessels, which can contribute to cluster headache development and severity. Reducing sugar intake and opting for less sugary, natural foods is advised.
4. Embracing a Low Sodium Diet
<br-Too much sodium can increase blood pressure, which in turn can trigger cluster headaches. Therefore, following a low sodium diet is recommended.
Best Supplements for Cluster Headache Relief
In addition to the dietary strategies outlined above, there are also a number of supplements that can be taken for cluster headache relief. Bend’s local experts recommend a few active ingredients that can help provide relief, such as magnesium, coenzyme Q-10, Vitamin C, and riboflavin. All of these ingredients have been shown to help regulate the production of free radicals, which can be overproduced and contribute to cluster headache development and severity.
In Conclusion
Cluster headaches can be extremely difficult to manage with traditional medications, leading many sufferers to look for alternative, complimentary therapies to help with relief. Thankfully, there are a number of dietary and nutritional strategies that can be employed to help manage cluster headache symptoms. When it comes to finding the best plans, it’s always best to look to local professionals in the health field for the best advice, and Bend’s local experts have the knowledge and the experience to guide you through. Embracing a Mediterranean diet while avoiding food triggers as well as taking select supplements can be beneficial in helping manage cluster headache symptoms.
