WMC Action News 5 Memphis, TN: How to fight major migraine symptoms
UC headache expert offers advice for avoiding migraine triggers
Migraines affect more than four million American adults, who experience at least 15 migraine days a month. Vincent Martin, MD, professor in the UC College of Medicine and head of the UC Headache and Facial Pain Center, spoke with Ivanhoe Broadcasting about migraine triggers.
About one in every eight people experiences migraines -- throbbing headaches that can last for hours or even days. “They get a variety of different symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and sometimes sensitivity to light and noise as well,” explains Martin.
Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Common culprits include caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, deli meats, and foods with MSG. Second, don’t skip meals. Fasting can bring on a migraine. And Martin noted that stress can also be a trigger.
Listen to the segment on migraines with Vincent Martin, MD, online.
Martin also spoke with HealthDay News about foods such as fatty fish which help ease migraines.
"A healthy migraine diet is one where you eat natural foods," Martin told HealthDay News. "You don't eat foods with a lot of preservatives, so anything in a box, in a bag and a can usually have preservatives in them, and/or flavor enhancers that can trigger headaches."
He also advises patients to cut out sugar.
Learn more about Martin's research at UC online.
Featured image of Vincent Martin, MD, taken by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand.
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