Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, Fourth Edition (144 page)

Try CoQ10.
You can have your CoQ10 levels tested. In 1,550 children with migraines, nearly 33 percent had low levels of CoQ10. Of those who came back for follow-up, CoQ10 levels increased and incidence and headache disability were reduced. In another study, 42 people with migraines took 100 mg of CoQ10 three times daily; another group took a placebo. In the CoQ10 group, 47.6 percent had their frequency of headaches reduced by half. Two other studies have demonstrated about half of people respond to CoQ10 supplements. Take 100 mg three times daily.

Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, and polyunsaturated fats.
Take 1,800 mg GLA/ALA and 2,000 to 3,000 mg of fish oil daily.

Try feverfew.
Feverfew needs to be taken on a daily basis as a preventive measure rather than as a treatment. There is a difference between fresh and dried feverfew and between various samples. If you don’t get relief from one type, try another. Fresh feverfew seems to work best. It is easy to grow, so you could just eat a few leaves each day. Tinctures are available and would best approximate fresh leaves. It also comes in a freeze-dried form that seems to be effective.
Twice daily, take 15 to 20 drops tincture, or take one to three capsules or one to three fresh leaves daily.

Try butterbur (Petadolex).
If you are one of the lucky, this could be a great remedy for you. Take 25 mg twice daily.

Take antioxidants.
Migraines are often triggered by substances that promote free radicals, such as cigarette smoke, perfume, hair spray, pollution, and household chemicals. One researcher found lower levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in platelets of people with migraines than in people with tension headaches. More research needs to be done in this area, but taking adequate antioxidants in a multivitamin with minerals may help prevent migraines.

Check for H. pylori.
H. pylori infection has been linked to migraines.

Explore possible candida infection.
A recent study of the relationship between candidiasis and migraines found that 13 out of 17 migraine sufferers responded to a three-month program of diet and medication with fewer and less severe headaches. Blood testing showed a lowering of candida antibodies as well. The four people who did not respond well didn’t stick to the program. Test for candida. (See
Chapter 11
.)

Try acupuncture.
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of migraine headaches in some people. Study results vary. You may find great or no benefit.

Explore behavioral techniques.
Many studies have been done and biofeedback, hypnotherapy, and stress-reduction techniques have all proven useful to some migraine sufferers. They may be 35 to 50 percent effective. Plus, you’ll have better stress-management skills to use in all areas of life. Behavioral techniques help us better understand stressors and how to cope more effectively.

Try chiropractic manipulation and massage.
Chiropractic manipulation and massage can help blood and lymphatic supply and relax muscle tension.

Obesity is a complex issue, and you could fill a small library with what has been written on it. Here I’m going to expose you to the new research on the connection between obesity and your digestive system.

There is a growing consensus in research that obesity has several defining characteristics:

Alterations in gut bacteria