Headaches and Migraines

Definition

Headaches are general head pain.Migraines are a special type of headache,sharp and throbbing,which occurs suddenly and may be accompanied by nausea,vomiting and blurred vision.

Causes

The possible causes of headaches are numerous.They may be something unimportant or the first signs of a tumor or a serious brain lesion

Factors that can unleash or aggravate headaches or migraines

• Allergies
• Nervous Tension and stress
• Menstruation,particularly during the days preceding it

Food or Nutrient

There are no known foods able to prevent or cure headaches or migraines.But certain foods can cause them.Avoiding these can be most effective course of prevention,once other potential organic causes such as arterial aneurysms or tumors have been eliminated.When experiencing headaches or migraines reduce or eliminate:Alcoholic beverages,cured meats,beer,wine,cured cheeses,chocolate,stimulant beverages,white sugar,dairy products,ice-cream,citrus fruits etc.These foods contain tyramine,which is a proven vaso-constrictor that can cause migraine.

Underweight

Caution

When one loses weight for no apparent reason, a complete medical review is necessary to determine the cause and eliminate any malignant process

Causes

The most common causes of weight loss are: Digestive disorders, Intestinal parasites, Excess physical activity or out of proportion to the amount of food taken in, and hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism

Diet

To regain weight the diet must meet 3 requisites:

1. It must provide sufficient calories in the form of carbohydrates. This way the body can utilize dietary proteins to synthesize new proteins. If there are no sufficient calories in the diet, the body uses proteins for energy and not for tissue.

2. It must provide an adequate supply of B-Group of vitamins, which are essential in metabolism of carbohydrates, converting them to energy.

3. It must maintain the correct proportion of calories from the 3 energy nutrients; Carbohydrates (60%), fats (30%) and proteins (10%)

With the goal of taking in as many calories as possible, concentrated foods that are rich in B vitamins are recommended.

Such foods include: Whole grains, oats, wheat, legumes, and potatoes.

Diarrhea

Definition

This consists of expulsion of soft or liquid feces much more frequently than normal. This results in the loss of water and mineral salts that must be replaced. Children and the elderly are more sensitive to fluid imbalance.

Diet

In cases of severe diarrhea, only water and some of these fluids should be taken for 24 to 48 hrs.
Vegetable broth (rich in mineral salts)
Oral rehydration serum(this may be prepared by mixing a teaspoon of salt and 4 table spoons of sugar in 1 liter of water)
Diluted lemon juice
Infant formulas and/or soymilk for nursing infants

Causes

Causes of all diarrheas should be diagnosed. The most frequent are gastric infections, food toxins, food allergies and food intolerance

Treatment

In addition to specific treatment, once the acute phase has passed, one can give foods mildly astringent and anti-inflammatory for the intestinal mucosa such as Banana, Carrots, Rice, Yoghurt-studies confirm that yoghurt increases resistance to infections of digestive tract.
Reduce or eliminate the following foods; Milk, Eggs, Chicken, Fruit juices.