Migraine

More than 26 million Americans suffer from the neurologic disorder of migraine, according to the American Medical Association. No medical test exists for migraine, so the diagnosis is based on having some or all of the following symptoms:

• a moderate to severe throbbing pain for four to 72 hours that is frequently on one side of the head (the word migraine comes from the Greek hemicranios, meaning half a head)
• nausea, with or without vomiting
• sensitivity to light and sound

About 15 to 20 percent of migraine sufferers experience visual and other disturbances about 15 minutes before the head pain. These symptoms, collectively known as "aura," may include flashing lights, zig-zag lines, bright spots, loss of part of one's field of vision, or numbness or tingling in the hand, tongue, or side of the face. Migraines preceded by an aura are called classic migraines; all others are referred to as common migraines.

Migraines strike some people about two or three times a year and others as frequently as twice a week or more. They appear to have a genetic link. According to the American Council for Headache Education, up to 90 percent of people with migraine have a family history of the condition.

While migraines usually appear in young adulthood, children aren't immune. In children, pain sometimes occurs on both sides of the head. Associated symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

HerbaCall Migraine Testimonials

• Dolores Sanders tells HerbaCall that she suffered from blinding migraines, was overweight an on antidepressants. "Since taking Herbalife Ultimate weight loss products, she has not had a migraine in 12 months!"
• Joy Donaldson has had migraines since she was a teenager. She writes that "Herbalife shakes and tablets stopped the pain in half an hour".
• Stacy Vickery has been on the Herbalife Ultimate Program for 1.5 years and says "I haven't had any migraines. One week I got sick and didn't take Herbalife like I should have been and wouldn't you know I got one."
• Barbara Wolf had severe PMS and Migraines. She tells Herbacall, "Then someone introduced me to Woman's Choice and my life has changed dramatically! I also take Cellular Nutrition, Xtra-Cal, Herbalifeline, and Tang Kuei and my husband thinks he has a new wife!"

Individual Migraine Triggers

Many scientists think migraine is a vascular disorder caused by a tightening (constriction) and sudden opening (dilation) of the blood vessels in the head, neck or scalp.

Others believe that the throbbing pain of migraine is caused by an abnormal release of neurochemicals in the brain, such as serotonin or noradrenaline.

Migraine sufferers may be born with a hypersensitive nervous system that makes them prone to the headaches. Then, a lifestyle or environmental "trigger," such as a hormonal change or a certain food or chemical, can provoke an attack.

A simple change in lifestyle to avoid personal triggers may minimize the frequency of migraines in some patients.

Potential dietary triggers include:

• alcoholic drinks (especially red wine)
• foods containing a chemical called "tyramine" (for example, aged cheeses, sour cream, and yogurt)
• chocolate
• dairy products
• foods with additives such as nitrites, MSG, or aspartame.

A change in caffeine intake, either up or down, can also trigger migraine.

Other lifestyle factors, such as change in sleep habits and even overuse of headache medicines, may sometimes provoke migraines, as can environmental factors, such as:

• change in weather (often the approach of a low-pressure weather front) or temperature
• high altitudes
• bright or fluorescent lights or sunlight
• loud noises
• strong odors.

Herbalife can help stop your migraines

The Chinese have been treating migraines for centuries with Green Tea, like that found in Herbalife's Total Control. Rapid blood sugar (glucose) swings can also bring on migraines, and many people report that Herbalife's ShapeWorks Programs and Products, which keep your blood sugar more constant, have stopped their migraines.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2), found in the Herbalife products, is also being studied for its ability to prevent migraine attacks by increasing the energy supply to brain cells.

Want more information on Migraines and more Herbalife testimonials?

Visit the HerbaCall Migraine Resource Center for more detailed information on Migraine and Headache news, research links and testimonials. Herbalife products can help relieve your migraines!