If you're having chronic migraines, this vitamin deficiency could be the cause...

A migraine is an intense pain in the head that can lead to throbbing, pulsing, increased sensitivity to light and sound - and even be accompanied by nausea according to the Mayo Clinic. Migraines seriously affect quality of life - if you've ever had one you'll know how debilitating they can be.

A migraine can be treated with certain medications - but they don't always work. Sometimes it's about finding out what causes the problem rather than treating them when they happen. For example, a migraine can actually be caused by your diet - like eating chocolate, or by a vitamin defeciency like magnesium

What causes a migraine?

There's still a lot to learn about migraines - but doctors do know they're brought about both by genetics and environmental factors. According to WebMD, migraines might be caused by changes in the brainstem, and imbalances in brain chemicals. What they do know is there are common triggers:

- Foods. Aged cheeses, salty foods and processed foods may trigger migraines, fasting, or not eating enough may all cause migraines.
- Food additives. The sweetener aspartame and the preservative monosodium glutamate, which are both found in many foods may trigger migraines.
- Certain drinks. Alcohol, but specially wine, and highly caffeinated beverages may trigger migraines.
- Stress. 
- Sensory stimuli. Bright lights, glare, loud sounds, unusual smells (paint, strong perfume).
- Changes in your sleeping pattern.
- Physical factors. Serious physical exertion, including sexual activity can onset migraines.
- Environmental changes. Like a change in the barometric pressure.
- Medications. Oral contraceptives and vasodilators, such as nitroglycerin, can aggravate migraines.

Could low magnesium be causing my migraines?

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people with migraines often had lower levels of magnesium than the people who didn't get migraines. In one experiment cited by UMM,  people who took magnesium reduce the frequency of migraines by 41.6%, compared to 15.8% in those who took placebo.

To figure out if magnesium could be part of your migraine problem, it's important to speak with your doctor. You shouldn't just start taking magnesium supplements because it can interact with other medications, like those for the heart, diuretics, water pills, some antibiotics and muscle relaxers. So it's important to talk to your doctor about what some of your triggers may be, and see if they can test your magnesium levels and determine the next phase of your migraine treatment.

Treatment for migraines

As stated above, sometimes treating migraines is about figuring out what your triggers are. It could be certain foods, or even sensitivities. Your doctor might also prescribe something for the pain, but it depends on what other medications you are on, and how your doctor thinks it would be best to treat your symptoms.

There are also some new studies on vitamins that may reduce migraines - and while we will list them here, it's important you speak with your doctor about your migraines before you start taking a regimen because none of these studies are conclusive:

- Vitamin B2 . A few studies have shown that B2, or riboflavin, may shorten migraines and reduce their frequency. B2 can interact with medications though, including: tricyclic antidepressants, medications called anticholinergic drugs that are used to treat a variety of conditions, the antiseizure drug phenobarbital, and probenecid which is used to treat gout.
-Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It can interact with several medications including blood thinners, some cancer medications, and medications for high blood pressure.
- Melatonin. This can also interact with a number of medications.
all information provided by UMM

If you experience migraines, it's important that you see a doctor. You and your doctor can determine what your triggers are, and what treatment may be best for you.

There are simple tricks that you can adopt in providing relief for your strained eyes and in improving your vision

1. Give your eyes some much needed rest

Just stay away from the screen of your computer, TV or handheld device, including your mobile phone. You can shut your eyes for a few minutes within every hour.

2. Keep your prescription glasses in its case

Now I know you can’t see objects that are far off without your glasses and maybe you need them to read.

But when at home do you really need them to see objects far off?

Or are you constantly reading? I am sure your not, so keep your glasses in its casing especially when there is no need for it.

3. Try eye massage

Try gently rubbing your eye socket area and your temple. Do this simple massage to ease the strain on your eyes, it works like a charm.

4. Apply the 20-20-20 rule

This simple rule could make a significant difference in the outcome of your vision. Just take a well deserved break from viewing your TV, mobile phone or computer screen every 20 minutes and look at an object preferably from nature, a tree perhaps that is 20 feet away and do this for 20 seconds.

5. Take a break and go outdoors

Spend more time looking at natural forming objects. Looking at things from nature with their natural colours and shapes will help your eyes greatly.

6. Try to use a warm compress

With a warm damp clean cloth gently compress your eye area to relieve the stress and strain of the day. It is preferable that this be done at night when you are relaxed.

7. Improve your diet

Eat more food that are rich in vitamin A such as potatoes and carrots. Carrots are especially good if you are concerned about your weight and they can be a nice crunchy snack a great alternative to unhealthy snacks high in cholesterol.

8. You can also exercise your eyes

There are charts available with the sole purpose of providing meaningful exercise to your eyes. These charts will help train your eyes on focus and vision and can help you in making out objects quicker and with great accuracy

Understanding fibromyalgia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes fatigue, widespread muscle and joint pain and memory and mood issues, according toWebMD. And while fibromyalgia is the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis, it's still not well understood by the medical world. 

Women are actually much more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia than men, and at this time there is no cure for the disorder. Since fibromyalgia can cause symptoms that are similar to osteoarthritis, it's important to understand the signs, symptoms and risk factors that are associated with the disorder to make sure you're treated properly

Risk Factors

There are three risk factors that increase your chances of developing fibromyalgia, according to the Mayo Clinic:

1. Sex. Women are more likely to develop the disorder than men.
2. Family history. If a family member has fibromyalgia, you are at an increased risk of developing it.
3. Rheumatic disease. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you might have a higher risk of developing fibromyalgia.

Symptoms

Fibromyalgia often causes widespread pain and fatigue, and it can cause certain parts of the body to be painful to touch -- like they've been overworked or pulled. The disorder also can affect your sleeping habits, usually limiting the amount of restful sleep you can achieve, and cause depression. Other symptoms, according to WebMD, include:

- Abdominal pain
- Chronic headaches
- Dryness in your mouth, nose and eyes
- Hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
- Inability to concentrate
- Incontinence
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers and feet
- Stiffness

Treatment

To determine if you have fibromyalgia, your doctor must eliminate other possible causes for your symptoms, such as giving you blood tests to discount other conditions that cause pain and fatigue. Once your doctor has determined you have fibromyalgia, treating the disease may include some of the following, according to the Mayo Clinic:

- Pain relievers. These can be anything from over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen to prescription pain-relief products. Pain relievers are used to lessen discomfort and help you sleep better through the night.
- Antidepressants. These medications can help with the pain and fatigue that comes with fibromyalgia.
- Antiseizure drugs. These kinds of drugs have actually proven helpful in reducing the pain of those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Know the symptoms of a thyroid disorder

The thyroid isn't always a go-to for people when they're worried about their health. Usually, the heart, lungs, brain or bones are the primary parts of the body we're focused on when trying to identify health issues. But the thyroid has a surprisingly strong influence over your body, bringing about all sorts of varied problems when things go wrong.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower throat area. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine, the two hormones it produces, are crucial for regulating many aspects of the body, including but not limited to carbohydrate usage, body temperature, and heart rate. Hypothyroidism, the failure of the gland to produce these hormones, can be caused by a number of factors, such as side effects from medication, radiation therapy, and pregnancy. Here is a list of possible symptoms of the disease:

1. Fatigue

2. Constipation

3. Sensitivity to cold

4. Weight gain

5. Depression

6. Muscle aches

7. Thinning hair

8. Joint pain

9. Impaired memory

10. Dry skin

If you experience combinations of these symptoms over long periods of time, you may want to seek a doctor's opinion and find out whether your thyroid is responsible. Treatment has to do with taking synthetic hormones to re-establish a hormonal balance and allow your thyroid to do its job properly again.

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Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism

While both conditions affect the thyroid, hypo- and hyperthyroidism have very different effects on the body. The thyroid may be a small gland, but it produces hormones that the brain, heart, stomach and organs need to function. When your thyroid doesn't work properly, it can have a serious effect on the rest of your body's systems, according to Everyday Health.

The difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is the output of hormones. Hypothyroidism means your thyroid isn't making enough hormones, whereas hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid makes too many hormones.

Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is underactive -- more specifically, the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain hormones, upsetting the normal balance of chemical reactions in the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a variety of causes and symptoms for hypothyroidism.

Risk factors and causes

You're at risk for hypothyroidism if you fit any of these categories:

- Woman older than age 60
- Autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, a chronic inflammatory condition
- Family history of thyroid disease
- Treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications
- Had radiation to your neck or upper chest
- Had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)
- Been pregnant or delivered a baby in the past six months

Signs and symptoms

- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Weak muscles
- Higher blood cholesterol level
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Thinning hair
- Decreased heart rate
- Depression
- Memory impairment

Treatment

Doctors usually turn to the standard treatment of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. This medication is taken orally daily to restore adequate hormone levels and reverse the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. It may take time to figure out what dosage is right for you, and you will work with your doctor to determine the best treatment.

Hyperthyroidism 

According to the Mayo Clinic, hyperthyroidism is a condition where your thyroid produces too much of the hormone called thyroxine. This can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating and nervousness or irritability.

Risk factors and causes

Hyperthyroidism is actually caused by a number of conditions including Graves' disease, toxic adenoma, Plummer's disease (toxic multinodular goiter) and thyroiditis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other risk factors to be aware of are:

- Graves' disease tends to run in families and is more common in women.
- If another member of your family has a thyroid condition, talk with your doctor about what this may mean for your health.

Signs and symptoms

Hyperthyroidism can mimic other health issues, which is why it is difficult for doctors to diagnose. But there are signs and symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic, that you should look for and address with your doctor if you recognize:

- Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite grows and you eat more 
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- Tremor — usually in your hands and fingers
- Sweating
- Changes in menstrual patterns
- More sensitive to heat
- Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) -- may appear as swelling at base of neck
- Fatigue, muscle weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Skin thinning
- Fine, brittle hair

Older adults are more likely to have no signs or very subtle symptoms, and medications to treat high blood pressure and other conditions may also mask the signs of hyperthyroidism.

Treatment

Treatment plans are very individualized and depend on your age, physicality, the underlying cause of the hyperthyroidism, personal preference and the severity of your disorder. Some treatments, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

- Radioactive iodine, which is taken orally and shrinks your thyroid gland
- Antithyroid medications, which work to prevent your thyroid gland from producing excess amounts of hormones
- Beta blockers, which don't treat hyperthyroidism but will help with heart palpitations
- Surgery, which involves removing parts of your thyroid, but usually as a last resort. Often surgery is used with pregnant women who can't tolerate antithyroid drugs and don't want or can't have radioactive iodine therapy.

 

Understanding kidney disease: Risk factors, symptoms, treatment

Chronic kidney disease is described by the Mayo Clinic as the gradual loss of kidney function over a period of time. In fact, the loss of proper function may be so slow that people fail to realize their kidneys are not working properly until severe damage has already occurred. 

Kidneys are critical in the proper functioning of your body because they eliminate waste. The waste exits through urination, but when kidneys fail to work, that waste builds up in your body, which can lead to a number of health concerns. 

Causes
According to the National Kidney Foundation, the leading causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions account for two-thirds of the cases of chronic kidney disease. If either condition is left untreated, it can damage the kidneys beyond repair. Other conditions that can cause kidney issues include:

• Lupus
• Glomerulonephritis
• Malformations during fetal development
• Inherited diseases such as polycystic kidney disease• Chronic urine infections or kidney obstructions

Symptoms
WebMD says that early detection is critical when it comes to managing kidney disease. Being mindful of any changes in your body is important. Common symptoms include:

• Urinating a small amount
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Swelling around the ankles
• Urine-like smell on your breath
• Chronic fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Muscle cramps
• Dry, itchy skin
• Loss of appetite
• Poor growth in children
• Pale skin

In some instance, people experience absolutely no symptoms. This means the only indication of a problem is when serious damage occurs. WebMDindicates that prevention is key through proper diet, regular exercise and management of existing conditions that impact your kidneys. 

Treatment
The Mayo Clinic reports that by most accounts, chronic kidney disease has no cure, but it can be managed. If there is an underlying condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, then those conditions should be controlled through proper diet, exercise and appropriate medication. However, once kidneys have been significantly damaged, the next step is usually dialysis and a kidney transplant. 

Dialysis. Dialysis actually filters and removes the waste from your body through machines since your kidneys can no longer do it. 

Kidney Transplant. A transplant replaces the diseased kidney with a healthy one, and you require ongoing medication to ensure that your body does not reject the transplant. If you suffer from any of the symptoms described here, speak to your doctor. Spread the knowledge — share with your friends.

Hormones are a part of all of our lives - the Hormone Health Networkexplains that hormones are messengers that control what our bodies does, everything from hunger to reproduction, and our moods and emotions. Hormones change throughout our lives - and for women that also includes before and after your period each month, pregnancy, and menopause. 

But sometimes our hormones become imbalanced, and this can cause real issues that affect our quality of life - from mood swings to cycle changes and even migraines. For women, these symptoms can arise naturally if they are going through a major hormone change like menopause, but it can also be onset by medications, certain health issues, or even leading an unbalanced lifestyle. Here we're going to list the signs and symptoms for women to look out for if a hormone imbalance is suspected.

Symptoms 
all information provided by WebMD

Irregular periods: Most women have their period every 21 to 35 days, according to WebMD. So if yours is coming sooner, or much later than that - even skipping months - you may have too much or too little of either estrogen or progesterone. If you're in your 40's and 50's this may be due to perimenopause - the time before menopause. Either way, if your periods are irregular you should talk to your doctor.

Sleep problems:  If you're having trouble sleeping lower progesterone levels could be at play. This hormone, which is released by your ovaries, helps you catch zzz's.

Chronic acne:  Acne is normal during your period, as is the occasional breakout which can be due to a poor diet or even stress. But acne that won't clear up could be the work of excess androgens hormone. This male hormone - that both men and women have - affects skin cells and can clog pores causing acne. 

Feeling foggy:  Hormones impact our brain, but doctors still aren't totally sure about all of their effects. They do know that estrogen and progesterone can make you head feel foggy - and like things are harder to remember. 

Belly issues:  The hormones of estrogen and progesterone also affect our gut - so a hormone imbalance can affect how you digest food too. This can lead to diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, and even nausea. 

Fatigue:  The feeling of constantly being fatigued is a common symptom of a hormone imbalance. Excess progesterone can make you sleepy, and your if your thyroid makes too little of the thyroid hormone that can also tap out your energy. A blood test can help determine if your thyroid is the issue here.

Mood swings & depression:  Researchers don't totally understand all the effects of estrogen, but they do know it affects brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine which can cause mood swings, and even depression if not released properly. 

Increase appetite & weight gain:  Experts say that when estrogen hormone levels dip it usually causes people to want to eat more - so in this way, estrogen can affect weight gain and appetite. 

Headaches or migraines: For some women drops in estrogen can bring on headaches and migraines. But for some women it's a common symptom before or after their period.

Vaginal dryness: This is normal to have occasionally, but if you notice that you're dry or irritated down there often, it could be a sign of low estrogen levels. 

Loss of libido: While testosterone is a male hormone, women's bodies produce it too. If your testosterone levels dip, you might have less interest in sex than normal.

Breast changes: Lower levels of estrogen can make breast tissue less dense, and an increase can make it thicker - even causing lumps or cysts. If you notice any of these changes talk to your doctor - even if there aren't other symptoms that concern you.

Hot flashes & night sweats: Hot flashes can make it like someone's turned up the heat inside you and you can't turn it down - and night sweats can wake you up in a total sweat. The Women in Balance Instituteexplains that too much estrogen, and too little progesterone causes this - as does other hormone imbalances from the adrenals, ovaries, thyroid pancreas or gastrointestinal tract. 

Treating a hormone imbalance

There's a myriad of ways to treat hormone imbalances. Sometimes it's a combination of relatively simple lifestyle change that your doctor may prescribe like:

- Taking time for yourself. Relaxing and reducing stress
- Boosting your omega 3 and vitamin intake
- Exercising
- Changing your diet, like drinking more water and eating healthier
- Quitting smoking - The Women in Balance Institute says women who smoke experience menopause 2 years earlier and more severely than non-smokers.

There are also hormone therapies that can help regulate the hormones in your body, and even over the counter progesterone options. It is important to note, increased estrogen and progesterone can lead to blood clots in women, so talk to your doctor about the side effects of these treatments and your risk factors. 

When it comes to hormone imbalances, custom treatment is key. Each person will experience hormone imbalances differently - you may experience many of the symptoms above, or you may experience just one or two. So figuring out a plan to combat these symptoms and get your hormones in balance is something that needs to be thoroughly discussed with your healthcare provider.