Researchers warn that smartphone devices cause numerous health problems, including headaches, eye damage, and fatigue.

Their pet names vary from “iGod” to “CrackBerry”- stereoscopic 3D screen smartphones are addicting, and their popularity won’t be fading anytime soon.  With one smartphone device, you can Tweet your boss on the way to work, answer calls via Skype, check the stock market, and play Angry Birds, all without taking your hand off the steering wheel (just kidding).  There are even health apps for Android and iPhone that will help you stick to your diet, relax to soft background music, and manage your migraine headaches.  (See 20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers.)

How ironic, then, that current research suggests that continuing usage of such smartphone 3D devices can be detrimental to your health. According to a report published in the Journal of Vision, long-term usage of stereo 3D devices like Android phones, BlackBerries, and iPhones, can be extremely harmful for your vision, in addition to causing multiple health problems like headaches, fatigue, and eyestrain.

Martin S. Banks, author of “The Zone of Comfort: Predicting Visual Discomfort with Stereo Displays,” blames the small 3D screen.  “When watching stereo 3D displays, the eyes must focus — that is, accommodate — to the distance of the screen because that’s where the light comes from,” explains the optometry professor.  “At the same time, the eyes must converge to the distance of the stereo content, which may be in front of or behind the screen.”

• The study led by Banks focused on twenty-four adults.
• Researchers instructed test subjects to focus on a variety of foreground and background images on a small stereoscopic 3D screen, at close range.
• Subjects suffered the most eyestrain and headaches because of having to concentrate on the images that were closest to the screen, as opposed to the background images.
• Conversely, when subjects viewed 3D images from a further distance, the average viewing distance from a movie screen, they experienced more pain symptoms from concentrating on the background images.

Researchers hope to conduct similar tests on children and teenagers, hoping to prove a correlation between habit-forming games like Nintendo 3DS and a growing trend in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea among adolescents.

The manufacturers of Nintendo urge customers to take a gaming break every thirty minutes to avoid eye discomfort, fatigue, or nausea.  They also urge parents not to allow small children to use the Nintendo 3DS, because “the muscles for the eyes are not fully formed.”

As for your beloved smartphone, a little space is not such a bad thing.  Some other conditions that scientists attribute to excessive smartphone usage include carpal tunnel syndrome, insomnia, and social media addiction.  In time, the makers of Android are bound to come up with a device that lets you Google restaurant locations, shop e-Bay, and locate your parked car- all without giving you a migraine.

Related reading:

Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!

Slash your Migraine Medication Budget- 8 Ways to Save Money

10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today

Migraine Pain, Portrayed through Art and Poetry

Sources:

Research says stereoscopic 3D viewing on a smartphone can cause eye problems and headaches – Phone Arena

Study: 3D Smartphones Cause Headaches and Other Woes

3D Smartphone danger to eyes – New Mobile Phones – Zimbio

Nintendo’s new 3D console ‘makes gamers sick and gives them headaches’

Candidate Michele Bachmann says, Yes

Ga-Ga-sized heels are all the rage, but at what cost to your physical and neurological well-being?

Migraine headaches are a leading cause for disability

Migraine headache illness debilitates millions of sufferers, most of whom are woman, every year.  For many, migraine attacks keep them at home and out of work, school, and social engagements.  Migraine symptoms such as throbbing head pain, nausea, vomiting, visual impairments, and speech difficulties make it difficult, if not impossible, for migraine patients to hold down a job.

Nevertheless, Republican candidate Michele Bachmann assures her supporters for the upcoming Presidential Election of 2012 that she has her chronic migraines under control.  Although she has required emergency treatment on several occasions for chronic migraine attacks, Ms. Bachmann has declared that migraine medications keep her condition stabilized, and that her “uncomfortable high-heeled shoes” were to blame for most of her head pain.

“Can wearing high-heeled pumps trigger migraine headaches?” ask experts.

Well, it’s no secret that wearing spikey heels promotes bad posture.  According to Spine-Health, poor posture distorts the natural curve of the spine, contributing to “back and neck pain, as well as headaches, fatigue, and possibly even concerns with major organs and breathing.”

Sacrificing comfort for fashion is one thing, but sacrificing your mental and physical health for a really cute pair of Jimmy Choo’s is beyond normal comprehension.

Which came first- the power heels or the migraines?

Still, not all health experts agree.  Dr. Joel Saper, founder and director of the Michigan Headache and Neurological Institute in Ann Arbor, thinks it’s more likely that the correlation exists between migraine headaches and stress; for a career woman struggling to earn the respect of her peers, leather high-heeled shoes are just par for the course.

And for Michele Bachmann, who hopes to win a male-dominated political campaign, even recurring flashes of migraines won’t keep her from rising to new heights.

Also read:

The Four Phases of Migraine Headache Attacks

10 Unusual Chronic Pain Relief Tactics for the Bedridden

Slash your Migraine Medication Budget- 8 Ways to Save Money

Sources:

What Migraines? New Yorkers Defend Their High Heels – NYTimes.com

High Heels Cause of Michele Bachmann’s Migraines? – ABC News

Can High Heels Trigger Migraines? – TIME Healthland

Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain

Stabbing Headache Pain, Explained- Ice pick headache pain is excruciating, but here’s good news: its bark is worse than its bite, according to researchers.

PubMed defines ice pick headaches, or primary stabbing headaches, as “brief, short-lived attacks of head pain, which recur multiple times throughout the day.” Migraine patients concur that the name “ice pick headache” is fitting; although lasting a mere few seconds, they really do feel like an invisible ice pick mercilessly ramming itself into your eyes and forehead.

The criteria for primary stabbing headaches are:

• Brief, singular stabs of head pain that may occur in sequences
• Pain lasts for 5-30 seconds, but may repeat throughout the day
• Pain occurs behind the eye sockets or the temporal area of the head
• Head pain occurs without any other symptoms, such as nausea or dizziness
• The headache is primary, meaning that it does not signal any underlying injury, disorder, or life-threatening illness
• Jabbing pain occurs without warning, although some migraine patients attribute ice pick headaches to stress

To ER or not to ER? 8 Migraine Signals that call for Emergency Care

Not exactly a migraine attack

Although ice pick headaches are common for migraineurs– experts believe that 40% of all migraine headache sufferers experience an ice pick headache at least once- they are not associated with migraine attacks.  A stabbing headache occurs without any of the distinguishing symptoms of migraine attacks, such as nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, aura, light sensitivity, or speech slurring.  Ice pick headaches come and go by themselves, without any accompanying side effects.  Related reading: The Four Phases of Migraine Headache Attacks

What medications treat ice pick headaches?

Ice pick headaches strike like lightening; here one second, gone the next.  Because they occur without warning, it’s impossible to prescribe any type of pain relieving medication to treat ice pick head pain.  Rather, some neurologists endorse the use of preventative migraine treatments for individuals who experience frequent ice pick headaches.

• Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that some physicians prescribe for ice pick migraines.  Long-term side effects may include heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and stomach ulcers.
• Melatonin is an alternative treatment for stabbing headaches that some migraine patients have found beneficial for preventing headaches.
• Natural ingredients for migraines: Another popular migraine tactic includes the use of butterbur extract, magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10 for optimum neurological health.  Researchers have proven that supplementing with a combination of these beneficial nutrients and herbs will effectively provide positive, long-lasting results.

Read more about beneficial nutrients for migraines:

Top 4 Headache Treatments

Got your Vitamin Q?

Sources:

Effective management of ice pick pains, SUNCT, and episodic and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania

Stabbing Pains in the Head? You Might Have Ice Pick Headaches :  : Migraine Survival

The Johns Hopkins Headache Center | Primary Stabbing Headache

Primary Stabbing Headache – General Health Blog

Ice Pick Headaches – The Basics

Headache-Free Office Management Tips

Reduce migraine triggers at work from within

Is job pressure making your life difficult?  If you suffer from chronic migraines, then you already have a lion’s share of stress.  Many migraine patients have difficulty performing at work, and the results are sobering, as unemployment rates are particularly high among migraineurs.  However, with just a few politely executed communications, you can turn your work environment into a more migraine-friendly office setting.

Don’t brush your migraines under the rug. Migraine illness is a real disease, just as Parkinson’s disease and asthma  are valid illnesses.  You wouldn’t neglect to tell others about your dietary needs if you had diabetes, so why should you treat your migraineur’s needs any differently?  Instead of pretending to ignore the elephant in the office room, be open about your weaknesses- and strengths.  Don’t be afraid to admit that you are suffering from chronic pain, but leave no doubt that you are committed to maintaining your job performance level.  Publicly acknowledge any efforts your employers or coworkers make to accommodate your needs.

Stay in touch with your physician. If you’re not satisfied with the results that you’ve been getting from your current migraine treatment, then ask your neurologist about any new alternatives therapies.  The headache relief you’ve been waiting for could be just around the bend; all you need to do is ask.

Take steps towards improving your work environment. If certain aspects about your job are giving you miserable migraines, think about some possible approaches that could change things for the better.  If it’s a lack of fresh air, ask if you could get a seat by an open window.  Discreetly mention to any heavily perfumed office workers about your heightened sensitivity to strong scents.  If the bright track lighting is triggering your headaches, consider wearing sunglasses to work, and casually mention to your coworkers how much relief you get from donning a pair of colored lenses.  They’ll take your openness as a sign that you are comfortable talking about your migraines, and that you are doing what you can to improve your situation.

Give your office mates the benefit of the doubt. Regardless of your efforts to explain that migraines are a neurological disease, you will nevertheless receive well-meaning advice that applies to milder, common tension headache pain.  Even if you’re writhing in pain, try to slap on a small grin and politely excuse yourself.  Don’t say something that you will regret later; it’ll only add to your stress level and make it even harder for you to relax around your coworkers.

Related Reading:

Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky

Wine, Cheese, Perfume, and other Headache Triggers

Which Foods Trigger the Most Migraines? See our Checklist

Sources:

Dealing with Migraines in the Workplace

Tips for Handling Migraine In the Workplace

Migraines in the Workplace

Eliminate Tyramine from your Diet- Some common- and not so common- foods that trigger migraine headache attacks.

What is tyramine?

Tyramine is an amino acid product that is essential for regulating blood pressure.  Certain foods with tyramine include aged cheese, processed meats, and overripe fruit.  Scientists found that by prescribing MAOI antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), which prevent the breakdown of tyramine, patients are able to overcome their symptoms of depression.  Still, too much tyramine can cause a “tyramine reaction,” which can have detrimental side effects.  For that reason, the Mayo Clinic advises individuals who take MAOI’s to follow a tyramine-free diet.

What are the side effects of too much tyramine?

The most common symptoms of tyramine reaction are:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Palpitations
• High blood pressure

Do foods containing tyramine cause migraine headaches?

There is no scientific evidence proving that tyramine directly causes migraines, but there is a high correlation.  According to Migraine.com, the foods that trigger migraines overwhelmingly contain high levels of tyramine, with chocolate at the top of the list, accounting for 75% of all migraine food triggers.

What are the best foods to avoid in a tyramine-free diet?

Below is a checklist of some food groups that contain high levels (6mg or more) of tyramines:

Processed meats, poultry, and fish

Opt for fresh beef, chicken, and seafood at all times- dried salamis contain food coloring, preservatives, and sugar, in addition to tyramine.  Aged chicken liver contains the highest levels of tyramine, according to some reports.  Other meats and fish to avoid are:

• Smoked, dried, or cured meats
• Bacon
• Hot dogs, sausages, and pepperoni
• Sardines
• Beef jerky
• Liverwurst

Aged cheese

Tyramine levels in cheese increase with age.  Pizza, lasagna, and other cheesy meals are therefore restricted on a low tyramine diet.  Cheese products that contain the most tyramine are:

• Blue cheeses
• Brie
• Camembert
• Sharp Cheddar
• Feta
• Gorgonzola
• Mozzarella
• Muenster
• Gouda
• Parmesan
• Romano
• Swiss
• Processed cheese (example: Velveeta) and aged cheese spreads

Fermented foods, condiments, and yeasted dough

All soybean byproducts contribute to tyramine reaction.  These include: tofu, miso, soy sauce, and cooked soybeans.  Sauerkraut is also a red-flag item on the tyramine-free diet, in addition to sourdough bread, chocolate, and non-alcoholic beer.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and veggies are the most unlikely migraine-triggering culprits, and the most frequently misunderstood.  For example, bananas are high in tyramine, but only if they become overripe.  The tyramine is in the banana peel, not the pulp.  Tyramine levels increase with time, as the bananas brown and ripen.  Fruits and vegetables to omit from the tyramine-free diet are:

• Brown bananas
• Avocados
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Eggplant
• Certain beans, such as fava beans, lima beans, and navy beans
• Figs
• Red plums

Alcoholic beverages

If your doctor has advised you to limit your tyramine intake, then avoid consuming the following beverages:

• Beer, lager, or ale- either from tap, bottled, or canned, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer.
• Red and white wine
• Port
• Sherry
• Vermouth

Related reading:

Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky

Sources:

Foods To Avoid In A Tyramine-free Diet | LIVESTRONG.COM

Tyramine Free Diet

MAOIs and diet: Is it necessary to restrict tyramine? – MayoClinic.com

Migraine triggers: food and drinks | Migraine.com

Frugal Tips for Migraine Patients: Migraine treatments like Topamax don’t have to break your bank; follow these 8 economical guidelines.

It’s hard enough to make ends meet these days, even if you don’t have an expensive pharmacy bill.  Migraine treatments such as Imitrex, Topamax, and Maxalt can be costly, unless you take advantage of some of the cost-cutting opportunities that are accessible in your area.

Here are 8 tactics for saving money on migraine treatments:

• 1- Buy generic. “Plain wrap” brands of medicine usually have the same potency as the more expensive versions, and generic medications are increasing in availability.  Call your neurologist, and find out if he can order your current migraine treatment under a generic label.
• 2- Buy over-the-counter (OTC). Over–the-counter medicines are always less expensive than the types that require a doctor’s prescription.  The only catch is- some are less effective than others are.  While a 100-capsule bottle of OTC migraine pain reliever might be cheaper than the same amount of prescribed pain reliever, you might need to twice as much just to get the same results.  Should I Take Excedrin for Migraine Headaches?
• 3- Consider natural ingredients for migraines. Scientists conclude that a high correlation exists between migraine illness and magnesium deficiency.  Nutritional magnesium for migraines are available online, and are a healthy, frugal alternative.  Additionally, many migraine sufferers use non-drug methods such as biofeedback, acupuncture, and chiropractic care for migraine management.
• 4- Stand by your family doctor. Don’t assume you need to visit a costly neurologist.  If your family practitioner says he can help, then let him.  You’ll save money in the end.
• 5- Read the insurance manual. Become familiar with your insurance plan; namely, which meds are covered, and what, if any, copayments are required.  You might find a better plan that meets your migraineur’s needs.
• 6- Grill your pharmacist. Ask if your prescription is part of any current migraine medication savings, such as rebates, coupons, vouchers, or free medical trials.  Walmart pharmacy offers a $4.00 Prescription Program; Target, Costco, and Kmart also offer excellent savings of pharmaceutical products, but not all treatments are covered; you’ll need to inquire from their customer service desk.
• 7- Don’t be shy. Before your doctor gives you a prescription for a costly migraine treatment, be upfront about your migraine budget.  Ask if there are any comparable medications available at a lower cost.
• 8- Break some habits…and make new ones. If you haven’t omitted headache triggers from your diet, then there’s no better time than the present.  Pick up a headache diary from your local hospital, or check out iTunes for a selection of migraine journals for your iPod, iPhone, or iPad.  If you aren’t on a light exercise program, then start one immediately.  Even twenty minutes of light exercise, each day, alleviates stress, the number one trigger of all headaches.

Related reading:

Still on the Fence about Botox for Headache Relief? Read what Scientists and Skeptics have to Say

New Study Warns against Taking these Painkillers with Antidepressants

20 iPad Apps for Migraine Sufferers

Sources:

How to Save Money on Migraine Medications – Headache and Migraine Center – Everyday Health

Pink Pearl Girl’s Migraine World: Migraine Medication Savings

Alternative Measures for Migraine Treatment

The Migraine-Stroke Connection: Severing the link between migraine headaches and blood clots to the brain.

Studies prove that there is a high correlation between complex migraines with aura and stroke.  Particularly, middle-aged women who suffer from frequent complex migraine attacks are likelier than female non-migraineurs of the same age to suffer from a stroke or heart attack.

Yet, while a migraine aura may mimic the neurological symptoms of stroke- partial paralysis, incoherent speech, visual distortions, head pain, and loss of mobility- there is one crucial difference between the two.

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

A stroke, like a migraine, is the result of fluctuating blood flow to the brain.  But while a migraine attack leaves no lasting damage, a stroke may result in brain damage or death.

The most common symptoms of stroke are:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, or feebleness on one side of the body, affecting either the face, arm, or leg
• Sudden visual problems
• Sudden slurred speech
• Sudden lack of comprehension
• Sudden loss of balance
• Sudden headache

Don’t become a stroke victim.

Even if you fall into the stroke risk category, that doesn’t mean that your fate is sealed.  With some simple changes in diet and exercise, you can drastically reduce your likeliness to suffer from a stroke.

Here are five health tips for stroke prevention:

1. Eat less sodium. Switch your saltshaker with a bottle of salt substitute, or experiment with herbs.  Rosemary and basil add flavor without adding sodium.  Forgo salty snacks such as potato chips, French fries, and processes lunchmeats.  Read nutrition labels; you’d be surprised at the number of sweet foods that contain large amounts of sodium.
2. Eat more foods with potassium. Experts believe that potassium-rich foods are significant in maintaining heart health.  Bananas, sweet potatoes, tomato paste, and many other fruits and vegetables are all excellent sources of potassium.
3. Go easy on the alcohol. Men should consume no more than two alcoholic beverages per day, and women should limit their drinking to once a day.
4. Exercise regularly. Even twenty minutes of low-impact, aerobic exercise per day is better than no time spent at all.  A high correlation exists between sedentary lifestyles and morbid obesity, stroke, heart attack, hypertension, and a long list of other ailments.
5. Keep your weight down. If you are obese, then make an effort to commit yourself to losing weight.  Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig have very high success rates.  Many overweight individuals have dropped pounds just by cutting out all refined flours and sugars from their diet.  Regardless of which diet plan you choose, portion control and exercise are critical.  If you have lost weight, try to stay on track- yo-yo dieting is a major contributor to heart disease.

Related reading:

To ER or not to ER? 8 Migraine Signals that call for Emergency Care

Brain Tumor, Stroke and 8 other Illnesses you probably don’t have

Sources:

Why Stroke Prevention Is Critical

Study confirms link between migraines and stroke

Migraines With Aura May Raise Stroke Risk

National Stroke Association: Stroke Symptoms

Potassium-Rich Foods May Cut Stroke, Heart Disease Risk

Ease Chronic Pain while Bedridden: Because if suffering from chronic pain is the pits,then being bedridden with chronic migraine pain is the Mariana Trench of all ailments.

Imagine being in so much agony that just turning your head the wrong way or even blinking gives you unimaginable pain and misery.  It’s no wonder that so many migraine headache sufferers spend a disproportionate amount of time in bed, either waiting for the throbbing headaches to fade or recuperating from the migraine attack.

“How can I relieve headache pain when the migraine medications don’t work?”

Pain relief medications are hit or miss; what relieves migraine pain for one might not work for another.  That doesn’t mean you are without options.  When traditional pain treatments let you down, it’s good to know there are some alternative, although sometimes unusual, methods of soothing your aches and pains that work for many sufferers of chronic illnesses.

Here are 10 pain management tricks that work, even if you’re bedridden:

• Breathe deeply. By now, it’s common knowledge that deep breathing, along with gentle body stretches, is an excellent way to put your body into a state of relaxation.  You might not be able to practice Hatha yoga moves from your bed, but you can easily benefit from the many yoga exercises that utilize breathing techniques for relaxation.

• Take a trip down Memory Lane. Looking at the faces of loved ones releases pain-killing endorphins.  Keep a photo album by your bedside for days when the pain seems too difficult to cope.  Depending on your pain threshold, you might also enjoy seeing a montage of family photos on your computer screensaver.
• Lean on somebody. It’s a proven fact that even the worst-case scenarios become more manageable when you have support from friends and family.  If you don’t feel comfortable confiding with anybody about your migraine pain, then join one of the many migraine support groups that exist online and in face-to-face group therapy.

• Let it out. It’s okay to shout out loud when you’re in pain.  Scientists have even proven that “swearing” while suffering from physical pain raises your pain threshold.  So, don’t hold back a few choice words every so often.  Just be careful not to hurt anybody’s feelings or offend others while you’re at it.
• Just imagine. According to a Johns Hopkins study, pain sufferers who replayed romantic scenes in their minds experienced less anxiety and discomfort than subjects who dreamed about food, for example.

• Meditate. Take the opportunity to practice self-hypnosis.  Visualize a comfort zone, and imagine all the sensory features related to it, such as the sound of the wind, the scent of orange blossoms, or the feel of the sand beneath your feet.  Many meditation cd’s are available to provide guidance and background music.
• But don’t think too hard. Sometimes, brooding on an unpleasant situation causes anxiety that ultimately escalates out of control.  When, or if, the situation arises, such as a three-alarm migraine attack, you overreact, robbing yourself of the opportunity to learn how to cope with the symptoms.  Don’t get trapped into a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom.  Try to take things in stride; you might be surprised to learn that what you thought would be a number nine headache on the Richter scale was actually a three.  Stop Your Next Panic Attack in 4 Simple Steps

• Magnet therapy. Whether magnet therapy provides a placebo effect is anybody’s guess.  Sworn believers insist that strategically placed magnets increase blood flow, thus relieving aches and pain.  To test it for yourself, tuck a small magnet under a Band-Aid, and apply wherever you feel pain.  Either way, there’s no harm in trying, and it might help.
• Myofascial Massage. Enlist a close friend or certified masseuse to give you a gentle massage.  Myofascial massage is less strenuous than Swedish massage, which can sometimes be painful.  5 Sports-Related Migraines You Never Heard Of

• Listen to a good book. Reading is out of the question, especially if you suffer from migraines with aura.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t benefit from the pain-relieving distraction that a good story can provide.  Assuming that small sounds don’t also trigger your migraine headaches, then listening to an audio book is an excellent way to make the most out of an uncomfortable situation.

Also read:

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

Perfumes and Migraines: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Stinky

Sources:

Pain Relief Tips and Tricks | Living life from a bed

The Oddest Pain Relief Tricks That Work – Prevention.com

Different Types Of Massage For The Bedridden | LIVESTRONG.COM

Staying hydrated in dry summer weather is essential and sometimes tricky, especially if you aren’t a water drinker. Here are some summer season treats that hydrate.

Dehydration sends many to the emergency room, either from fatigue, dizziness, or migraine headaches.  By including some hydrating foods in your diet, you can avoid a trip to the hospital while promoting healthy eating.  An assortment of fruits, vegetables, and broths make healthy snacks, providing special nutrients that aid in managing dehydration migraine headaches.

Here are 5 summertime foods that help you stay hydrated:

Watermelon

Fruits are excellent sources of foods that hydrate, even if you don’t like drinking gallons of water.  Watermelon is comprised of 92% water, plus essential dehydration-preventing minerals, such as potassium and sodium.  This naturally sweet hydrating treat also contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, making it a powerful ally in your quest for healthy living and migraine management.

Beat Migraines with these 5 Magnesium-Rich Foods

Cucumbers

Enjoy this crisp, water-filled vegetable (or is it a fruit?).  Cucumbers are also high in vitamin C and caffeic acid, which helps to promote healthy skin.  Top sliced cukes with yogurt and mint for a refreshing, hydrating treat with extra calcium, or just enjoy them marinated in apple cider vinegar and red onions.

Tomatoes

In addition to having a ton of fluids, tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, which provides antioxidant protection.  Surprisingly, broccoli, which also supplies lycopene, is also an excellent hydration helper, containing 90% water.  A healthy snack that is beneficial for people with migraines caused by dehydration is stir-fried broccoli with cold tomato gazpacho on the side.

Warning: tomatoes are nightshade vegetables, which may trigger migraine attacks for some.  Heed your headache diary, especially if trying new foods.

Peaches

Fruits that contain potassium are healthy, inexpensive substitutes for commercial electrolyte sports drinks, when combined with sodium.  Peaches, berries, and cantaloupe have high water content to help you stay hydrated and avoid dehydration headache under the hot summer sun.  Try dipping low-salt tortilla chips into fresh peach salsa for a hydrating twist.

Soup

It’s no wonder that watery broths are a popular prescription for flu patients; sipping low sodium soup is an excellent way to balance bodily fluids when suffering from symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.  For best results, avoid thick, creamy chowders.  Instead, brew up a light pot of chicken soup with carrots, potatoes, and celery.  Another refreshing summer soup is borsht, which is a slightly sweet broth of beetroots.

Also read:

15 Tricks for Staying Hydrated and Avoiding Migraines

13 Reasons your Migraines Hate the Summer Season

Sources:

13 Hydrating foods for hot summer days

Foods that help you stay hydrated if you are not a big drinker

Eat your fluids to stay hydrated

Hydrating Food

Migraine head pain can make you feel helpless, like there isn’t a thing in the world that can help you alleviate your chronic pain.  Well, hope is not lost. Many sufferers of migraine attacks, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have learned how to get past their pain symptoms, and live to tell about it.

Below are 5 excellent books written by chronic pain patients and the doctors who treat them.

10 Simple Solutions to Migraines, by Dawn A. Marcus, M.D.

Dr. Marcus is the definitive expert on coping with chronic pain, from fibromyalgia to migraines.  Her award-winning books and essays have helped millions of sufferers find ways to deal with constant head pain, muscular aches, fatigue, and depression.  Ten Simple Solutions is your source for understanding the science behind migraine attacks, finding your migraine triggers, and utilizing treatments for preventing migraine headaches.

Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend, by Lisa J. Copen

This is an excellent book to give to relatives, friends, and coworkers.  Help them to understand your suffering and things they can do to assist, without any of the awkwardness.  You already know they want to help out- they just don’t know how.  This book by Lisa J. Copen provides an easy way to get the message across without causing any hurt feelings or embarrassment.

Beyond Chronic Pain, by Rebecca Rengo

Beyond Chronic Pain: A get-well guidebook to sooth the body, mind, & spirit picks up where traditional medicine usually leaves off.  Learn ways to relieve headaches and other chronic bodily ailments through alternative therapy.  Holistic pain management treats the body, mind, and soul as one, and is more conducive to natural, complete healing.  This self-help book will guide you through the healing process from the inside out.

A Brain Wider than the Sky, by Andrew Levy

This book will inspire you to start your own migraine journal.  In A Brain Wider than the Sky, Andrew Levy shares his contemplations, experiences, and revelations on his own chronic migraine symptoms.  Sometimes witty, sometimes surreal, the author releases his pain for the world to see with vivid, raw imagery.  A must-read for migraine patients and their families.

The Headache Prevention Cookbook, by David Ryan Marks, M.D. and Laura Marks, M.D.

Think you already know all your migraine triggers?  Read what this husband and wife doctor team has to teach you about eating to prevent migraine attacks.  Follow their elimination diet to pinpoint the foods that are causing your migraine headaches.  Book includes clear, simple instructions and helpful recipes to get you started on your headache-free journey.

Additional reading:

Plan a Headache-Free Summer Vacation: Five Travel Tips

Go Ask Alice: Migraine Auras in Wonderland

Sources:

Reviews of Books Related to Headaches and Migraine from About.com headaches and Migraine

Best Books on Pain, Chronic Pain, and Migraine