Headaches are a common problem and can be caused or aggravated by a number of factors. The majority of headaches are classified as tension headaches, which occur when the muscles in the back of your neck and/or scalp tighten. Sometimes they can be relieved by lying down at the first hint of a headache in a dark room and drinking a lot of water. A common sign of a dysfunctional liver is frequent headaches. They can be of different varieties such as migraines, deep aching cluster headaches or nauseating headaches where you feel like vomiting.
One of the great things about improving your liver is that you will get less of these liverish headaches.

Most common causes of headaches

The most common causes of headaches include:

  • Dehydration
  • Hormonal imbalances such as PMS, peri-menopause, side effects of the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement.
  • Liver dysfunction
  • High blood pressure
  • Food sensitivities
  • Sinus, dental and ear infections
  • Blood sugar problems
  • Postural and alignment issues

It is important to see your doctor for tests to exclude serious causes of headaches, particularly if the headaches are constant, severe or frequent in nature.

Migraine headaches are a particular type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain in the whole head, or one side of the head. It can be preceded by neurological symptoms such as visual problems, weakness of limbs or facial muscles.

Migraine is often associated with nausea and sensitivity to light (photophobia). The pain can be very severe and frightening and sometimes analgesia must be given in injection form.

The following remedies may help prevent and relieve headaches

  • Make sure you drink enough water. Many headaches begin first thing in the morning. This is when your body is most dehydrated. Staying hydrated is a cheap and easy remedy that can leave you feeling full, energised and headache-free. All headache sufferers should ensure they are drinking plenty of water. Aim to drink 8 to 10 glasses a day to improve circulation of blood to the brain.
  • Avoid inflammatory foods. It is best to minimise your intake of common trigger foods such as chocolate, dairy products, wheat, preservatives, MSG, sugar, yeast, coffee, and alcohol. You may have a food allergy or intolerance/sensitivity to one of these foods that is responsible for your headaches, so be sure to monitor your reaction to these foods.
  • Keep your blood sugar balanced. Eating a protein source such as eggs, seafood, chicken, red meat, protein powder or nuts and seeds with every meal will help to stabilise blood sugar levels and keep headaches at bay. If you know unstable blood sugar is an issue for you, Glicemic Balance capsules contain herbs and nutrients to keep blood sugar and insulin levels balanced.
  • Stretch regularly. Staying in the same spot for a long period of time, such as sitting at your desk or computer or driving can contribute to body tension and cause headaches. Make sure to take a break every 30 to 60 minutes – stretch and move your head and neck around in a circular motion. This action will help to alleviate built up stress and relieve headaches. Magnesium is wonderful for relaxing tense muscles and it relaxes the muscles of your blood vessels, helping to improve blood flow to your brain.
  • Make sure your liver and gallbladder are healthy. Liver toxicity and congestion are some of the biggest causes of headaches in the patients we see. If your liver is not breaking down toxins adequately, they will build up in your bloodstream and can cause headaches, but also affect your mood, raising the risk of depression or anxiety. If your liver doesn’t produce healthy bile, it can become too thick, leading to inflammation of the gallbladder or gallstones. My liver tonic Livatone and ox bile capsules help to address these issues.
  • Sleep and stress reduction are critical. Most of us have busy lives with pressure and responsibilities. It is so important to have adequate rest and relaxation, and adequate sleep. Magnesium helps improve sleep quality, and melatonin makes it easier to fall asleep. There are many useful tips in the book Tired of not Sleeping.

 The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.

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