My husband suffers from migraines. Most people associate migraines with women. Percentage wise women do suffer from migraines more than men do. Sadly my husband is one of the those men who suffer from them.
I can usually tell when he’s about to get a migraine. He unconsciously puts his thumb near the top of his eye and applies pressure. He doesn’t even realize he does it most of the time. Sometimes his migraines come on gradually and he’ll make me aware that one is coming. Other times they hit him totally “out of the blue”. I think those are the worse because he doesn’t have time to prepare for them (take some Excedrin Migraine).
Usually Excedrin Migraine and a nap that lasts for several house helps to relieve his migraines. When he’s dealing with a migraine he actually goes into a deep sleep where nothing wakes him up.
My husband has been using an app on his iPhone called My Migraine Triggers. In fact, when he first got his iPhone that was one of the very first apps he put on his phone. Prior to that he was using the app on the iPod Touch.
If you are unfamiliar with the My Migraine Triggers app it’s a special app created by the makers of Excedrin to help people like my husband who suffer from migraines to track their migraines in hopes of narrowing down what triggers them. When you get a migraine (or after you suffer from one) the app will ask you a series of question that will help you to determine what may be the cause of the migraine. The information it gathers can be shared with your doctor so that together you can find a way to cut down on your migraines.
What I love about the app is that you can add your own things to it. There are plenty of possible triggers already loaded on to the app, but you can also add to it.
My husband is slowly seeing a few things that might possibly trigger his migraines. Salami for example is one things that he has on days he has migraines, but not all the time. The key is to keep track of them so eventually we can see what else, combined with salami, is causing it. I’m thinking it might be salami and cheese sandwiches. He takes them to work for lunch. Sometimes he has just salami, other times salami and cheese. I’m thinking the combination of the two might form a migraine trigger. Deli meats and cheeses are common triggers.
March is National Nutrition Month. I think it’s a great idea to share some tips from Registered Dietitian Keri Gans on what types of foods and beverages can trigger migraines.
There are many foods and drinks that can trigger migraines, like citrus fruits, nuts, and foods that contain MSG. It’s important for folks to determine which foods are potential migraine triggers for them. By tracking their triggers, people can avoid them in the future, to help prevent or minimizing migraine attacks.
Tyramine: Tyramine is a substance found naturally in some foods, like aged cheese and red wine. It’s formed from the breakdown of protein as foods age. A good rule of thumb is that the longer a high-protein food ages, the higher the tyramine content. Some common foods that contain tyramine include: aged cheeses, red wine, alcoholic beverages and some processed meats.
Alcohol: Alcohol increases blood flow to your brain, which can cause migraines and headaches. Red wine, beer, whiskey and champagne are the most common culprits.[1]
Other potential migraine triggers include: artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame), chocolate, citrus fruits, coffee or tea, tannins, (like red-skinned apples or pears) caffeinated soda, foods that contain MSG, and nuts or nut butters.
Food For the brain: There is emerging science that suggests foods rich in magnesium, such as kale and broccoli, support healthy brain function. Try swapping kale for romaine in your salad at lunch to increase your magnesium intake.
We do eat a lot of broccoli (at least 2-3 times per week). I didn’t know that Kale was a good source of magnesium, which could help prevent migraines. I’m going to have to Google a few Kale recipes.
Thank goodness Excedrin Migraine is back on store shelves. When I picked up a a box for my husband a few weeks ago you would have thought I handed him a winning lottery ticket. LOL!
Excedrin® Migraine is the #1 neurologist recommended over-the-counter brand for migraine relief. It offers convenient and effective relief for migraines and was the first non-prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat all the symptoms of a migraine.
If you would like to learn more about Excedrin Migraine please visit www.Excedrin.com. You can also find Excedrin on Facebook and Twitter.
The My Migraine Triggers app is FREE. You can find My Migraine Triggers app on iTunes or in the app store on your apple device.
In honor of National Nutrition Month, and to help you eat right to minimize your migraines, I have a “healthy” giveaway for a lucky winner. The prize package includes;
The Veggie-Peel – This innovative fruit and vegetable peeler features a patented, built-in chamber that retains peels during use. Scraps are held in the durable, thermo-plastic chamber, eliminating messy peelings and clogged sinks. The double sided stainless steel blade allows for both right and left handed use.
Harold Import Company Avo Saver – Avo Saver is easy to use and will reduce a cut avocado’s exposure to air, greatly slowing the destructive oxidization process.
Dressing Emulsifier – The Emulstir is an innovative way to mix up and store delicious salad dressings. It’s very easy to use; simply remove the top of the Emulstir, fill with oil, vinegar and herb replace lid and squeeze the handle to blend.
Emson Two Tier Microwave Steamer Food Cooker – This microwave steamer retains more vitamins & nutrients than other means of cooking vegetables, perfect for healthy cooking. It allows you to cook/steam two dishes at once, fits in most microwave ovens and is dishwasher safe.
I love the Veggie-Peel. That looks pretty cool. I’m always flicking peels all over the place when I’m peeling cucumbers and carrots.
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on March 30, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please leave a comment on this post and tell me if you or someone in your family suffers from migraines (you don’t have to be a sufferer to enter this giveaway).
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify. Extra entries are optional.
Kimberly
*I was a brand ambassador and I’m being compensated for my participation, however all opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.
Linda B says
im the only one that suffers from migraine. so much to the point i vomit. i need to check the lists what triggers it.
Courtney says
My husband gets BAD migraines.. He actually gets M.A.V. ( Migraine Associated Vertigo) since finding out this he’s had to cut out Peanuts, Aged Cheeses, and Buttermilk 🙁
Claire says
My sister and mom do.
Rae C. says
I get migraines. I could use a good over the counter medicine.—
Sandy says
I haven’t had a migraine in years, but I remember the pain and avoid my trigger foods.
Louis says
I have migraines (triggered by stress or lack of sleep)
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
Sarah VM says
I suffer terribly with migraines. Nothing seems to work anymore.
Olivia Rubin says
Excedrin migraine is all that works for,me…too bad you did t post this earlier because Walgreens makes a generic form that is identical. I still use it today.
Maureen says
Both my mother and I have had migraines __not fun
Scarlet Paolicchi says
Such a helpful post, especially the app suggestion! I had no idea that deli meats & certain foods could be triggers for migraines. I’m definitely going to send this to my sister, who often gets migraines.
I was particularly interested in the possibility of kale as a prevention food, as I’ve found a great way to make oven-baked kale chips recently.
I’m adding this to my StumbleUpon page! 🙂
D SCHMIDT says
My Father suffers terribly from migraines
Valerie L says
no, thank god
Terra Heck says
My mother suffers from migranes often. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Ronda Patrick says
I suffer from migraines at least 2 times a week. I have completely changed my diet about 9 weeks ago, but it hasn’t helped yet. I could really use this!!! Thanks for the chance to win it!
debbie says
I get them.
Tari Lawson says
I suffer from migraines.
Cindy Brickley says
My mother always had migraines and had to take prescription drugs.
Susan Broughton says
I started having migraines at the age of 10! They couldn’t find out why. I think its because I worry about EVERYTHING! But I had them for years into my 40’s then they just stopped. I might get one a couple of times a year now where i was having them 3 to 5 times a week before. Now unfortunately my oldest daughter has been having them but her personality is like mine was so its not a surprize. I hope they come up with something medical to stop them.
BusyWorkingMama says
My husband suffers from them. My sister in law swears red wine triggers migraines for her.
carol lewis says
Yes, I do and they can be just horrific! Plus, I can only take tylenol which is hit and miss.
Jackie says
My teenage daughter and I both suffer from migraines
Thanks!
Virginia Rowell says
My sister is a sufferer. They are so terrible for her. Sometimes she’s down for a few days if she gets a really bad one.
Jennifer P says
Oh, I suffer! And Excedrin Migraine is wonderful for helping control my migraines. I did not know it was back. I can imagine your husbands reaction. It was the same as mine when I discovered during the Excedrin non-availability period, Bayer had the same product. Thank goodness for pharmacist sister-in-laws! She informed me of that! And I am going to check out the app next!
Terri Menke says
I have suffered from migraines for many years. Excedrin Migraine works for me pretty often.
Deborah Mireles says
no one in my family suffers from migraines thank goodness!
Debra Hall says
No we are blessed there but i buy the Excedrin Migraine for my sons tooth aches its the only thing that works
G says
Unfortunately I do suffer from migraines……I have had them for 20+ years now and I’m only 34. They get bad enough that ill go in a completely dark room(I have great room darkening shades in a bedroom for me when I have my migraines) and hide under the covers with a cool pack….after I take excedrin migraine or a prescription pain med. I’ve found that excedrin works as good, and at times better than, any prescription medicine though….and was extremely upset when they took it off the shelves temporarily until I discovered I had a large bottle in my stash at home. I get very nauseus, light sensitive etc, typical migraine symptoms. I’m also very sensitive to smell, and some smells tigger my migraines, cigarettes are a huge trigger, and crazy as it sounds, so is the smell of oreo cookies or the smell of brownies baking…. Luckily for me, I have a husband who understand my migraines as he also is a migraine sufferer. Worse are the days when we both feel bad but at the same time, that’s time for us to be quiet and cuddle together and try to sleep it off….usually medicine accompanied by deep sleep is the only thing that will help me…so I completely understand what your husband goes through with the migraines! Thanks for the opportunity to win this great prize pack….I especially love the peeler as I hate when carrots or zucchini peels are everywhere after I finish peeling…Love the steamer also, I have an old one and use it so much so would love to have a nice new one! Thanks
Tracy L Davis says
I suffer
Athena says
I have very bad migraines.
Cathy Truman says
I get mirgraines, they are so horrible. I have been to the Doctors for them.
Kristie says
We get headaches on occasion, but not migraines.
Catie says
I am fortunate to not suffer from migraines! My mother has though, for as long as I can remember.
Nori S says
I get migraines every now and then. Usually only once or twice a year.
natalie nichols says
I get migraines here and there. They are awful.
Janet F says
My family or I do not get migraines.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Sarah S says
My mom suffers from migraines.
Michelle H. says
I do.
clarissa says
yes i do get them. I got them more frequently in my late teens/early 20’s but its pretty rare for me to get them these days
Donna George says
No, but I do get sinus headaches when my allergies get going
Seyma Shabbir says
I have had them but not often
Kim Reid says
Yes, I have horrible migraines!
June M. says
I do get them from time to time. My niece (now 19) has suffered from severe migraines since she was about 10 or so. She gets them VERY bad and often 🙁
Lisa R says
Yes I do
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
Monique Rizzo says
I get about 4 migraines a year.
Thanks for the chance
mogrill12@gmail.com
Vicki Wurgler says
mu husband suffers from migraines
Wanda McHenry says
No, no one in my family suffers from them.
Shelley P says
I suffer from migraines.
deb c says
I do occassionally. I have to make sure that I wear sunglasses because my eyes are very sensitive to the light.
Cori Westphal says
I don’t, but I definitely have some family members that do, and I know how difficult they are!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Jennifer B. says
I suffered from migraines throughout my childhood and into my early twenties.
Victor J Galbraith Jr says
My son suffers from Migranes
Krystal Miller says
No, I don’t get them, thank goodness! Neither does anyone in my family.
Mer says
Both my mother and I suffer from migraines. They’re pretty awful.
Carolyn G says
When aunt flo comes around, she gives me migraines
dawn k says
My son and hubby both get migraines.
Holly Tompkins says
I get extremely bad headaches, but im not sure they are full blown migraines?
Deborah Grant says
No one in my family has migraines.but my friend has them,and they are alful.
Jammie says
Not really, I get headaches once in awhile but nothing like omg I need to lay down.
Marci says
No migraines for us…thank goodness!
steve weber says
yes, my dad gets them often.
Kristi C says
I get migraines.
Heather says
I had suffered from regular (2-6 a month) migraines from the time I was 10yrs old until I had a hysterectomy (due to medical necessity) at the age of 30. It was like a switch had been flipped. I am now 44 and I have only had a small handful since. It was obvious in my case that my migraines were hormonal.
Diana H. says
I suffer from migraines a couple of times a month. I’m on a blood thinner so the medication I can take is very limited. 🙁
Kyaw Sein says
no one in my household suffer from migraine
Danielle D says
I get them!
Mary Calabrese says
I don’t suffer from them.
kim says
I have suffered from Migraines all my life!!!!
Caitlin McClure says
My mom gets them
danielle lima says
I suffer from Migraines
Christine says
I get migraines
ELIZABETH C. says
Yes… My sister gets them approx. twice a month.
Vivian Sun says
My husband has migraines
Claudia says
I am the one who suffers from migraines.
kelly g says
my hubby, stepson and I all do at different times. I have one right now actually
Becca says
I dont but my mom does 🙁
Marti Parks says
My son gets migraines.
Katherine Donovan says
I get headaches but not migraines
edq143 says
I just had one of my worst migraines ever this tuesday
Danai says
My daughter gets them.
Susan Chester says
My daughter gets migraines.
Jamie Brigham says
I do suffer from migraines and Excedrin migraine is the only thing that works for me. I’ve tried rx migraine medication and it didn’t help me at all.
Gianna says
My husband, daughter and I.
alyce poalillo says
I do get them but not very often thankfully
Carmen Peterson says
i do
Lorena Keech says
Oddly enough I do, but only in hot weather.
deana c says
I get migraines once in a while
Jean F says
my daughters gets migraines, which are actually triggered by noise
Brittney House says
My husband does
Paula Michele Hafner says
I do. Most of mine are weather related although allergies can also trigger one. My daughter gets them, too.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
no we are lucky
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Kimberly W says
I have them every once in a while but my sister has some horrible migraines
Lisa says
My poor sister has suffered with migraines for years.
meme says
I do
Linda Lansford says
do not suffer
Michelle W says
I have horrible migraines that usually put me in the er
Jennifer says
I get major migraines and they are miserable!
Jennifer Reed says
I have only had one in my life and it was about 13 years ago. I ended up at the urgent care with fluids given and bedrest for 2 days. I do not want to ever repeat it if possible.
kyle says
no i dont thankfully. However my fiance does and its horrible to watch. 🙁
Liza E says
I suffer from migraines since I was little
Derek Timm says
No, we do not.
s riches says
Msg will give me a brutal migraine. I have to read every label on the foods I buy.
Melanie Montgomery says
I suffer from them
Kari Flores says
No one in my family suffers from migraines. In fact I don’t know anyone that does either.
Mary Casper says
I have awful migraines, I take immetrix and get botox done for them
natalia ryjova says
My mom does and its terrible to watch her have them.
Katie K says
I do and so does my mom
Gaye M says
I suffered from migraines when I was younger, but, thank goodness, no more.
andrea howard says
no, but i like to eat healthy! which may be why i dont have migraines 😉
Christina Y. says
I’m not sure if my family members do, but I used to suffer from really bad migraines.
Holly Kennedy says
Yes. I have had one all day.
Carla says
I used to get migrains when I was younger, but now I just get regular headaches, sometimes 2 day sinus headaches.
Brenda Elsner says
I suffer from migraines and I also have a son that suffers from them as well.
Chastidy says
My mother has migraines quite often 🙁
joseph gersch jr says
we do not suffer from migraines
Barbara S says
not migrains but tension headaches
Patrice says
When I was a teenager, I did suffer from migraines. The prescription medicine I was given, often had bad side effects. Luckily, I stopped having migraines after a few years.
kathy pease says
I get pretty bad headaches not sure if they are migraines though..I think it is mostly related to Lyme Disease
Ann Council says
I do not suffer from headaches just everyday aches and pains.
Carrie says
I get them occasionally, but my sister gets them terribly
susan smoaks says
i do have migraines
Tonya Dean says
Every once in awhile
Vicki D. says
No, no one in my family suffers from migraines. My co-worker does, though, and she really suffers when she gets them.
sue says
i do suffer from migraines.
Breanne says
My mom does
cassandra (rab pom) says
I suffer from them on occasion but my mother has them wayyy worse!
Shirley Zolenski says
I get bad migraines pretty often
Angela W says
My mother suffers from migranes
heather c says
I sure do. I hate them!
Lauren Harmon says
I get migraines fairly regularly but also eat healthy so I’m thinking they are caused from stress.
Jennifer J says
I suffer from migraines
Vikki Billings says
I suffer from migraines and it is not a good time at all. I just can not function.
Gaines Simmons says
Hello, how are you? Thank you for this opportunity. I have had migraines before