What are Headaches and Migraines?

A headache is a pain felt in the head that can range from mild to severe. There are four main types of headaches:

• Chronic Daily Headache
• Cluster Headache
• Migraine Headache
• Tension Headache

What causes Headaches and Migraines?

Headaches generally occur in response to internal or external triggers, such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, fasting or stress. These triggers prompt the brain to produce a variety of chemical messengers to cause the expansion of blood vessels surrounding the brain.

This expansion results in increased blood flow and blood vessels on the side of the head. As the blood vessels swell they stretch the nerves that surround them, causing these nerves to send signals to the trigeminal system, (an area of the brain that relays pain messages for the head and face).  Activation of the trigeminal system most commonly causes pain around the eye and cheek, creating the feeling of "sinus" pain. The trigeminal system also sends messages to the hypothalamus, (an area of the brain involved in food cravings) and to the upper part of the cervical spinal cord, which may result in muscle spasms in the neck. 

Headaches can be triggered by a number of different things including;

• Dehydration
• Food Allergies
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Changes in sleep patterns (too little or too much sleep)
• Weather changes
• Chemical sensitivities
• Caffeine
• Low blood sugar

Headaches can also be triggered by too many toxins in the body. When your body is overwhelmed with more toxins than your liver is able to detoxify at once, headaches can occur.

What are the signs and symptoms of Headaches and Migraines?

Depending on the type of headache symptoms can vary.

	Chronic Daily Headache	Cluster Headache	Migraine Headache	Tension Headache
How long does it last?	On and off everyday	40 to 90 minutes; often once every 24 hours for weeks	4 to 72 hours	2 hours to days
Where is the pain felt?	Both sides of head	One side of head	Generally one side of head, but can be both	Both sides of head
Type of Pain	Pressure/throbbing	Stabbing/burning	Throbbing	Pressure/ache
Red eyes & stuffy nose	No	For some people	For some people	No
Nausea, sensitivity to light or noise	For some people	No	For some people	No

How common are Headaches and Migraines?

Most people will suffer from mild headaches every once in a while. However, according to Statistics Canada an estimated 8% of Canadians aged 12 or older get migraines. Nearly 2 million people have received a clinical diagnosis of migraine.

http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/82-003-XIE/0020082-003-XIE.pdf 11/05/2006

What health problems are caused by Headaches and Migraines?

Headaches have a major impact on productivity and lifestyle. It can result in absenteeism from work, hinder job performance, restrict activities and disrupt relationships. It has been estimated that migraines account for 7 million lost working days annually in Canada.

http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/82-003-XIE/0020082-003-XIE.pdf (11/05/2006)

What can be done to help with Headaches and Migraines?

The following products can help with headaches or migranes that are a result of high toxic load or 'sluggish' liver function. These two points are very common causes of headaches and migranes.

• Liver Detox - a 30 day advanced liver cleansing program. Liver Detox will help to detoxify the liver, as well as helping to support liver processes. By ensuring that the liver is working optimally, toxins will be filtered more effectively which can help with headaches.

• FibreSMART - a daily fibre supplement to absorb toxins in order for them to be removed from the body