JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Success Stories Forum My biggest success story yet... Migraine Cure!

Migraine/headache sufferers?

I bet you thought it was going to be writing the score to a blockbuster film. That would be my second biggest success story.

Thought I'd pass this on. If it helps one migraine sufferer it will be worth it.

I've suffered with migraines and headaches most of my life. The last two decades, it's been a daily battle. Treximet was my only relief. Treximet constricts the blood vessels leading to the brain. No wise cracks.

Also treximet is very expensive ($250 for 9 pills) and can cause heart attacks, strokes, etc.. But when your head feels like it's going to explode, it's worth the risks involved.

I've been a vegetarian most of my life. I've taken B12 supplements sub-lingually to compensate for B12 deficiency. Though B12 can have problems absorbing into the blood taken through supplements. B12 is found naturally in meat (animal meat).

Two months ago I started a new diet. I've included meat in my diet (fresh caught salmon, organic free-range chicken and turkey). I also cut my portion size down at meals considerably. I cut out peanut butter, cheddar cheese, and many sugary foods. I check the nutrition of everything I eat for fat content, cholesterol, carbs, protein, fiber, etc. I'm eating wisely instead of habitually!

I also go for 2-3 mile walks (at moderate speed) daily (for the last two years). My walks have gotten more intense the last two months.

I've lost 12 lbs. in the last two months. A total of 22 lbs in the last two years. I'm the same weight I was in my 20's. My gift to Sandra! BTW, it was mostly her that got me on this road to recovery.

Now the good news...

I don't get migraines or headaches any longer. Can't believe it. I'm flabbergasted!

I'm betting it was a B12 deficiency (or other nutrients contained in meat), though it could have been a combination of "all of the above".

I've turn my lifestyle inside-out, upside-down, and this way and that. I've never felt better. If I die next week, I'll be leaving Earth a healthy man.

If Donna is reading this I want to tell her I sleep like a baby now. Deep dreams every night.

I feel as though I'm bragging. I reckon I am. But I also hope this info helps another migraine/headache sufferer turn his/her life upside-down.

Best, John

Awesome news!

What we eat is at the heart of most of our ailments, without a doubt. And the culprit is often an adverse reaction to something we eat the most! We often have minor allergies to certain foods, usually the ones we crave, and find our bodies a bit over-toxified by that particular element.

In my case, I was told years ago that I was allergic to corn. I scoffed at it. Corn is everywhere! And no way was I going to give up tortilla chips, which I ate just about daily. I CRAVE them. Especially Red Hot Blues. Meanwhile, certain little rashes remained, dry patches of skin, weird aches and pains. Just life, I thought.

Then, for the first time in my life, I found myself getting, er, non-skinny. Not fat, but close enough for a lifelong thin man. I realized I WOULD get fat if I didn't halt the process somehow.

So I decided to give a shot to cutting down drastically on any kind of breads and sweets, ramp up the veggies and fruits, and keep the portions down...no snacking after dinner. WOW. My body went into rebellion---I got sick. Suddenly I COULDN'T eat. I lost weight way too fast, almost 20 pounds in less than a month, bringing me back to 165...and I'm six feet tall. Whatever I did was too much too fast, but I did learn this--the foods I backed down on were causing me problems. The rashes went away, the dry skin went away, the aches went away. Diet? I sure think so.

Now what's important to me is not that I "diet", but that I think about what I eat. I wanted a sustained diet, not some sort of fad. So now, I won't eliminate anything, but I've learned to MODERATE the items I eat. Never too much of any particular thing other than vegetables. Less grain, less sugar, avoid prepackaged crapola. If I want dessert, I'll have it...only not so much and not too often. I feel so good now.

Only trouble is, I want to have sex all the time. An unexpected side effect, I guess. But hey, if you can deal with that, I recommend everyone take a closer look at what they decide to devour.

Aw, Humn,
Good to hear the good news. Hope it continues. Let us know if it changes. AND, you should know, cows, sheep, chickens, pork, are all Vegetarians. Fish not so much.

And if it comes back, you need to take your head out of those bars! Ha,ha.

Now those are the two best success stories I've read on the board. Congratulations gentlemen on the inspiring stories.
They might well serve as a motivator to better health for others.

GREAT news for both of you ! Congrats John, I bet you feel like a new man !

Thanks for the inspiration John and Mark

Couple of weeks ago I got results from a blood test back that says my blood sugar was high. Scientist that I am, I immediately went out to buy a glucose meter and have been monitoring my glucose levels before and after every meal. Results seem to indicate I might be pre-diabetic. Will have to go to the doc soon but I aim to go in armed with data.

In any case, the results have been enlightening to say the least. Corn chips are going to have to go. That's a bummer because, like Mark, I crave them. White bread too, which I love. And that cherry coke at lunch has been replaced by a diet lemonade. Turns out that eating like a teenager for the past 30 years hasn't done me a lot of good

Fortunately, plenty of good things like steak, eggs, beer (one lite, not two regular) and nuts are still on the table. I'm compiling a list of meals that don't spike my blood sugar and it looks like I'm only going to have to lose a few things completely and add some moderation for the rest.

Only been a few weeks but I think I'm starting to see a correlation between my mood and how much sugar is in my blood. The days when I maintain an even strain in my diet seem to give me an even strain in my mood as well. Could be psychological but that doesn't really matter

Good to hear that others have fought similar battles and won

Scott

Wow John!! I'm glad you titled the thread the way you did because it caught my eye and yes I did think you got a big break in a musically commercial sense (don't worry that's coming!)

Anyway, this is newsworthy and wonderful, and you're right if it helps one other person than AMEN!! Health is so important and such a blessing if we have it. I have only had one migraine in my life and one was enough, I can't imagine enduring them as long as you did. To think such a simple adjustment in your diet bought about this miracle. I am such a firm believer in a natural approach to good health, especiallythrough diet. Thanks for sharing your good news and enjoy your new found freedom from migraines and headaches.

Given the frequency of times I hear our fellow songwriters discussing their health problems, I have always wanted to start a thread talking about health and sharing ideas. A healthy songwriter is a happy songwriter and vice versa. You've inspired me to start one tonite.

Best,
Lynn

Mark, thanks for sharing your inspiring story. It would be great if more JPFers would share their health success stories.

Best, John

It's been 7 weeks since I've had a migraine Ray. The longest period I went without a headache prior to this was three days.

Actually chickens will eat worms (live meat) and pigs will eat mostly anything.:D

John

I hope so Dan. Without good health we have nothing.

John

Thanks Herbie! Living without the pain from migraines does make me feel like a new man. I can't wait to report back to my neurologist. Hopefully he'll never have to fill another prescription for me.

John

Good to hear you're getting a handle on your blood sugar Scott. My wife Sandra has been a diabetic since childhood. She uses an insulin pump. Yes, blood sugar levels will affect moods.


Thanks for sharing!

Best, John

Thanks Lynn!

Great idea starting a health success thread. Yes, good health is everything. Yes, it gives us the freedom to enjoy life.

John

Great news. Very interesting. Well done finding out this about yourself. You should post this on lots of health forums. I know many people who suffer from migraines.

Thank you James! Hopefully this will help someone.

John

That's good news, John. Migraines are horrible. When I get them it's usually from internalizing stressful feelings.

Thanks Jean! Sorry to hear you get them. They're nasty pests.

John

After discovering the root of my problem, I can't help but wonder why doctors don't research eating habits rather than just treat the symptoms.

I imagine this happens often. It's much easier to prescribe a med than to spend hours researching a patient's lifestyle.

John

"Health Care" has become "The Medical Industry". There's no money in keeping people healthy. How many times do doctors prescribe pills to counteract the side effects of other pills that they are prescribing? What kind of sense does that make? None! But it does make dollars.
I have a predisposition to high blood pressure. It runs in my family. I had a doctor who wanted me on pills. I said "What about diet and exercise?" He said "No. I have to take them, so you have to take them." The same doctor was worried about my heart, so he ordered a bunch of high-dollar tests, cost my insurance company money, and me time. It turns out I have the heart of a 30 year-old (I'm 54), with no sign of plaque buildup or heart disease. He probably got kickbacks from the people who administer those tests. I don't go to that doctor anymore.

Congratulations on discovering the root of your problem. You are what you eat.

BTW, I almost passed over this thread because of the title. Migraine sufferers might miss your hook.

Thanks Kurt! I added "Migraine Cure" to the title.

I think you're right on the money Kurt! I've had my share of unneeded tests and prescription drugs.

Best, John

Most excellent.

Tom

Absolutely true...unfortunately. Every time I see a doctor, they address my symptoms...but only occasionally do they even try to address the cause.

It can be a long, boring process to find the actual cause of any malady, but it's quick and lucrative to simply prescribe some sort of pain relief. You have anxiety? They prescribe anti-anxiety meds...the cause of your anxiety remains, and the meds are now on your tab and part of your diet.

Every time I have a health issue, I feel like I have to outwit the doctor or risk getting hosed. Not good. I want to trust them, but time and again, I find I need to educate myself about whatever I have, and time and again, I find the doctors are not as interested in curing me as in simply prescribing something expensive to relieve my symptoms. I wait in a sterile cell for an hour and a half, I get a few minutes of hurried face time, and I walk away with a quick guess and a prescription.

"Every time I have a health issue, I feel like I have to outwit the doctor or risk getting hosed" - Mark

Or risk becoming a drug addict Mark.

John

So true!

John--

GREAT NEWS!

At 72 years young, I'm trying a lot of GREEN THINGS (2/3) and PROTEIN + CARBS (1/3)--I have a sugar problem (borderline Type 2)--I eat a lot of sugar free--I take a B-12 shot about 5-6 times a year--Just watching my intake and eating with a smaller plate, I lost 20 lbs in 3 months--Actually lost 1/2 lb on the Cruise this year--THAT"S UNHEARD OF, with all the food on board--The glycemic index has helped me to change my life style--SO GOOD LUCK!

Mackie

I love hearing stories like yours Mackie! We do have control over our health to a large degree. When doctors can't find the cause of our problems, it's up to us.

Wow, 72 years young! I agree, age is a state-of-mind.

Best, John

Hey John,

Great news !

Yes, gotta aggree, if the body is fit, so is the mind. If I'm down, I do vigorous excercise. It doesn't take long to shake off the downer feeling.

Also, the occasional multivitamin and minerals. You never know what you may be lacking in your diet.

Don't take too many though. As the body excretes excess vitamins to what it needs, it can equate to very expensive urine.

cheers, niteshift

Thanks Nite!

Yes, after my daily walks (and musical endeavors) my spirits are at their highest peak.

I agree with you about taking vitamin supplements (not Flintstones though ). Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues. Can become toxic in large amounts (but never happened with me). Excess won't pass in your urine.

The only adverse reaction I ever had with vitamins was having the Niacin Flush (harmless though). Niacin dilates the blood vessels like Viagra. I take it all the time.

John

Hi Brother John et al! Interesting Thread, Amigo!

I, too, had a B-12 Shortage, supposedly causing my increased loss-of-memory...tried the Sublingual pills..but they somehow made me too-hyper to sleep well. So..heh..I forgot the pills.

USED to have 2-3 eggs for breakfast daily...VA Docs said "Current recommended dosage of eggs these days is TWO eggs a week..to keep the Cholesterol down." That I HAVE kept on doing/Heart & Circ'y System still "doing fine"..tho I miss the Usual Breakfast I've had for years.

I've ceased drinking milk & cut red meat WAY Down ever since going through prostate cancer...which, after MUCH reading about the malady..pegged those as 2 of the main Dietary Causes for both Prostate & Breast Cancer. (It seems Chinese Peasants lived a decade or two LONGER than the Wealthier Class over there..& The Latter ate more like We Usually Do.)

So.."Eat More Chicken"..I'd recommend..meat-wise. & Soy Milk substitutes nicely for the Cow Kind.

I've ceased my "2-Amberbocks-a-Day"..since acquiring "Trigger Finger" on ring fingers, both hands..which..My Docs concur..is frequently "caused by alcohol consumption." It's now "2 Glasses of Wine, Daily"...usually a Red..Merlot or Burgundy..since that's "Heart-Healthy"..(& prolly intervenes in my continuing love for Good Cheeses, in spite of the Dairy Aversions.)

Selenium is an element that's often lacking in our diets..& found mostly in Mushrooms, Rutabagas..& (I think) Turnips..&..if ya notice any "Age Spots" on the back of your hands, better get some in your diet. (Just Googled it..Brazil Nuts are LOADED with Selenium.."725%" of your Rec'd Daily Consumption..beware of ODing on it!..& canned Tuna's also a dandy source.)

Glad to hear of your good cure for Migraines..(Now..what's good for Sleep Deprivation..eh?)

Best Wishes & a Big Guy-Hug,
Stan

I agree about staying away from those red meats Stan. Fish (fresh caught Alaskan salmon), organic free-range chicken & turkey, omega 3 eggs (one every other day), and a lot of fruits and veggies are on my regular menu. B-12 can certainly hurt the memory (though I can't remember why).

Sorry to hear your bout with prostate cancer Stan. Hope that's all behind you now.

I'm starting to realize how important the food we consume affects what ails us.

Thanks for sharing your story and may you have good health the rest of your life. When I die, I want to die healthy.

Best, John

Ah yes, I recall the story of the arctic huskies. If you ever need to kill and eat one cos you're starving, then don't eat the liver, as you will die from Vit A overdose. Was that correct ?

cheers, niteshift

I'll try to remember that Nite, just in case.

John

Thanks Tom!

Best, John

Add another month. Still holding. No Migraines! Hope some other Migraine sufferers find relief as I have.

John

Awesome news John, Mark et. al!

I have a brother in law, who's suffering from migrenes, so I'm linking this thread for him to read.

Thanks Magne!

I hope it helps your brother-in-law! Wondering if he is vegetarian?

John

That's fantastic news, John.

(On reflection...I seem to recall mentioning to you a couple of years ago that cheese and milk products - among other things - ought be avoided like the proverbial plague. )

But I'm so pleased those awful headaches are a thing of the past. I don't know how you coped with them for so long.

Donna

Thanks Donna! It's a real joy not fighting those migraines anymore. Hope it holds...

John

And to put it to a song...

Ding Dong the migraine's gone
Migraine's gone, the migraine's gone
Ding Dong the wicked migraine's gone!

I wouldn't want to taunt a Migraine Lynn.

I do believe in Migraines, I do believe in Migraines, I do, I do, I do, I do believe in Migraines.

John