Migraines In Home Care Essay

In Home Care for Seniors and Migraines

If you have never had a migraine, count yourself lucky or blessed. These powerful headaches can last from several hours to several days. In some individuals, the symptoms last even longer. While most seniors do not get migraines, even those that suffered from them in their younger years, this thrilling information does not help the millions of seniors that still suffer from this debilitating affliction.

According to WebMD, many seniors avoid migraines by keeping away from the foods or events that trigger them. Since migraines are typically linked to life events such as the consuming of a certain food or drink, stress, or changes in the weather, seniors have spent a lifetime identifying their triggers and learning to avoid them.

For example, several studies tie low magnesium levels to migraines. This makes sense because the body uses magnesium to help relax nerves and muscles. Most Americans, especially American seniors, do not consume enough magnesium. In home care for seniors can help your loved one increase their magnesium intake and hopefully decrease their likelihood of getting a migraine. High levels of magnesium are found in legumes, whole grains, broccoli, squash, and green leafy plants.

Sixty percent of migraine sufferers who increased their riboflavin (vitamin B2) intake each day for three months experienced a 50 percent decrease in their number of migraines. Vitamin B2 is found in liver, lean beef, lamb, venison, whole grains, yogurt, low-fat milk, eggs, almonds, asparagus, broccoli, and spinach.

Seniors can kill two birds with one stone and consume foods high in both magnesium and riboflavin. These include whole grains, green leafy vegetables (especially spinach), and