Riboflavin Relieves Migraine Headaches

Riboflavin Relieves Migraine Headaches
 by: By Alan R. Gaby, MD

Supplementing with relatively small amounts of riboflavin (vitamin B2) may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in chronic sufferers, reports a study in Headache (2004;44:885–90). Previous studies showing that riboflavin can prevent migraines used 400 mg per day, which is at least 200 times the amount in a typical diet. In the new study, 25 mg per day appeared to be effective.
Riboflavin was originally considered for migraine headache prevention because researchers observed that migraine sufferers tend to have impaired energy production in brain cells, which riboflavin has the potential to enhance as it is a component of a key substance involved in the body's energy production. Another nutrient important for producing energy (magnesium) has already been shown to reduce migraine recurrence. In earlier studies with riboflavin, a very high dose was chosen, presumably to give the vitamin the best chance of working. While riboflavin does not appear to cause any significant adverse effects even at high doses, it is possible that taking large amounts of any single nutrient might cause subtle imbalances in body chemistry. For that reason, if lower doses are equally effective, they are preferable to higher amounts.
Fifty-two people suffering from recurrent migraines participated in the three-month study. They were randomly assigned to receive either a daily combination of riboflavin (400 mg), magnesium (300 mg), and the herb feverfew (100 mg), or 25 mg of riboflavin per day. Each of the three components of the combination product has been shown in earlier research to reduce the recurrence rate of migraines. A positive response was defined as a reduction in the frequency of migraines by 50% or more. Forty-two percent of participants responded to combination therapy and 44% responded to low-dose riboflavin. In addition, the average headache severity and the number of days with tension headaches decreased significantly in the low-dose-riboflavin group, but not in the group receiving combination therapy.
Because there was no control group in the new study, one cannot rule out the possibility that the beneficial effects of low-dose riboflavin were due to a placebo effect. However, the researchers considered that possibility unlikely, because the effects of riboflavin were greater than those found with a placebo in previous migraine studies.
In addition to riboflavin, magnesium, and feverfew, coenzyme Q10 has been found in one preliminary trial to reduce the recurrence rate of migraines. Dietary factors also appear to be important migraine triggers in susceptible people. For some, tyramine-containing foods such as certain wines and aged cheeses are the main offenders. For others, allergic reactions to common foods such as wheat, oranges, egg, coffee, tea, and beef seem to be the main triggers.
For more information about riboflavin as well as other vitamins and herbs, visit http://www.vitaminherbuniversity.com/.

About The Author

Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Three Rivers Press, 1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes, Three Rivers Press, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2 (Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient's Book of Natural Healing (Prima, 1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.

This article was posted on August 16, 2005

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Refrigerator Water Filters vs. Bottled Water: Round 1

Refrigerator Water Filters vs. Bottled Water: Round 1
 by: Paul Stinson

Water is the single most important element for human existence, yet many people do not know much about water. Water comprises 60% of a human's body weight, counts for 80% of our blood, and comprises over 65% of our brain and muscles. Knowing this, one can see why choosing the best water to drink is of the impost importance. The two main types of water commonly chosen for their healthy properties are bottled water and water that has been filtered via a refrigerator water filter. Knowing the difference between these to types of water will surely help anyone make an educated choice as to what type of water they want to drink.
One of the first differences between refrigerator water filter systems and bottled water is the cost. There is no doubt that refrigerator water filter systems are cheaper than buying bottled water. They are even cheaper than buying cheap store brand water in bulk. Bottled water has to be so expensive because of packaging, shipping and marketing. Refrigerator water filter systems do not have to deal with massive marketing campaigns or packaging, and so they can charge the consumer less.
More important than the cost of one's water choice is the health factors involved. Many people believe that bottled water is the only healthy water, but this is not true. In fact, some studies have shown that bottled water is less healthy than a refrigerator water filter system. Bottled water suffers because there are often chemicals from the plastic in which the water is stored that become mixed in with the water. Sadly, some companies fill their bottled water with mere tap water. There are no federal regulations concerning the quality of bottled water, so many major companies go unchecked. Refrigerator water filter systems tell the user exactly what has been filtered out of the water, so the user knows the kinds of chemicals he or she is avoiding. The healthiest people are, more often than not, also the best informed. Knowing exactly what is in your water will help you to live healthier.
It is essential to be conscious of the environment in which we live. Bottled water can be recycled, but how much of the plastic is re-used? Additionally, many avid water bottle drinkers do not recycle. The plastics used in water bottles may never fully decompose because of the nature of their chemical bonds. Refrigerator water filter systems are non-obtrusive to the environment. There is no plastic to throw out, and no harmful fumes.
Bottled water versus refrigerator water filters is a heated debate. For consumers who are health conscious, cost savvy, and environmentally sound, the choice is obvious. Refrigerator water filter systems are cheaper, healthier, and better for the environment. Some may think that bottled water is a great new trend, but personal health is more important than any trend. For the best personal health, it is advisable to choose refrigerator water filter systems.

About The Author

Paul Stinson writes about water and other general health topics. Learn more about refrigerator water filter systems at http://www.filterfast.com.

This article was posted on August 16, 2005

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Dermatologist: The Most Qualified Physician for Skin Problems

Dermatologist: The Most Qualified Physician for Skin Problems
 by: Michael Sanford

The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Sadly, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease that only a skin doctor can absolutely give the scientific explanation for those skin problems. Dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing on the study of the skin, diseases of the skin and the relationship of cutaneous lesions to systemic disease. Dermatologist is a medical doctor trained to usually combine several activities like seeing patients in public hospitals and/or in private practices, acting as consultants to other specialists, teaching and delving into clinical or basic research.
The dermatologist must have expertise in basic sciences including pathology, biochemistry, physics, physiology, microbiology and endocrinology. Because skin diseases are often associated with internal conditions, dermatologist must also be familiar with all the other medical specialties because of their consultant work. Dermatologist likewise perform skin surgery in several situations like preventing or providing early control of disease such as skin cancer; improve skin's appearance by removing growths, discolorations or damage caused by ageing; and to establish a definite diagnosis.
There are several responsibilities that dermatologist has including examining patients, performing biopsies and other diagnostic techniques of dermatology, interpreting test results and evaluating examination findings before prescribing treatments, including x-ray therapy, physical therapy and medication. Dermatological services are as well managed by dermatologist like formulating plans and procedures for dermatological services, scheduling operation of diagnostic and treatment facilities, and assigning nurses, physical therapists, x-ray therapists and other medical technicians. The dermatologist advises on the types and quantity of dermatological supplies and equipment, coordinate dermatological services with other medical activities.
There are however several types of health care providers who can take care of your skin conditions aside from dermatologist. The first thing that you need to know about picking a skin specialist is the probability that you are really badly in need to see a specialist as sometimes your condition may not need the specialist. Therefore, it is important that you know when you really need to see a dermatologist. Some conditions are exclusively treated by a dermatologist especially with severe forms of common diseases such as acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis. Most skin cancers are treated by dermatologist, sometimes in conjunction with a surgeon. There is also the dermatologist who utilizes various specialized laboratory procedures to diagnose disorders characterized by defective responses of the body's immune system.
Getting a referral from your physician is a great help and of high importance in finding the right dermatologist who will be working with you. It is important that you are assured that the dermatologist has the right credentials for the medical procedure(s) that your skin demands. You may have to do some preliminary check that will enable you to be prepared and educated prior to your consultation. Such steps are critical as it will help you achieve a successful outcome. You have to have a give-and-take dialogue assuring that you and your dermatologist have the same vision of what you want the end result to be as well as your expectations are realistic. The communication between you and the skin doctor is of most importance as you are considering things about your skin or associated problems.

About The Author

Michael Sanford

For more infoormation on acne skin care please visit http://www.no-more-acne.org

This article was posted on August 16, 2005

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