Migraine – Part 3
In part 1, I explore what a migraine was and how it differed from headaches and they shared a herbal remedy, last week in part 2 I looked at potential nutrional diffciences. This week, I want to explore some growing evidence about the impact of exercise.
When you are having a migraine it is natural to want to rest and for some people exercise can trigger a migraine. So I was slightly surprise about the growing evidence that suggest exercise can help migraine sufferers. Firstly, the evidence all relates to a certain type of exercise known as High Intentsity Interval Training (HIIT). This is where you alternative periods of intense exercise with periods of less intense recovery.
Recently scientists compared the effects of twice weekly HIIT sessions with moderate continous exercise and a control intevention and found that HIIT had most beneficial results. They found HIIT significantly reduced the munber of migraine days amoung sufferers.
Reference
Hanssen H, Minghetti A, Magon S, et al. Effects of different endurance exercise modalities on migraine days and cerebrovascular health in episodic migraineurs: A randomized controlled trial. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2018;28:1103–1112. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13023
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More factors that contribute to muscle cramps
Previously I discussed how dehydration & lack of sodium or potassium may cause muscle cramps. I now want to explore other nutritional factors. Calcium Calcium plays an essential role in muscle contractions. Some active people report their problem with cramping disappears when they boost their calcium intake. This anecdotal evidence is disputed by scientists who state that when dietary deficiencies of of calcium occur, calcium is released from the bones to provide what the body needs for proper muscle contraction. If you are plagued by muscle cramps, it may be worth trying to increase your intake of dairy or other calcium rich foods to see if it helps. Magnesium Just as muscles need calcium to contract they need magnesium to relax. Roffe et al demonstrated that magnesium helps reduce leg cramps that occur in the middle of the night.
Reference
Roffe C1, Sills S, Crome P, Jones P (2002), Randomised, cross-over, placebo controlled trial of magnesium citrate in the treatment of chronic persistent leg cramps. Med Sci Monit. 2002 May;8(5): p326-30.

More tips on how to prevent Delayed Onsite Muscle Soreness
Previously I have explained what DOMS is, and why it plagues some people and not others and given you some ideas on how to prevent it. Given DOMS can be so debilitating and demotivating I wanted to give you more tips on how to prevent DOMS. 1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids Omega 3 fatty acids, like those found in fish and flax oil, are a fantastic addition to your recovery arsenal. Your body can’t make them, so you have to eat them, they are found primarily in fish and wild game, and to a lesser degree in certain nuts and seeds. They are powerfully anti-inflammatory and pro-recovery, and are protective to connective tissue, nerve tissue, and muscle tissue. 2. Protease Enzymes A study by Innerfield in 1957 showed that protease enzyme supplementation may have anti-inflammatory effects, and others have shown them to be specifically effective at reducing DOMS. Protease enzymes include trypsin, bromelain, chymotrypsin and papain, and they help modulate the pro-inflammatory response by blocking pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and stimulating anti inflammatory processes. If you go this route, make sure you get a formula that includes that piperine. This is an ingredient extracted from pepper that increases enzyme absorption by up to 60%. You need this boost because enzymes don’t absorb that well in the gut. 3. Compression Tights Research found that marathoners who wore compression gear in the 24 hours after a race reported less soreness. The technical fabric supports muscle groups, reducing movement, which can result in less soft tissue damage. Compression can also boost circulation. However, to ensure the right level of compression, you’ll have to work out the size you need using your height and weight. 4. Foam Roller Most people are familiar with foam rollers and know that using it on sore muscles can alleivate the pain. Remember using a foam roller may be painful and shouldn't be unbearable. Personally I prefer receiving massage to foam rolling my own sore muscles. Both sports and deep tissue massage can help alleviate DOMS too. References
- Innerfield I. The anti-inflammatory effect of parenterally administered proteases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1957 Aug 30;68(1):167-76; discussion 176-7.
- Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.
- Taussig SJ The mechanism of the physiological action of bromelain Medical Hypotheses 1980; 6: 99-104
- Donaho C, Rylander C Proteolytic enzymes in athletic injuries: a double blind study of a new anti-inflammatory agent Delaware Medical Journal 1962; 34: 168-170.
- Cirelli MG Clinical experience with bromelains in proteolytic enzyme therapy of inflammation and edema Medical Times 1964; 92(9): 919-922.
- Taussig SJ, Batkin S Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple and its clinical application Journal of Ethnopharmacology 1988; 22: 191-203.
- Atal CK, Zutshi U, Rao PG. Scientific evidence on the role of Ayurvedic herbals on bioavailability of drugs. J Ethnopharmacol. 1981 Sep;4(2):229-32.
- Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, Jaiswal J, Gupta SK. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2001 Oct-Dec;26(4):241-7.
- Miller et. Al. The effects of protease supplementation on skeletal muscle function and D.O.M.S. following downhill running. Journal of Sports Sciences 22, 365-372;2004.

What is good standing posture?
We all know we need to maintain good posture, but what exactly is good standing posture? Good standing posture When standing, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.
- Pull in your abdomen.
- Keep your feet about hip distance apart.
- Balance your weight evenly on both feet.
- Let your hands hang naturally at your sides.
Take the wall test
To test your standing posture, take the wall test. Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching a wall, and have your heels about 2 to 4 inches (about 5 to 10 centimeters) away from the wall. Reach back and slide your hand behind the curve in your lower back, with your palm flat against the wall. Ideally, you'll feel about one hand's thickness of space between your back and the wall. If there's too much space, tighten your abdominal muscles to flatten the curve in your back. If there's too little space, arch your back so that your hand fits comfortably behind you. Walk away from the wall while maintaining this posture. Keep it up throughout your daily activities.Check out your reflection
To see if you're keeping your shoulders straight, stand in front of a mirror. Aim to keep your shoulders square and relaxed.It all adds up
Although good posture should be natural, you might feel wooden or stiff at first if you've forgotten the sensation of standing up straight. The key is to practice good posture all the time. Remember its never to late to start practicing good posture.

