Celery Nutrients - Health Benefits of Celery Juice

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Health benefits of celery juice

 Home > Barley grass juice health benefits > Celery nutrients and juice health benefits

Celery and its juice have immense nutritional value and many health benefits. Celery belongs to the family Apiaceae (aka Umbelliferae) and species Apium graveolens. It is a biennial vegetable having a life cycle of two years, grows up to one meter in height and has pinnate to bipinnate leaves. In celery the leaves are carried on long green stalks joined at the bulbous root.

The green leaves, stalks and bulbous root are rich sources of vitamins, dietary minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients giving many health benefits.

Nutrients in celery and its juice

     As per the USDA Nutrient Database, 100 grams of raw celery has 95 gms of water and the other nutrients making up the remaining 5%. Celery in dry flakes form gives 319 kcl energy and contains:

Protein	11.30 gms
Total lipid (fat)	2.10 gms
Carbohydrate	63.70 gms
Total dietary fiber	27.80 gms
Sugars	35.90 gms

Mineral nutrients

Calcium	587.00 mg
Iron	7.83 mg
Magnesium	196.00 mg
Phosphorus	402.00 mg
Potassium	4388.00 mg
Sodium	1435.00 mg
Zinc	2.77 mg

Vitamin nutrients

Vitamin C	86.50 mg
Thiamin	0.44 mg
Riboflavin	0.50 mg
Niacin	4.64 mg
Vitamin B 6	0.46 mg
Folate, DFE	107.00 mcg
Vitamin E	5.55 mg
Vitamin K	584.20 µg
Vitamin A	1962 IU

     Celery and its juice contain very high amounts of nutrients like vitamin K which benefit us in blood coagulation. Vitamin K also has a vital role in metabolic pathways in bone and other tissues. Celery is a good source of Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. Among minerals nutrients celery and its juice contain good amounts of potassium, Calcium, magnesium, manganese and sodium. The high content of nutrients like dietary fiber gives health benefits like lowering of glycemic index and blood sugar.

Image of celery plant
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User:Popolon (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Health benefits of antioxidants in celery juice

     The major antioxidants in celery juice are vitamin A, vitamin C and coumarins. The juice also contains antioxidant flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin. During the biochemical metabolic processes in the human body free-radicals are formed which cause oxidative stress to body and can start chain reactions inside the cells causing damage or death of cells. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation of other molecules by neutralising the free-radicals and extend many health benefits. Oxidative stress contributes to development of many diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, diabetes and neurodegeneration.

Hypertension lowering health benefits

The phthalides (sedanenolide and 3n-butylphthalide) present in celery, especially its seeds, are found to be effective in the treatment of high blood pressure. Phthalides show anti-hypertension effects by  relaxing the wall muscles of arteries, improving microcirculation and reducing the body fluids. Further celery also contains phytochemical nutrients known as coumarins. These phytochemicals show anti-hypertension activity.

Illustration of capillary microcirculation

Fluid and electrolyte balance health benefits
     The presence of good amounts of nutrients like calcium, potassium and sodium in celery juice helps in maintenance of  water-electrolyte balance. Electrolytes like calcium, potassium and sodium play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body. These nutrients are important for  regulating muscle, heart and neurological functions, maintaining fluid balance, acid-base balance and oxygen transport.

Anti-cancer health benefits
     The coumarin compounds present in celery juice are reported to have anti-cancer activity. Other health benefits reported for coumarin compound nutrients include anti-HIV, antiseptic, pain relief, anti-arrhythmia, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilating, anti-osteoporosis and anti-lymphedema effects.

Allergies and anaphylactic shock due to celery juice?
     Like peanuts, celery and its juice also has some allergens which can trigger severe allergic reactions sometimes leading to anaphylactic shock. Its seeds have the highest amount of allergens followed by roots and then stalks. Unlike peanut allergy which is most prevalent in United States, allergy to celery is most prevalent in Central European countries. However health benefits of juice outweigh possible allergies.

     After a workout celery juice is a perfect health drink as it benefits the body by replacing lost eletrolytes, especially nutrients like sodium.


Daily Health Tips topics of interest:

1. Amla fruit juice nutrients and health benefits.
2. Aspirin for cancer prevention.
3. MRI scans - uses, benefits and risks.
4. What is yo-yo effect?

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Health benefits of celery juice and nutrients

Health Tips - Barley Grass - Health Benefits of Barley Grass Juice

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Health benefits of barley grass juice

Home > Amla fruit - Amla fruit juice health benefits > Barley grass juice health benefits

Barley grain and grass have high nutritional value and show immense health benefits. The leaf of the barley plant is known as barley grass and is usually consumed in the juice form. It contains vitamins, trace minerals, essential fatty acids, essential amino acids, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Unlike wheat, barley and its grass are gluten-free. The nutrition in it is released when the cell walls are crushed by grinding.

Antioxidant health benefits
     Barley grass juice is rich in antioxidants like beta carotene and alpha-tocopherol succinate. These are helpful in lowering blood sugar. Further its antioxidant activity lowers hypertension, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The antioxidants present in it boost the immunity and ward off diseases like cancer and rheumatism. The chlorophyll in the juice shows anti-bacterial and anti-mutagenic properties. The high chlorophyll content of the barley green extract benefits the human body by detoxifying and removing the metabolic wastes.

Health benefits of dietary fiber
     The dietary fibers present in the grass juice contribute to its low glycemic index and benefit diabetics and contributes to weight-loss. Because of slow release of glucose, stamina is boosted and the ability to cope with stress is enhanced. The high dietary fiber helps in upkeep of health and proper function of gastrointestinal tract.

Benefits of vitamins in juice
     Barley grass juice is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C vitamin E, vitamin K and vitamin B complex. Vitamins have diverse functions in the human body. Some function as antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E). Vitamin A regulates cell growth and differentiation. B complex vitamins bring about many of the enzymatic reactions in the body.

Health benefits of dietary minerals in barley grass juice
     Among the minerals significant amount of calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, copper, zinc and magnesium are found in barley green. Many of the vital functions are brought about by the minerals absorbed from the foods.

Essential fatty acids in Barley green
     Barley green juice contains significant levels of essential fatty acids like Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Many body functions like cellular signaling, downregulating inflammation and activating or inhibiting DNA transcription factors are brought about by essential alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). Low concentration of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to depression and dejection.

Health benefits of essential amino acids in barley grass
     Many of the amino acids required for protein building can be synthesized by the human body. However nine amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine) cannot be synthesized by the body and have to be sourced through food. All the nine essential amino acids are present in the barley grass juice fulfilling the amino acid requirements of the body.


Daily Health News & Tips topics of interest:
1. Aspirin for colorectal cancer prevention.
2. MRI scans - uses, benefits and risks.
3. What is yo-yo dieting?

Current Health Tips topic:
What is barley grass juice and what are its health benefits.

Aspirin for cancer prevention - Aspirin and colorectal cancer

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Nutrition, Health & Wellness

Aspirin for cancer prevention

Home > Vitamin E and prostate health > Aspirin and colorectal cancer prevention

Uses of aspirin for prevention of cancer in general and colorectal cancer in particular have been examined in recent epidemiological studies. The findings support use of aspirin for colorectal cancer prevention. The exact mechanism of malignant tumor prevention by aspirin is not well understood. Probably by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be activating immune reactions and inhibiting the synthesis of tumour promoters.

     Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) has been in use as an analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent. In low-dose it is recommended for prevention of cardiovascular disease related problems like ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Image of colorectal region

Aspirin for cancer prevention

     Research data have shown that daily aspirin may help in prevention of several malignant tumors and the risk of local and distant metastasis.
In two meta-analysis led by Professor Peter Rothwell of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford and his colleagues, published in The Lancet (Volume 379, Issue 9826, Pages 1602 - 1612, 28 April 2012) and The Lancet Oncology (Volume 13, Issue 5, Pages 518 - 527, May 2012) found that regular use of aspirin reduces the long-term risk of several malignant tumors and the risk of distant metastasis; the short-term reductions in malignant tumor incidence and mortality add to the case for daily aspirin in prevention of malignant tumors.

Aspirin for colorectal cancer prevention in Lynch syndrome

     Lynch syndrome (HNPCC) is due to autosomal dominant genetic mutations impairing DNA mismatch repair. Apart from colorectal region Lynch syndrome can affect many of the visceral organs, brain and skin. Individuals with Lynch syndrome have 80% lifetime risk of affliction of colorectal region and 66% of these in the proximal region. Prof Sir John Burn MD and colleagues in their research published in The Lancet (Volume 378, Issue 9809, Pages 2081 - 2087, 17 December 2011) interpreted that "600 mg aspirin per day for a mean of 25 months substantially reduced cancer incidence after 55·7 months in carriers of hereditary colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to establish the optimum dose and duration of aspirin treatment."

     There are other ways of prevention of these colorectal malignant tumors. It is advised that people above 50 years should get themselves tested for precancerous polyps. If found their surgical removal will help in the avoidance of formation of malignant tumors.

     The epidemiological studies have shown a consistent relationship between aspirin use and colorectal malignant tumor prevention. However various research aspects, like optimum dosage requirements, ideal duration of therapy, risks involved in long-term use and effects on termination of therapy, require further elaborate studies.

     Considering its known side effects like allergies, increased risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke or peptic ulcer disease, aspirin is not suitable for every individual. Only when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks involved, its use for prevention of colorectal cancer should be considered in individuals prone to aspirin allergies, high blood pressure, ulcers, hemophilia (bleeding disorder) or hemorrhages.


Daily Health News & Tips topics of interest:
MRI scan - Uses, benefits and risks
What is yo-yo dieting?
Frequent & daily headaches causes
Current topic:
Aspirin and colorectal cancer prevention

References:
1. Prof Sir John Burn MD et al, Long-term effect of aspirin on cancer risk in carriers of hereditary colorectal cancer: an analysis from the CAPP2 randomised controlled trial, December 2011, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(11)61049-0

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses - MRI benefits and risks

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging Home > MRI uses, benefits and risks

MRI scan uses magnetic Resonance for diagnostic imaging of the body. The advantages of MRI outweigh its possible risks. MRI scan is an extremely accurate procedure used throughout the body to detect abnormal conditions as well as diseases. It is a painless medical radiological diagnostic procedure with benefits of having no risks of ionizing radiation.

MRI uses

     This technique is used extensively for imaging and evaluating the condition of most of the body parts and organs, especially soft tissues. Benefit of MRI is that surgical procedures can be accurately directed or deferred on the basis of scan results.

• In the head, MRI scans are used to detect trauma to the brain like hemorrhage, swelling, tumors, stroke, aneurysms (a localized, blood-filled balloon-like bulge in the wall of a blood vessel) and demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
• MRI use benefits us in evaluating the integrity of the spinal cord after spinal injuries as well as severe spinal infections and in avoiding the risks of further damage.
• In injuries to back, the conditions of vertebrae, nerve tissues, the intervertebral fibrocartilage (or intervertebral discs) and disc prolapse, if any, can be evaluated and avoiding possible risks is a great benefit.
• This procedure gives the benefit of knowing the condition of heart, aorta and lungs and detecting tears, blocks, fluid accumulations and aneurysms.
• MRI (MR Angiography) is used to monitor blood vessels.
• MRI can be used to get valuable information about the status of organs and systems like liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and  exocrine systems with associated glands.
• MRI is used in diagnosis of health problems with pelvic organs like prostate gland and testicles in men and uterus, cervix and ovaries in women.
• It is used to know presence of fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis in women.
• Its use benefits issueless couple in detecting the cause of infertility.
• It is used to assess the condition of bones, joints, cartilage and the associated soft tissues like tendons and ligaments.

MRI benefits

• The most important benefit of MRI is that, unlike X-ray and CT scan, there is no ionizing radiation and it does not cause DNA damage.
• Its major technological benefit is that it can be used to characterize and discriminate among organ tissues using their physical and biochemical properties.
• Another important benefit is its diagnostic accuracy in detecting structural anomalies and abnormalities of the body.
• Another benefit of MRI is that the brain, spinal cord and nerves are seen comparatively clearer when compared to x-rays and CAT scans.
• In radiation therapy for tumors, precise delivery is essential so as not to damage healthy tissues. There is a great benefit in use of prior MRI of the tumor mass to know its  precise location, shape and orientation for taking up radiation therapy.
• MRI benefits diagnosis of congenital defects of the fetus as there is no ionizing radiation.
• Another benefit of MRI is that it poses no risk to patient if the guidelines are followed.
• The use of functional MRI benefits in assessing the blood flow to the brain.

MRI risks

• If appropriate safety guidelines are followed MRI scan poses almost no risk and has many benefits.
• Ferromagnetic objects taken near the scanner have the risk of causing "missile-effect" accidents and there have been incidences of casualties and death.
• There is a possibility of damage to jewelry, hearing aids, keys, magnetic stripe cards and wrist watches due to magnetic field.
• Foreign metallic materials like surgical clips and prosthetic devices like metallic orthopedic bone plates and artificial joints can significantly distort the images.
• MRI is contraindicated in patients with metallic implants, heart pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators (VNS), cardioverter defibrillator (ICD),  metal chips or clips as the magnet may displace them from the original place. The risk includes death as it has happened in some patients with pacemakers.
• People with metal fragments in their body, artificial metallic heart valves, metallic eye or cochlear implants or tattoo with metallic dyes should not have MRI scans as they run the risk of burn injuries, impairment of the devices or trauma.
• There is a risk of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) due to frequent switching of the magnetic field gradients.
• When the superconducting electromagnet of MRI scanner is suddenly shut down, there is a risk of rapid boiling of liquid helium from the scanner. Its leakage may displace oxygen and present a risk of asphyxiation to those present in the scanner room.
• Patient under the scanner may experience irritating loud clicking and beeping noises. Appropriate ear protection is required to avoid the risk of ear damage.
• Chelates of gadolinium are injected in specific cases for obtaining contrast images. In rare cases there is a risk of patient developing urticaria or anaphylactoid reactions. In patients with severe renal failure, use of gadolinium containing agents may cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
• In the first trimester of pregnancy pregnant women are advised not to undergo MRI as its use may pose a risk to the fetus.
• MRI procedure has the risk of claustrophobic sensation in some patients and require mild sedation.

Daily Health News & Tips topic of interest:
What is yo-yo dieting?
Uses, benefits and risks of vitamin E in prostate cancer
Current topic:
MRI scan uses, benefits and risks

Health tips - What is Yo-yo effect or Yo-yo dieting?

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What is Yo-yo dieting? How to lose weight without starving? > Yoyo effect - Yoyo dieting

Weight cycling, Yoyo dieting or Yo Yo effect are the terms coined to denote unsuccessful maintenance of weight loss and a continuing pattern of losing and gaining weight. The basic flaw in dieting is that people try to lose too much weight in too short a time by nearly starving themselves and they finally end up with Yoyo effect. "Slow and steady wins the race".

     The term Yo Yo dieting was coined by Kelly D. Brownell an American scientist, professor and internationally renowned expert on obesity. He is Director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, where he is also Professor of Psychology and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health. The coined term refers to cyclical up and down movements as in yoyo.

Why people end up with Yo Yo dieting?

     In a spurt of enthusiasm to lose weight people embark upon an extreme hypocaloric dieting and miss meals. There is an initial positive effect. There is an elated feeling about the apparent weight loss and also a sense of achievement in dieting. However such extreme dieting and calorie deprivation causes effects such as lack of energy, fatigue, lethargy and depression. Soon it reaches a stage wherein it becomes impossible to sustain the weight loss efforts and yoyo effect commences.

     The individual reverts back to his old eating habits and gains weight rapidly and has yoyo effects. Now the psychological effects come into play and the sense of failure to lose weight makes the individual to slide into binge eating. Finally he may end up with a weight higher than the initial weight. Again the individual starts afresh crash weight loss program and the yoyo effect of weight loss and weight gain gets repeated.

Yoyo dieting effects on health
     Generally it is believed that such extreme dieting caused the loss of both muscle and body fat. When weight gain starts the lost weight is replaced by more of fat than muscle. This change in fat-to-muscle ratio leads to greater health problems. Yoyo effects may cause high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels and gallbladder disease.

     However, the research work compiled by Atkinson et al. (1994)and published in Journal of the American Medical Association, showed there is no harm in yoyo dieting and that there are no adverse effects of yoyo dieting on body composition, resting metabolic rate, body fat distribution, or future successful weight loss.

     For many, it is frustrating to lose weight and more frustrating to keep it off from regaining and yoyo dieting. For sure, yoyo effects have extreme psychological, emotional and physical ramifications due to extreme physical and mental stress the individual is going through.

Dieting without the Yoyo effect

     The overweight or obesity you have is the net result of energy (calorie) inputs and outputs. Excess inputs result in storage in the form of fat. Foremost thing for escaping yoyo effect is to start spending more energy and then start reducing the input by dieting.

To stop yoyo effect spend energy to lose weight

• Note down your present weight and aim for a modest weight loss.
• Aim for a steady weight loss and do not aim for a sudden and drastic weight loss. A must to stop yoyo dieting.
• The first step in weight control is to become active. Increase your physical activities gradually to finally spend at least thirty minutes in brisk exercises daily.
• Physical training must be gradual and please note that obese persons may have cardiovascular problems and malfunctioning sugar metabolism. Consult a physician before you start the workouts. Or else you may have to stop in the middle of dieting and have yoyo effects.
• Cycling, swimming, gym workouts and jogging contribute greatly to calorie burning.
• The increase in activity will make you more hungry. Do not increase your food intake or make changes in your food habits at this level to stop yoyo effect.
• To satiate the increase in hunger, take lots of sugar-free fluids and only small portions of low-calorie salads so as to avoid yoyo effect.
• As you have not put additional energy inputs by increased food intake, your body will start gradually burning up the stored fat.
• Keep up the activities and watch your weight loss for one or two months.
• Even if you find no substantial weight loss during this period, keep up the energy expenditure as you are undergoing fat loss and muscle build up due to increased activity which is better for your health and can also ward off yoyo dieting.

Dieting to lose weight and stop yoyo effect

• Once you have adapted to a regular physical activity, think of dieting to remove the extra fat clinging on.
• Like increasing physical activities, dieting also must be a very gradual process in order not to have yoyo effect.
• Increase your fluid intake and consume up to one liter of water for every twenty kilograms of body weight.
• While dieting gradually cut down all fad foods and junk foods one by one in order to avoid yoyo effect.
• Gradually reduce the oil intake and cut down on fried food.
• Evaluate the nutritional status of your meals. It must be well balanced with all the nutritional requirements.
• Do not skip meals. If you skip a meal you may end up binge eating the next meal and starting a yoyo cycle.
• Split your daily food requirement in to four or five meals.
• While dieting gradually reduce the carbohydrate intake. Please note that  while continuing with the physical activities, the carbohydrate reduction should not cause weakness. If you feel weak slow down energy reduction pace; otherwise you may end up with yoyo effect.

Role of appetite-related hormones and yoyo effects

     Ana B. Crujeiras et al in their research study "Weight Regain after a Diet-Induced Loss Is Predicted by Higher Baseline Leptin and Lower Ghrelin Plasma Levels" published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (November 1, 2010 vol. 95 no. 11 5037-5044) had concluded that 'Subjects with higher plasma leptin and lower ghrelin levels at baseline could be more prone to regain lost weight, and hormones levels could be proposed as biomarkers for predicting obesity-treatment outcomes'. In future individually tailored dieting programs may have to be contrived depending upon the appetite hormone levels of the individuals to avoid yoyo effects.

     The cardinal rule for not getting into yoyo effect while dieting is that it should be very gradual so that you should not feel weak or robbed of energy at the end of the day.

Daily Health News & Tips topic of interest:
Frequent headache - Daily headache - Causes
Current topic:
Yoyo effect - Yoyo dieting



References:
Atkinson, R. L., Dietz, W. H., Foreyt, J. P., Goodwin, N. J., Hill, J. O., Hirsch, J., Yanovski, S. Z. (1994). "Weight cycling. National task force on the prevention and treatment of obesity". Journal of the American Medical Association 15 (272): 1196–1202. PMID 7741844

Frequent headaches -Daily headaches - Causes

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Frequent daily headaches Home > Frequent headaches -Daily headaches - Causes

Nearly 5% of the adults suffer from chronic daily or frequent headaches caused by a myriad of factors. In some cases the causes for daily occurrence are not well understood and are idiopathic in nature. Daily or frequent headaches require a medical evaluation. There can be a systemic cause for which the present condition is only a symptom.

Possible causes of frequent and daily headaches

    One of the cause of frequent episode is the disturbance in the processing of pain signals in the brain. The pain signals may have been interpreted with exaggerated response. Excess caffeine (in tea and coffee), sulfides (in red wine), allergic reactions, defective eye sight, eye strain, chronic ear infections and carbon monoxide poisoning may also cause daily occurrence. The following secondary causes may also be considered during evaluation.

Image: daily frequent headache
Overdose of medication and rebound effect
    In many cases of frequent headaches the cause have been found to be frequent use of pain-killers. Use of analgesics for three days in a week or nine days in a month can cause rebound effect and daily headache. A vicious cycle occurs whereby frequent headaches cause the person to take frequent medication. In such cases treatment becomes difficult as the treatment itself becomes the cause of malady.

Frequent migraine
    In people with migraine, the episodes occur 1-3 times a month or less. In some the occurrence becomes frequent or daily. To get over it proper preventive treatment is necessary.

Chronic tension (stress)
    People who are prone to tension headaches can slowly develop daily episodes. Tight contractions of muscles in the head, neck and shoulders due to anxiety, stress or lack of sleep usually are the causes. Treating the condition and preventing the underlying cause may bring relief.

New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)
    Some people, who never had headache of any type suddenly develop persistent daily headache. International Headache Society (IHS) has classified it as a Primary Headache Disorder by the ICHD-2 classification system. NDPH is unique and is continuous daily pain. It may be varying in intensity and very rapidly build up to continuous and unremitting pain. There is no specific treatment for this condition.  It often does not respond to preventive or abortive medications. In some small studies preventive individual treatments with gabapentin, topiramate and doxycycline have been found to successful.

Sinusitis
    The inflammation of sinus (sinusitis) creates pressure and precipitate frequent headaches. Sinusitis due to infections in the sinus. In chronic sinusitis the pain becomes a daily feature and is severe when the affected person bends down. Treating and curing sinusitis with anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics can bring relief from pain.

Traumatic head & neck injuries
    If a person suffers from frequent headaches after a head or neck injury, it could be a serious condition. If a sensation of whirling and loss of balance (vertigo) also accompanies then it is an emergency situation requiring thorough medical investigation. There is a great possibility of damage to nerve tissues of the brain or spine.

Meningitis
    Persons suffering from meningitis also have daily or frequent headaches. Meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Other symptoms of meningitis are fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion and seizures. The health condition of the patient with meningitis deteriorates quickly requiring immediate medical care. There is also viral meningitis with similar symptoms.

Dehydration
    Dehydration, especially chronic dehydration is found the cause daily headaches. As children are more prone to dehydration, they may also suffer from this condition. Over consumption of coffee or alcohol, diuretics, strenuous exercise, antihistamines and calcium channel blockers can cause loss of considerable amount of water and electrolytes from the body. Taking sufficient water will solve this problem. Excess loss of body salts through profuse sweating can also produce this pain and one may have to take sports drinks.

Hormones effects
    The monthly fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones can cause frequent headaches in women. During the menopause frequent headaches are produced as there is fluctuation in the levels of hormones and also there is a drop in the levels of estrogen.

Seek medical help if the daily episode is accompanied by the following symptoms like,

• getting worse over days,
• vision changes,
• nausea or vomiting,
• numbness and tingling,
• pain in the ear or eye,
• confusion or convulsions
• or pain and stiffness in the neck are present.

    Seek medical help and have your frequent headache evaluated. The cause could be an underlying serious health condition.

Daily Health News & Tips topic of interest:
Exercise and summer - Exercising in the heat




Image courtesy:
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/exalthim/ by Mr.Thomas under (CC BY-SA 2.0).

References:
1. Fumal A, Schoenen J. Tension-type headache: current research and clinical management. Lancet Neurol. 2008:7(1):70-83.
2. Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (November 2008). Diagnosis and management of headache in adults. Edinburgh. ISBN 978-1-905813-39-1.
3. Halker RB, Hastriter EV, Dodick DW. Chronic daily headache: an evidence-based and systematic approach to a challenging problem. frequent causes. Neurology. 2011;76(7 suppl 2):S37-S43.