DearPharmacist » Women’s Health

Bitter Orange Improves Weight Loss

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:48:38 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,
I have been taking a dietary supplement to lose weight and it works great. I’ve lost 34 pounds and feel great! I heard on The Today Show that one of the ingredients in my formula (bitter orange) was harmful. Should I stop taking my supplement?
–J.P. Orange Park, Florida

Answer: People who use bitter orange-containing supplements often notice reduced hunger, faster weight loss and more energy. Bitter orange (citrus aurantium) is commonly used in American dietary supplements as a fat-burner, especially those that are labelled “ephedra-free.” Since you feel great, I’d continue taking your supplement while exercising and eating healthy meals.

I watched The Today Show episode and was shocked to see bitter orange named as an ingredient to avoid. The fruit extract comes from unripe oranges and its enjoyed thousands of years of safe usage, especially in Chinese medicine, where it is known as Zhi Shi. It made headlines on the heels of an article published in the September 2010 issue of Consumer Reports which stated, “bitter orange may be associated with fainting, heart-rhythm disorders, heart attack, stroke and death.”

Seriously?! People are picking on oranges now? Prescribed anti-microbial medications kill more than 75,000 people a year, and anti-inflammatory drugs land more than 100,000 people in the hospital each year with internal bleeding? You don’t hear hysteria about that! But oranges can kill you?

Health officials here may want to scare Americans but you should know that overseas, a well-respected governmental agency called the “German Commission E” approves of bitter orange for appetite suppression, dyspepsia and other stomach complaints. I believe the problem occurs when people misuse or overuse weight loss formulas, or combine them with prescribed meds or caffeinated beverages. Some people self-treat when they unknowingly have a weak heart. A handful of adverse events trickle in. Enter the media, with both barrels aimed at frightening you.

Obesity causes tremendous struggling, both physically and emotionally. Do you realize that in 2005, approximately 365,000 deaths were tied to “poor diet and physical activity” according to a 2005 JAMA report? Allowing the orange marmalade extract to be sold as a thermogenic ingredient and dietary supplement makes common sense, especially when compared to certain weight loss drugs which produce amphetamine jolts to your heart!

A clinical trial concluded that bitter orange was “the best thermogenic substitute for ephedra” (Journal of Medicine 2002). Take a combination formula because it contains lower dosages of bitter orange that work synergistically with other ingredients; this should be safer than taking a stand-alone supplement of bitter orange with a very high dosage.

Join a weight loss center that will supervise your metabolic program and offer assistance from a professional weight loss Consultant; this way your vitamin regimen and health status will be constantly monitored. Buy supplements from reputable sources who guarantee quality and contain only approved extracts such as the orange’s fruit and peel, versus the flower.

Did You Know?

Benadryl is useful for allergies and insomnia because it dries you up and helps put you to sleep.

More Support for Candida Sufferers Part 3

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:45:55 +0000

This column is the third (and final) in the series I promised you for the subject of yeast overgrowth (Candida albicans) which can cause many diseases. Thousands of you have written and although there were many good queries, here are the two most frequently asked questions I received, along with my answer.

What are Candida die-off symptoms and how can I minimize the discomfort? Candida die-off is also known as the Herxheimer reaction. As large amounts of yeast die, the organism dumps it’s toxic contents into your system, thereby overloading your detoxification pathways. This causes some pretty challenging symptoms including brain fog, intense sugar cravings, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle soreness, gas/diarrhea, blurry vision, irrational anger or flu-like symptoms. Itchy, irritated, inflamed skin is quite common, and maddening. One of the most comprehensive formulas I have found is Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus which contains Brazilian propolis (bees make it) along with flax oil, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin E and a powerful body-cleanser called astaxanthin. The combination can be soothing for anyone with irritated skin.

Enzymes that help break down the yeast and rid the body of toxic by-products can be enormously helpful for individuals experiencing Candida infection and/or die-off reactions. The formula that I recommend for this is Enzymedica’s Candidase which is sold at health food stores nationwide. It contains cellulase which is an enzyme the body needs (and does not make) which kills yeast by destroying the cell wall, composed of cellulose. Candidase also contains protease, known worldwide to support the body’s healing process by getting rid of yeast and immune complexes which cause illness and inflammation.

What foods should I avoid and how should I eat?

-Anything with sugar, because sugar is food to fungus.

-Anything made with yeast such as bread, muffins, pastries, etc.

-All grains and starches (at least at the outset of your diet) such as pasta, rice, corn, wheat, quinoa, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, oats and barley.

I recommend the diet plan outlined by one of the world’s leading authorities on fungus, Doug A. Kaufmann, who wrote eight books on it! He’s also the host of one of the most popular holistic health shows in America, “Know the Cause.” Doug has researched the subject of fungus-induced disease and mycotoxins for decades and helped millions of people get back to health so I always tell people to follow his Phase One diet plan explained in The Fungus Link and eat recipes in the book, Eating Your Way to Good Health which he authored with Jami Clark, RN. There are free recipes and television programs about Candida archived at his website, knowthecause.com. Check out candidasupport.org and for more healthy recipes try Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook by Pat Connolly.

Did You Know?

United States health officials are warning doctors and patients about Lamictal, a drug used to treat bipolar and seizure disorders. Apparently, there is some evidence that suggests it may cause aseptic meningitis.

Candida Treatments and Tests Part 2

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:43:42 +0000

Dear Readers,

Last week I answered a question for a person who kept going to the doctor and being told that nothing was wrong with her. She did some reading and learned that her symptoms were tied to a fungus and started to self-treat. This is part 2 in the series I promised you regarding her story of Candida albicans. My first article is now posted on my website (dearpharmacist.com) and I’ve also posted a link to teach you how to do a saliva test at home to see if you have Candida. Up to 85 percent of people do. There are also stool tests available from Genova and Metametrix Labs.

Candida albicans is one of many yeast organisms that is natural to the human gut flora. For many people, especially those who take medications routinely, or eat processed foods and sugar, the gut flora loses it’s camp of healthy micro-organisms, and the Candida (or other pathogens) take over. Most often people get thrush, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections and chronic fatigue to go with a lot of GI distress (you name it). Once the yeast leaves your digestive tract, you get sicker and may develop cystitis, headaches, itchy skin, PMS and anxiety or depression. The other ‘diseases’ that Candida (it’s toxic break down products) cause are numerous, and were outlined in last week’s column.

To regain health, you must first destroy the offender. The absolute best way to kill Candida is to stop ingesting fast food, or anything processed or containing sugar. Eat more raw food (think salads, juicing, fresh veggies) and lean proteins. If you don’t eat meat, supplement with hemp or rice protein shakes. Ease up on carbs, and no refined white bread, white rice or white sugar. No more white!

Doctors can prescribe nystatin, an anti-fungal drug that stays in the gut and kills Candida. Diflucan (fluconazole) is a medication that works systemically (in your blood). There are OTC formulas available for all of you. With any anti-Candida protocol, there could be a “die-off” reaction (you get worse before getting better) so give these products a chance.

Phytofuge- This contains a fabulous blend of botanical herbs that work synergistically to improve the health of your digestive tract. The product contains Pau D’Arco, wormwood, black walnut, and undecylenic acid, all of which have anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Buy it online, or ask your health food store or physician to acquire for you.

CandidaClear by NSI- Another blend of incredible anti-Candida herbs and vitamins including grapefruit seed, garlic, caprylic acid and biotin. I found this one at vitacost.com

Probiotics- These replenish gut flora with healthy strains of bacteria. The following have a nice blend of strains and are sold nationwide: Pro-Bio, Kyo-Dophilus, Culturelle, Pearls IC, Probiotic All-Flora, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics 12.

Pancreatic enzymes- An overlooked, but absolutely crucial step in improving gut function by helping you digest food. You may also need betaine hydrochloride, a natural digestive acid.

Send Your Poisons Packing with Natural Supplement

suzy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:32:08 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I have fibromyalgia, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breasts and endometriosis. I fired my old doctor, because I wasn’t getting any better. My new doctor prescribed bio-identical hormones, iodine tablets, and a strong multi-vitamin. I’m eating ground flax seeds thanks to your recent column. Am I missing something? I’m still uncomfortable. –E.W. Sacramento, California

Answer: You’re doing great and healing is in progress. You have a lot of symptoms tied to “estrogen dominance” (also called progesterone deficiency). I sent you my e-book as a gift for submitting this excellent question which speaks to so many people. There is a dietary supplement called Calcium D-glucarate which studies show can help all of your symptoms. Despite the name, it’s not used for bone building.

D-Glucaric acid is a natural substance found in fruits and veggies. We make small amounts in the body during a process called “glucuronidation” which is how our body scrubs itself clean. Too bad we don’t make more. Calcium D-Glucarate or “glucarate” is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid and this patented supplement helps our body keep toxins ‘packaged’ tightly so the bound up garbage can go through the digestive tract and get excreted.

Without enough glucarate, our neatly packaged poisons come unravelled and re-enter our circulation, like a thug breaking in twice! Some of you need physician’s approval for OTC supplements in which case explain that “America’s Pharmacist Suzy Cohen told you glucarate blocks the enzyme beta-glucuronidase and this supports glucuronic acid conjugation.” Glucarate is an affordable way to bolt the door from thugs. Consider it great insurance for a major detoxification pathway in the human body.

Glucarate has no known major side effects and is safely taken in combination with antioxidants, protein shakes or medications. Dosages vary from 500mg – 3,000mg total per day. Calcium D-glucarate may also help:

Estrogen removal: Many toxic chemicals in our home and garage increase xenoestrogens which are estrogen-like chemicals. These disrupt hormone balance in men and women Glucarate facilitate estrogen removal, and improves estrogen by-product formation so it may ease prostate conditions, PMS and other hormonal concerns.

Bodybuilders: Glucarate improves physique by reducing total estrogen load; means it can lessen fluid retention and reverse gynecomastia (a.k.a. man boobs).

Cholesterol lowering: Preliminary results in humans show that glucarate can significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides.

Cancer prevention: Animal studies suggest glucarate not only reduces risk, but may prevent tumor growth in the skin, breast, liver, colon and lung. Women with estrogen-dependent tumors (and men with prostate cancer) should absolutely ask about taking glucarate since it can reduce total estrogen load and improve estrogen metabolite ratios.

Detoxification problems: People riddled with heavy metals/plasticizers and those with multiple chemical sensitivity, auto-immune disorders or fibromyalgia- the detoxifying effect of glucarate offers great housekeeping and by reducing total toxin burden. Glucarate helps us properly eliminate used up medications.

Did You Know?
Cooking with grape seed oil (rather than olive oil) allows you to use medium-high temperatures, without losing all the antioxidant benefits.

The Goods on Grapefruit and Medications that Won’t Mix

suzy — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:27:04 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,
My medication label suddenly warns not to eat grapefruit, but is this a serious interaction? Reason I ask is because I love to eat it, and nothing has happened to me so far. –K.A., Tulsa, Oklahoma

Answer: Then stay consistent with your eating habits because consistency allows your doctor to adjust medication dose based on eating habits. Momentarily, I’ll tell how this incredible fruit can help you lower cholesterol, burn fat and reduce cancer risk, but first I I must warn you that grapefruit prevents proper break down of some medications, causing blood levels to spike. This may happen even if you separate administration of the drug from the fruit or the juice by days. Soon enough, I will give you a list of drugs to avoid if you won’t give up the grapefruit. I wouldn’t blame you either, I love grapefruit myself. The seeds are the primary source of naringenin, which is the bitter chemical that causes the pucker. It’s also a strong antioxidant that not only neutralizes free-radicals (which promote cancer) but also seems to prevent hardening of the arteries.

Grapefruit may boost metabolism, at least in rodents. Thin rats don’t necessarily translate to thin thighs, although I still think grapefruit is a fine edition to most diet plans, especially those that include ways to help you improve progesterone to estrogen ratio, and increase thyroid hormone. Grapefruit may help people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome (high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar).

Naringenin is not an appetite suppressant, or a fat blocker so if you take those dietary supplements, it’s also fine to take this bioflavonoid supplement. It can be combined with protein supplements too, which are often recommended during weight loss.

You’ll see it listed in various ways, including naringenin, grapefruit seed extract, GSE or part of a comprehensive bioflavonoid formula that also contains hesperidin, rutin or quercetin. These types of products are widely available at health food stores.

Before you get too excited and buy supplements or fresh fruit at the grocery store, I need you to promise me that you’ll get both your physician and pharmacist’s approval (and it wouldn’t hurt to research yourself) to find out if grapefruit, or grapefruit-containing supplements are right for you.

The approval from both your doctor and pharmacist is important because I don’t have the space to list all of the drugs that might potentially interact. The following drugs (and possibly related drugs that are not listed here) may have a potentially dangerous interaction with grapefruit, so never combine it with these: Sildenafil (Viagra), buspirone (Buspar), sertraline (Zoloft), triazolam (Halcion), diazepam (Valium), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cyclosporine, tacrolimus, felodipine, nifedipine, HIV medications, statins cholesterol drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin), amiodarone, methadone, digoxin and losartan (Cozaar).

Did You Know?

Zyclara cream is now FDA approved and available to people who suffer with pre-cancerous spots on their face or scalp called actinic keratoses.

How Drug Muggers Can Slowly Steal the Life Out of You

suzy — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:52:12 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I bought your Drug Muggers book and learned that coffee is stealing iron from my body. I’ve had chronic fatigue for years, and now that I’m supplementing with the iron, I’m feeling MUCH better, so thank you! I’m not giving up coffee though. Suzy, would you be willing to share more drug muggers, as a public service, because some people can’t afford to buy your book, but they really need your help. –K.M., Kansas City, Kansas

Answer: Yes, of course and I’ve been sharing this information freely since 1999. The drug mugging effect can explain everything from nagging aches to life-threatening diseases. Replenishing the missing nutrient(s) might be just what the doctor should have ordered!

Most people don’t know this but years ago, I asked major publishers to make a book out of this information, but none understood the importance of it, and some felt it would step on pharmaceutical toes. So I spent my own savings to publish “Drug Muggers” and now that book is sold at Amazon.com, NaturalNews.com and my own website, www.DearPharmacist.com where I offer free articles on the topic. For now, here are some very common ‘diseases’ that might be due to to the drug mugging effect:

Depression, osteoporosis or irregular heartbeat- It could be caused by a deficiency of the mineral magnesium. Common drug muggers include female hormones, diuretics, raloxifene, tea/coffee, anti-inflammatories and aspirin.

Bald patches, loss of taste/smell, erectile dysfunction or chronic diarrhea- It might be zinc deficiency. Common drug muggers are anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, antacids, ulcer/heartburn meds, diuretics and estrogen drugs used for birth control and menopause.

Leg cramps, muscle spasms, memory loss or fatigue- May be a deficiency of CoQ10 (ubiquinol). This life-sustaining antioxidant gets demolished by hundreds of medications including statin cholesterol drugs, metformin, anti-depressants, beta blockers and diuretics. I’ve posted a “Big List of Drugs that Mug CoQ10” for free at my website.

Cell damage, high homocysteine, cataracts, macular degeneration, liver problems- It could be tied to low glutathione, a powerful antioxidant needed to detoxify poisons in your body. Acetaminophen is a possible drug mugger of glutathione.

Pins and needles nerve pain, depression, fatigue, anemia, weight gain- This could be related to a deficiency of B vitamins. Your stash gets depleted by female hormones (menopause and birth control), antacids, ulcer meds, diuretics, raloxifene, cholestyramine, diabetic drugs, tea/coffee.

If you read this and just said, “Aha!” then get approval from your doctor to supplement, or order “micronutrient” testing. For pennies a day, you can get your life back! If you decide to wait and see if I’m right (and not replenish what the drug mugger is stealing), then expect these so-called side effects to get diagnosed as a new disease. You’ll get on a medication merry-go-round and it’s a hard ride to get off.

Did You Know?
Dulcolax Balance is a new OTC product used to promote regularity and it’s similar to Miralax.

Weight Gain, Hot Flashes and Depression All Tied to Low Progesterone

suzy — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:48:52 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I bought a home test kit (saliva test) which measures my hormones. Everything came back normal except my progesterone which was extremely low. Could low progesterone explain my symptoms of weight gain, hot flashes and depression? –T.P. Dallas, Texas

Answer: Yes, absolutely and there’s an over-the-counter (OTC) fix. The symptoms that could plague a person with low progesterone (also termed estrogen dominance) include weight gain, depression, fatigue, irritability, incontinence, insomnia, heart disease, infertility and osteoporosis. The picture of ‘low progesterone’ is not pretty! Unfortunately, millions of people walk around with imbalanced hormones for many years and never get diagnosed or treated properly. I know, I know, shocking isn’t it?!

It is because we live in a pill-popping society that wants the drugs advertised on TV, not one that understands the power of bio-identical hormone replacement, key word “bio-identical.” The medical establishment is also to blame. If you tell your doctor that you are tearful and tired, you may have bought yourself a lifetime of anti-depressants. A man with heart disease or erectile dysfunction is rarely given testosterone replacement, rather he is prescribed sex pills and given a stent. So sad, because correcting hormone imbalances is the key to losing weight, improving heart function, preventing diabetes and enhancing mood.

Home test kits that use saliva are sold online and in progressive weight loss centers, compounding pharmacies and holistic physician offices. The most popular one is made by ZRT Labs and it measures various hormones including estradiol, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and progesterone. Transdermal testing (versus blood testing) is particularly useful if you already apply hormonal creams to your body. Many people do, especially since natural, bio-identical progesterone cream is sold in the United States at health food stores nationwide and online.

Clearly, you are not applying a natural progesterone cream to your skin, but it sounds like you should because you are deficient and have the symptoms. Ask your physician about it and get a copy of my Breast Cancer E-book at my website. Why is doctor approval and supervision such a big deal when applying natural progesterone cream? It’s a good question since progesterone is OTC and it might improve or cure those awful conditions I mentioned at the outset of this column. I’ll tell you why. Because in certain people, the cells have been missing the proper ratio of hormones (especially estrogen) for many years. So you could be super sensitive to the sudden application of progesterone and boom, you get a backlash of side effects (like spotting and hot flashes at 65 years old).

Correcting the ratio of hormones, improving estrogen levels before progesterone gets introduced is really one huge factor of anti-aging. One more thing, OTC progesterone cream is NOT the same as the prescription drug, Provera.

Did You Know?

Tanning beds are now thought to dramatically increase the risk of melanomas, and may get a ‘cancer risk’ warning by the FDA.

Male Hormones Help Improve Female Sex Drive

suzy — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:34:16 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,
My husband thinks I’m not in love with him anymore. I do love him, I just don’t feel like having sex anymore. I’m 51 years old. Any suggestions?
J.S., Cullowhee, North Carolina

Answer: You are not alone. Men and women both experience the wrath of declining sex hormones as they age. When this happens to women, they get more excited about vacuuming than having sex. Researchers have found that they can put the oomph back into a women’s sex life by giving her some testosterone. Yes, you heard that right. The male hormone, testosterone, makes women lustful just like it does men. Forms of testosterone can be prescribed by your doctor. Some doctors use a combination of synthetic estrogen and testosterone called “Estratest.” Also, testosterone can be prescribed in a gel that gets applied to the skin called “Androgel.” Pharmacies that compound can make a very pure, natural form of testosterone, all your doctor has to do is call it in. Testosterone replacement is key to fixing sex drive in both men and women.

It may get easier too. There’s an over-the-counter option called DHEA, which is a powerful hormone. The DHEA undergoes a conversion in the body and boosts hormone levels of all sort, one of which might be testosterone. It’s OTC but I still feel that this is something you want to get your doctor’s approval on. While these products can give you the hots for your hubby, they do have side effects. If you sprout facial hair, develop acne or feel cranky, you’re probably getting too much testosterone. Always consult your physician about adding new medicine or supplements to your regimen. There’s a lot more about boosting sex drive for men and women in my book, The 24-Hour Pharmacist. When you buy that, turn to the chapter called, “When He Wants Viagra and You Want a Valium.”

It’s Possible to Reduce High Blood Pressure

suzy — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:21:08 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I have moderately high blood pressure but I absolutely do not want to take medication for the rest of my life. I’m not overweight and I do exercise. Please tell me if there is anything that I could try that is natural. I’ll try anything.
H.W., Orlando, Florida

Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids and these can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk for stroke and heart disease. The active ingredients in omega-3’s are called eicosanoids and you’ll see the abbreviations EPA and DHA on the labels of supplements. You can get omega-3’s naturally in fish like mackerel, salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, herring and anchovies, but you have to eat a lot! You could supplement with about 1000 milligrams Omega-3’s each day and while increasing your omega-3’s you should reduce your intake of omega-6 fatty acids by avoiding fried foods, beef, pork and vegetable oils like corn oil, canola oil and sesame oil.

In addition, get Coenzyme Q10 and take 50 milligrams three times a day. Most cardiologists use this supplement because it can dramatically improve hypertension, angina, arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. Take 500 milligrams of Vitamin C twice a day, 400 IU of Vitamin E once daily, 4,000 milligrams of standardized garlic (or Kyolic’s brand of ‘aged’ garlic) and a good multivitamin once daily. Olive Leaf Extract has also shown excellent effects on blood pressure.This regimen may lower your blood pressure within a few weeks. Beets are of tremendous value too, so please refer to that article by CLICKING HERE. And you should also read my article on “Rabbit Food” and how powerful magnesium is by CLICKING HERE.

Much of the success depends on the quality of the brands of supplements that you buy. Keep track of your blood pressures and work closely with your doctor so he can note your progress. No reputable physician denies the benefits of a healthy diet at any stage of illness. Even though physicians prescribe medications, most agree that these alternatives are safe, reasonable and at least worth a try. Before taking anything new, consult your physician because responses vary from person to person.

A Primer On Headache Medicine

suzy — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:52:12 +0000

QUESTION: I get migraines routinely and I’ve taken Amerge, Imitrex and a new one, Frova. Can you discuss these and tell me which is best?
G.N., Gastonia, N.C.

Answer: There isn’t one that is “best.” All of the meds you mention belong to a class of drugs called triptans, which help reduce inflammation and swelling of vessels around the brain. They also increase the transmission of nerve signals. The net effect is less pain. While the mechanism of action may be similar among triptans, each one has different properties, such as the time it takes to begin working, the adverse reactions it causes or its maximum daily dose.

Axert, Relpax, Imitrex, Maxalt and Zomig usually begin working in half an hour to an hour. Frova works for a long time, whereas older triptans (like Imitrex) may only work for a few hours before you need more medicine. Of course, if you are not shy of needles, you could opt for Imitrex injection, which begins working within a few minutes. Bear in mind, these are generalizations and you may react differently.

The side effects for triptans are similar, but the newer ones behave selectively in the brain and therefore spark fewer problems. People who take triptans may experience a variety of side effects, such as nausea, tingling or prickly sensations in the skin (paresthesia), dizziness, drowsiness and a sensation of chest pressure or pain.These drugs can affect the heart and should be avoided, or used with caution, by people with heart conditions.

Triptan dosages vary. For example, 5 mg of Amerge is the maximum daily dose, according to the makers. But for a different chemical entity such as Relpax, that upper limit is 80 mg. Does that mean Amerge is more potent and therefore works faster? Not necessarily. In fact, some people who take Relpax can actually get back to their day in two hours. Medications are potent substances and should never be misused. This is especially true for headache medications. Don’t exceed the maximum dose and don’t combine with alcohol.

Over the years, I have seen many people, obviously suffering incomprehensible pain, refill triptan prescriptions like candy. If this sounds like you, please explore other methods of relief, such as acupuncture, chiropractic or massage. Test for food allergies and hormonal imbalances and consider dietary supplements for migraines. Also, if you experience headaches of a “different” nature — strange neurological or visual disturbances, or other serious symptoms — see your doctor for a complete workup and read my two other articles posted at this website. One of them is called “Mystery Headaches” and the other one is called “Trigeminal Neuralgia.“