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PAGE 8A
FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS FrWy, FUruary 6,1996
Migraine sufferers may find relief through nutritional support |
Approximately 45 million
Americans suffer from crippling
migraine headaches annually,
with almost 70 percent of those
being female. The fact that con
sumers spend billions of dollars
each year on headache medication
is indicative of just how severe
and übiquitous this malady is
Migraine sufferers experience dis
turbances not only in their social
lives, but also in their professional
careers due to decreased produc
tivity and absenteeism.
Fortunately, not all headaches
were created equal. For most of
us, a headache is a nuisance, but
not all-consuming However, for
countless migraine sufferers, the
ability to function and perform
normally is almost completely
impaired. True migraines may
include symptoms such as: sensi
tivity to light, noise, and / or
smells, nausea (sometimes
accompanied by vomiting), a dull
or throbbing ache on either one or
both sides of the head, and dizzi
ness, fatigue, confusion, and pos
sibly forgetfulness. Typically,
these crippling symptoms last
anywhere from four to 24 hours
or more and are intensified by
physical activity.
Headaches, in general, have as
many causes as there are people
experiencing . them. True
migraines, however, are believed
PROJECT: GOOD DESIGN
Plan a romantic setting
this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day falls on a
weekend this year and unless you
make reservations early you may
be disappointed to find your
favorite romantic restaurant
booked solid. But don’t despair,
with a little planning you can
serve an elegant dinner for two in
the comfort of your own home.
Atmosphere and intimacy is
important for a successful
evening. Don’t use the dining
room or kitchen table for your
meal. Instead, use a cocktail table
and sit on cushions or pillows.
Another suggestion is a card
table, game table or sofa table, if
you prefer to sit on chairs.
Look for a special location for
the table. A excellent choice is in
front of the fireplace, but a win
dow with a view or the bedroom
or spa bath would be romantic, as
well.
Make sure the children are dis
patched to grandparents or to
friends homes for the evening and
corral the pets for this occasion.
A romantic Valentine’s dinner
should ideally stimulate all the
senses. Sight, with a beautiful
table setting; sound, with a selec
tion of smell, with
gorgeous flowers; and smell sup
plied with tie aroma of a deli
cious meal. Add to the pleasure
by sitting c|ost to your partner,
not across the 1 table and serve
food slowly with time between
courses. Dance between courses
and don’t put a time limit on the
evening.
A special friend of mine from
Chicago was well known for her
annual Valentine Gala. Each year
she would invite three or four
couples for a special evening.
Everyone gathered for cocktails
and hors d’oeuvres to begin the
evening. At dinner time each cou
ple took their places at intimate
tables for two placed throughout
the house. After dinner everyone
gathered together for dessert and
coffee.
The hostess arranged for beauti
ful music and a gourmet dinner
served by a tuxedo dressed waiter.
This is a very extravagant way to
celebrate, but you can accomplish
the same relaxed, elegant atmos
phere on a smaller scale.
Set the mood with flowers like
the arrangement I call “Pav6
Roses.” If roses are out of your
price range, use carnations
instead. You will need approxi
mately 4 to 5 dozen roses, but
don’t pay a premium price for
long stems, as you will be just
cutting them off.
You will need a footed bowl or
to be the result of constricting
blood vessels in the brain. To a
great extent, migraines are inherit
ed. However, many sources, odors
and allergies for example, have
been implicated. Combinations of
situations, such as sleep depriva
tion, medication, intolerances,
stress, and other factors may also
instigate migraines.
Nutrition, too, apparently plays a
significant role in migraine
headaches. One dietary source
that is highly suspect is the amino
acid tyramine, which can be
found in cheddar cheese, pickles,
and chocolate. Other foods that
may play a significant role in the
development of migraines are red
wine, pickled foods, and pre
served foods - all of which con
tain migraine-triggering sulfites.
Additionally, excessive caffeine
intake, nitrates, monosodium glu
tamate (MSG), aged cheeses,
brewer’s yeast, nuts, beans or
other legumes and marinated
foods add to the list of offenders .
Although many headache med
ications contain caffeine, which
may actually help acute
headaches, very large intakes of
caffeine can initiate a migraine in
those that with a propensity
towards them. Drinks with caf
feine, such as coffee, cola and tea,
may also disrupt sleeping cycles,
thereby decreasing the quality and
vase. Place and tape floral foam
into the empty bowl. When the
foam is taped securely, add water.
Beginning at the rim of the bowl,
press stems into the foam.
Continue around the bowl at
about the same diameter as the
Ifll ’r—
■ JMI
Photos/Karen Herstowski
Surprise your valentine with a candlelight dinner in front of a
glowing fire.
Fresh flowers add a romantic touch and
wonderful fragrance to your special din
ner.
bowl. Add rows until you have
created a dome of flowers. I\ick a
few greens in betweeri the flow
ers, but don’t overdo it. The fin
ished arrangement should be solid
roses, just like a pavd diamond
ring.
HEALTHY LOW-FAT EATING
quantity of sleep. Sleep depriva
tion, incidentally, may precipitate
migraines.
For those who are trying to kick
the caffeine habit, be aware that
caffeine withdrawal may result in
piercing headaches much like
migraines. Fortunately, these
types of headaches normally last
no more than a week. So if decaf
feinating your life' is your goal,
taper off slowly to reduce to the
risk of suffering from a painful,
throbbing head. Keep in mind,
too, that it is equally important to
eat a balanced diet, exercise regu
larly, drink plenty of water, and
get enough rest.
If you are unfortunate enough to
suffer from migraines, it is imper
ative that you seek professional
help from either your family prac
titioner, a headache specialist, or a
neurologist. Eliminating foods
that are believed to be headache
catalysts, and keeping a detailed
food diary is an excellent start to
pinpointing possible headache
instigating culprits. Remember,
though, to eliminate substances
one at a time so you can target the
presumed offender.
One star in the migraine-fighting
war may possibly be omega-3
fatty acids, which are found in
fish oil. In the past, omega-3 fatty
acids have been touted for their
possible benefits in relieving
Karen
fl gL>terstowski
Save a rose or two
and gently pull off the
petals and scatter them
on the table.
Traditionally, red or
pink roses are used for
Valentine’s Day, but
use your favorites.
Candles are key
tools for establishing a
romantic atmosphere.
Keep the lights down
low and allow the can
dle glow to provide the
light you need. Use
different heights and
use unmatching candle
holders.
When you set the
table, use your very
best china, silver and
glassware. If you can,
stay with the red and
white theme, but as
long as the table is
intimate and beautiful-
ly set it won’t matter that much.
Keep in mind the elements of
contrast and texture; wear soft
fabrics, play romantic music,
smell the fragrance of candles and
flowers and cherish the company
of your special valentine.
painful arthritis symptoms, as
well as their capacity in fighting
against heart disease. Exciting
new research is now praising
omega-3 fatty acids by pointing
out that subjects who frequently
suffered from severe migraine
headaches were deficient in these
compounds. When subjects
increased their omega-3 fatty
acids in their diet by approximate
ly 10 grams daily, they experi
enced a reduction in both the
severity and number of their
headaches.
To give you an idea of just how
much you would need to eat to get
this amount, take into considera
tion that a can of sardines packed
in their own oil contains approxi
mately 6 grams of omega-3, as
does a half pound of tuna steak or
salmon. Realistically, getting the
10 grams of omega-3 fatty acids
daily, such as that used in the
study, would necessitate supple
mentation.
Scientific evidence is still con
troversial but it appears that sup
plementing with omega-3 fatty
acids in an attempt to alleviate
painful migraines may prove ben
eficial. As always, consult your
physician before taking any type
of supplement, and be aware that
omega-3 fatty acids decrease the
body’s blood-coagulating ability.
Consequently, fish oil supple-
Sweetheart dinner for two
On the most romantic day of
the year, an elegant meal for two
is in order. The old saying that the
way to a man’s heart is through
his stomach takes on some credi
bility with a dinner featuring
beef.
We have selected an simple, yet
elegant menu featuring
Chateaubriand. Don’t be put off
by the fancy name, it simple
refers to the preparation method,
not a specific cut of beef. Classic
Chateaubriand is traditionally a
thick cut, large enough for two
servings. The meat can be grilled
or broiled and is served with a
flavorful sauce. This recipe calls |
for a center-cut beef tenderloin,
broiled and served with an easy to
prepare brandied mushroom
sauce.
Chateaubriand
1 beef tenderloin steak, cut
2 to 4 inches thick from
center portion of tenderloin
salt and pepper to taste
Brandy Sauce;
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped shallots
i 2 tablespoons brandy
1 cup low sodium beef broth
1 tablespoons cornstarch
Place beef steak ( not cut side
down) on rack in broiler pan so
surface of meat is 5 to 6 inches
from heat. Broil steak 30 to 35
minutes for medium-rare to medi
um doneness, turning once.
While the meat is broiling, heat
butter in non stick skillet over
medium heat. Add mushrooms
and shallots; cook 2 minutes or
until tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in brandy; cook 2 minutes.
Combine beef froth and corn
starch; stir into skillet. Bring to a
boil; cook and stir 3 minutes or
until thickened and bubbly.
Carve tenderloin into 1/2 inch
thick slices; season with salt and
pepper to taste. Serve with sauce.
Chocolate Raspberry Roulade
1/2 cup sifted cake flour
3 tablespoons cocoa
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup sugar, divided
2 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 tablespoons
powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (10 oz.) jar seedless red
raspberry jam, divided
Powdered sugar
Raspberry Sauce
Grease bottom and sides of a 15
x 10 x 1 inch jellyroll pan, line
with wax paper and grease the
wax paper.
Combine flour, cocoa and bak
ing powder and set aside. Beat
egg yolks in a large mixing bowl
ments are contra-indicated for
individuals on blood thinner
and those prone to bleeding. r
Another adjunct in inhibiting |
migraines may be magnesium |
supplementation. Studies I
involving women who suffered L
from migraines during their I
menstrual periods found signifi- L
cant relief with magnesium sup- ■
plements. Again, more research
needs to be performed, yet pre
liminary studies are promising.
Other vitamins, such as the B
complex vitamins and antioxi
dants, may also be beneficial in
mitigating migraines. Several
clinical studies have shown that
supplementation with these vita
mins may decrease the intensity
ore migraine headaches.
Eating a balanced diet, getting
enough rest, and exercising are at
important pieces to the migraine
conundrum. Especially important
is to avoid skipping meals, since
this may instigate migraines, as
well as adversely affect mood,
weight control and energy levels.
Even though more research needs
to be done, it appears that avoid
ance of certain types of food in
combination with vitamin supple
mentation may provide relief for
those who are susceptible to
migraines.
The following recipe is a
healthy, delicious way to get your
fl.<2gPfl
Serve this elegant cut of beef with your favorite vegetables or -
salad !
at high speed of an electric mixer
until foamy. Gradually add 1/4
cup sugar, beating until thick
and pale yellow, about 5 min
utes. Stir in milk, iadd flour mix
ture and stir until blended.
Beat egg white and salt at high
speed until foamy; gradually add
remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 1 table
spoon at a time. Beat until soft
peaks
form. Fold
into batter
and spread
evenly into
prepared
pan.
Bake at
375° for 10
to 12 min
utes or
until cake
springs
back when
lightly
touched in
center. Sift
1 to 2
table
spoons
powdered
sugar in a
15 x 10
Rich chocolate cake is paired with
whipped cream and raspberry sauce for
this fabulous Valentine dessert
inch rectangle on a cloth towel
or work surface. Turn cake out
into sugar. Peel off wax paper.
Starting at narrow side, roll up
cake and towel together and
place, seam side down, on a wire
rack to cool completely.
Beat cream until foamy, gradu
ally add 3 tablespoons powdered
sugar and vanilla, beating until
soft peaks form. Unroll cake.
Reserve 2 tablespoons raspberry
jam for sauce and spread
remaining jam over cake.
Carefully spread whipped cream
mixture over jam.
Reroll cake, without towel and
place, seam side down, on a
serving plate. Sprinkle with
additional powdered sugar.
•roll
Cindy I
■ ’ *
omega-3 fatty acids. Just like ill',
the recipes in my diet planner aid ’
cookbook, Eat Your Way Thin, it
is quick, easy and down right' *'
tasty
Oven “Fried” Salmon Cakes ’
1 15 oz. can salmon,
drained and flaked
3/4 cup. Italian bread crumbs ''
2 egg whites b *,
1/4 cup chopped red onion '
2 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoon Worcestershire saute ,
Pam cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. "*”
In a large bowl, mix all the
ingredients and form eight pat- ?
ties. Spray a cookie sheet thof
oughly with the Pam cooking '
spray and place the patties on the
tray. *
Bake patties for 5 minutes. Flip'
the patties with a spatula and',
cook for 3 minutes more. Patties**
should be golden brown on both
sides.
Raspberry Sauce
2 (10 oz.) packages frozen'<
whole red raspberries, thawed
2 tablespoons cornstarch 'I ‘
2 tablespoons reserved seedleis
red raspberry jam <
1/2 teaspoon almond extract *, **
Place raspberries in elective*-
blender and process until smoon,
stopping once to scrape dowp
sides;
stantly until cornstarch dissolves,
Stir in raspberry puree; cook ovej
medium heat, stirring constantly
until mixture thickens and boils.
Boil 1 minute; stirring
Remove from heat. Cover and?
chill.
To m; r
Ladle about 2 1/2 tablespoons of
Raspberry Sauce in center of
dessert plate. Place a slice of cakf
in the center and garnish wit)
mint and a few fresh raspberries,
Place a small amount of reserved
whipped cream, vanilla sauce br
cremd fraichd in a pastry bad a?
dot the edge of the raspberry:
sauce. With a wooden toothpick,
draw through the center of the ck£
cle, forming a heart.
Pour ras>-
b e r
puree?
through a?,
strainer’,
into a i
bowl 1 .;
D i s c a rd ”
seeds.
Combine,
corn - /> ‘
s t arch /?
jam
a 1 m o rid. 1 ,
extract in?
a smili' ‘
saucepan.
Cook over
medium,
heat,
ring cbii-