Migraines
As reported by Dr. Mercola, more than 37 million Americans suffer from migraines, a number which doesn’t take into consideration those suffering from less severe headaches.
There are three different types of migraine, and they are as follows:
1. Migraine with aura
It is characterized with specific warnings signs before the migraine attacks, such as seeing flushing lights
2. Migraine without aura
This is the most common type of migraine and as its name suggests, it is characterized by absence of warning signs just before it begins
3. Migraine aura without headache
Also known as silent migraine, migraine aura without headache refers to a condition in which migraine symptoms do occur but a headache doesn’t develop
Most people experience symptoms like increased sensitivity to light or sound, vomiting, and nausea. Although more rare, symptoms like the ones below are also possible:
- Chills
- Sweating
- Disturbed vision
- Fever
- Throbbing
- Searing pain
- Seeing auras
Although migraines are extremely common, their exact causes are still poorly understood. Still, they are thought to stem from changes in the chemicals, blood vessels, and nerves in the brain, mostly due to triggers like tiredness, stress, and certain foods and drinks.
Most people turn to caffeine, caffeinated drinks, and over-the-counter drugs to relieve the debilitating headache, but these typically offer temporary relief while failing to address the root cause.
What Causes Migraines?
As already discussed earlier, the exact cause of migraines is poorly understood and there are a wide range of factors that go into determine the cause. However, below you have a list of the most common culprits:
1. Food Triggers
Researchers agree that the food you eat could be the major cause of your migraines. So, many will wonder why is that so.
Namely, the gut is called “your second brain” as it is responsible for regulation of certain hormones, including dopamine and serotonin. Given that each system in the body is connected with the rest of them, eating foods which compromise the gut could lead to serious issues.
While each body is different and reacts differently to food, it is believed that cured or processed meats, chemical additives, sugar, artificial preservatives, dairy, and wheat are the most common food triggers.
Solution: Elimination Diet
Choose something from the foods above and go off of it for 21 days.
Reintroduce the food to your diet after 21-day period and see how it impacts your body.
If you experience a headache within the following 72 hours, it means that you might have found the trigger. If this is the case, remove this food from your diet or at least limit its intake as much as possible.
While going on elimination diet can be difficult, it`s definitely worth trying.
Get Tested for Food Allergies
Make sure you get your IgE and IgG tested:
- IgE = think E-MEDIATE (immediate), such as anaphylactic shock (true allergy – eliminate for good)
- IgG = delayed reaction, up to 72 hours (intolerance, can often be reversed with the healing of the gut)
If any allergens or intolerances are found, you should make certain lifestyle changes right away.
2. Unhealthy Gut
Here are some of the common gut issues:
Celiac Disease: It occurs in those who are prone to extreme gluten sensitivity. According to an Italian study, migraine sufferers were ten times more likely to have celiac disease than those without a migraine.
SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth): When the small intestine becomes overgrown by bacteria, the person experiences symptoms like headaches, migraines, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and discomfort.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: IBS is a chronic disorder of the large intestine where the colon is “leaky”. According to a study done by J. Alexander Cole, subjects with IBS were 60 percent more likely to suffer from migraines when compared to those without IBS.
Solution: Get tested for SIBO, IBS and/or Celiac Disease
3. Muscle Strain
Having tense muscles on the neck or back puts strain on the head and thus leads to headaches or migraines. It can be due to working out, looking down at a computer screen for an extended period of time, sleeping in an improper position, sitting in the same position for long period, etc.
More Solutions To Stop Migraine Headaches
- Organifi is loaded with superfoods like matcha green tea, turmeric, wheatgrass, and spirulina, all of which posses anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve pain naturally.
- Exercising on a regular basis promotes good circulation, keeps the lymph moving, boosts mood, and releases endophrins, which are known as body`s pain relievers.
- Infrared sauna promotes deep tissue penetration and thus leads to an increased cell growth. It detoxifies the body too, which helps relieve headaches and migraines caused by accumulation of toxic matter.
- Almonds contain arginine, a compound which promotes better circulation and supplies the body with blood, which in turn helps relieve headaches and even migraines.
- Essential oils, particularly peppermint oil, works wonders for relieving headaches. Just rub a few drops on the temples or inhale its scent for a quick relief.
- Magnesium supplements have been shown to help reduce some types of migraines, especially aura-associated and menstrual migraines.
- Feverfew has been thoroughly investigated for its potential to prevent migraines. It is available in capsule form, in tea, or as dried leaf powder.