WHAT CAN CAUSE A MIGRAINE?
According to A. Mauskop and B.M. Altura, of the New York Headache Center, research has shown that migraines can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, specifically a deficiency in magnesium.
Magnesium
Magnesium a mineral that can relax blood vessels and increase the body’s efficient use of serotonin. The USDA has performed studies that show a high correlation between migraine sufferers and low levels of magnesium.
Consequences
Low levels of magnesium can lead to migraines. In the June 24, 2009 issue of “Neurology,” Dr. Tobias Kurth of Harvard Medical School, stated that migraines, especially in women, are a health concern that can lead to more serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
Treatment
Migraine sufferers should incorporate more magnesium into their diet through foods such as vegetables, legumes and nuts and through magnesium supplements. A supplement specifically designed to target this deficiency in migraine sufferers is a product called MigreLief.
An impaired nervous system can also cause migraines
Until recently, the general theory on the migraine process rested solely on the idea that abnormalities of blood vessel (vascular) systems in the head were responsible for migraines. Now, however, experts tend to believe that a migraine starts with an underlying central nervous system disorder. When triggered this disorder sets off a chain of neurologic and biochemical events, some of which subsequently affect the brain’s vascular system. Nothing yet fully explains the migraine process, however a well-aligned non-impaired nervous system is an important step towards optimal health and migraine relief.
A “vertebral subluxation” is a spinal abnormality that interferes with your nerves. It can create disease, lowered resistance to disease, pain, imbalance, headaches, migraines, fatigue and can pave the way for ill health. It is sometimes called the “silent killer” because it can slowly eat away at your health and vitality for years without your having the slightest awareness of it. Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in locating, analyzing and correcting vertebral subluxations.
There are other theories for the cause of a migraine that you can consider as well
When the temperature climbs, so does the likelihood of developing a migraine or other severe headache. In one recent study, researchers found a 7.5% increase in headache risk for every 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Low barometric pressure, which often precedes rain, was linked to a small bump in non-migraine headaches.
Strong smells — even nice ones — trigger migraines in many people. Why this happens is unclear, but the odors may stimulate the nervous system. The most common culprits are paint, dust, perfume, and certain types of flowers.
Cheese – One of the most common migraine triggers is aged cheese, including blue cheese, brie, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, parmesan, and Swiss. These foods contain tyramine which can cause a migraine. Red wine and some alcoholic drinks also contain tyramine.
Cold cuts and processed meat – These contain both tyramine and nitrates which can also affect many migraine sufferers.
Caffeine – Though caffeine is found in many headache medications, it is actually a cause of rebound headaches though it is difficult for people who are used to consuming large amount of caffeine to withdraw from it, doing so can significantly reduce migraine frequency and intensity.
OTHER TRIGGERS:
Dairy products*
Chocolate
Eggs
Citrus fruits
Meat**
Wheat (bread, pasta, etc.)
Nuts and peanuts
Tomatoes
Onions
Corn
Apples
Bananas
* Includes skim or whole cow’s milk, goat’s milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
** Includes beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, etc.
Certain beverages and additives – These can be particularly bad and include alcoholic beverages (especially red wine), caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, and colas), monosodium glutamate, aspartame (NutraSweet), and nitrites.
A summary of triggers include spinal mis-alignment (subluxation), stress, sleep disturbances, fasting, nutritional deficiencies, hormones, bright or flickering lights, odors, cigarette smoke, alcohol, aged cheeses, processed meats, chocolate, monosodium glutamate, nitrites, aspartame, and caffeine. For some women, the decline in the blood level of estrogen during the onset of menstruation is a trigger for migraine headaches.
WHAT LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN HELP?
Making a few minor changes in your lifestyle can make your migraines more bearable. Improving sleep habits is important for everyone, and especially those with headaches. Visit a local Chiropractor be be sure your spine is aligned and nerves are not pinched and hindering your health. What you eat also has a huge impact on migraines, so dietary changes can be extremely beneficial, along with adding the proper daily nutritional supplements to your routine to correct any nutritional deficiencies.
Avoiding Food Triggers. – (See triggers above)
Eating A Healthy Diet – One study indicated that a low in fat/high complex carbohydrate diet may significantly reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headaches.
Eating Regularly – Eating regularly is important to prevent low blood sugar. People with migraines who fast periodically for religious reasons might consider taking preventive medications.
Consuming Fish Oil – Some studies suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory and nerve protecting actions. These fatty acids can be found in oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines. They can also be obtained in supplements of specific Omega-3 compounds (DHA-EPA).
Drinking Plenty Of Water – Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you can still be dehydrated. Dehydration is thought to play a role in over 50% of all migraines. Drinking an 8 ounces glass of water every hour or so, can really help with migraine frequency and intensity.
Aerobic Exercise – Exercise relieves stress. Low impact, moderate exercise has been shown to help prevent migraines. Walking, hiking, treadmill or elliptical machines are good choices. Remember to warms up and not do anything to suddenly or vigorously.
Behavioral Treatments – Many neurologists who specialize in treating migraine patients recommend behavioral techniques that reduce stress and help patients to identify it. Research indicates between 35 – 50% reduction in migraine and tension-type headaches with these techniques generally including: biofeedback therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques.
Avoiding Oral Contraceptives – Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been associated with worse headaches in 18 – 50% of women and have also been linked to a higher risk for stroke in women with classic migraines (with auras). This is due to the hormonal modulation that these kinds of drugs cause. A great supplement to help balance your hormonal system is a product called “Plus” which can be found in the Mannatech product line.
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