Is Your Food Triggering Your Migraines?

If you suffer from migraines, you understand the severe throbbing, the pulsing, and nausea that accompanies these excruciating headaches. Migraines can be completely debilitating. It is not uncommon for you to have to cancel your day entirely while you lay in bed, waiting for the pain medication to kick in. Once a migraine has started, it is difficult to find relief.

That is why preventing a migraine in the first place is often your best solution. However, you can only prevent the migraine if you know what triggers it and identifying the triggers is a complicated task in its self. Migraines can be caused by a variety of factors from genetics, chemical imbalances, environmental factors such as the weather or allergens, and even hormonal changes.

Although many medications can relieve migraines, there are also many side effects with prolonged use. That is why many are looking for more natural approaches to find relief.

Recently studies have shown that your diet can play a significant role in the severity and regularity of your migraines. For example, 28% of American adults that experience migraines said that a symptom associated with it was food cravings. The study showed that 75% were affected by chocolate, 48% were affected by cheese and more specifically aged cheese, 30% were affected by citrus fruit, and 25% were affected by alcohol, red wine in particular. Other foods that were listed included cured meats, MSG, artificial sweeteners, snack food, fatty food, dairy, food dyes, coffee, tea, soda, and nuts.

By keeping a journal of which of the above foods trigger migraines, you may be able to find some relief from migraines. But while avoiding certain foods is vital, there may be some nutrients that you lack such as magnesium. Magnesium is found in spinach, nuts, and whole grains, and it helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and muscle and nerve functions, all of which contribute to migraines.

Some patients have reported that using vitamin B-2, melatonin, and coenzyme Q10 has alleviated some of their pain.

Your doctor or chiropractor may recommend other supplements and nutritional counseling. Your nutrition has a connection with your migraines but adjusting your diet will help. Also, your chiropractor can help you manage your migraines with spinal manipulation, physical therapy, and other treatments tailored to your specific needs and unique body.