About Migraine Headache and the Natural Approach to Treating Them.
What is a Migraine Headache?
A migraine is a severe form of headache that can be felt worse on one side of the head.
Research suggests that over 190,000 migraine attacks occur every day in the UK.1
Migraines are associated with several abdominal symptoms, sensitivity to light and sound, and a warning ‘aura’ before the attack.
Migraine is a type of headache that can happen many times throughout someone’s life. It starts as a warning sign (prodrome) and may have physical symptoms like seeing spots or feeling numbness. Once the headache starts, it usually hurts a lot and can make someone feel sick to their stomach. People who get migraines may be more sensitive to certain things like light and sound. Migraines may be caused by changes in the brain and genes. The pain is caused by certain pathways in the brain that can make the head hurt a lot.2
While there are multiple pathways involved in a migraine headache, the exact cause of migraines is not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that migraines occur when there is an abnormal brain activity that temporarily affects the nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. 4
Symptoms and Frequency of Migraine Headaches
Migraine headaches can cause several abdominal symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhoea.
Other symptoms may include extreme sensitivity to light and sound, numbness or tingling on the face, and a warning ‘aura’ before the attack.
Migraine headaches usually occur a few times per year in childhood and progress to a few times per week in adulthood, particularly in women.
Attacks often begin with warning signs (prodromes) and aura, which originate from the hypothalamus, brainstem, and cortex.
Migraine with Aura
A migraine with aura is a type of headache that happens with sensory changes called an aura. These changes can include seeing flashes of light, having blurry vision, or feeling tingling in the hands or face. The headache usually happens at the same time as the aura. 3
Triggers of Migraine Headaches
The main difficulty with a migraine is finding out the root cause of the problem.
Several factors can trigger migraines, such as stress, food intolerance, and weather changes.
Food allergies or intolerance to certain foods like dairy, wheat, chocolate, and eggs may trigger migraines.
If you have migraines, it’s important to figure out what triggers them and try to avoid those triggers. Some common triggers include stress, fatigue, and certain foods that you may be intolerant to. It’s a good idea to eliminate allergenic foods while you try to identify the trigger for your migraines. Relaxation techniques can also help reduce stress and prevent migraines.
Natural Supplements and Herbs for Migraine Headaches
Individual recommendations for nutritional supplements and herbs may vary based on health conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare practitioner before considering the following options:
Feverfew, Riboflavin B2, 5HTP, Magnesium, and Ginger are some natural supplements and herbs that may help reduce migraines.
- Feverfew is a medicinal plant commonly used for the treatment of fevers and migraines. It has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to decrease vascular smooth muscle spasms.
- Riboflavin B2, found in the B complex of vitamins, has been shown in research to decrease “attack frequency” and “headache days” for migraine sufferers.
- 5-HTP is a molecular intermediate between tryptophan and serotonin, which regulates pain, sleep, and mood in the brain. Serotonin levels can be lowered during a migraine or headache attack, making 5-HTP supplements potentially beneficial.
- Magnesium deficiency is related to factors that promote headaches. People who experience migraines may have lower levels of serum and tissue magnesium than those who do not.
- Fresh ginger root has significant effects in suppressing inflammation and platelet aggregation, which are symptoms demonstrated in migraine patients both during and between attacks.
In conclusion, migraines can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While the exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, research has shown that abnormal brain activity temporarily affects nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. Identifying triggers, such as stress or food intolerance, and avoiding them can help prevent migraines. Natural supplements and herbs, including Feverfew, Riboflavin B2, 5HTP, Magnesium, and Ginger, may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements or herbs. With the right approach, people who suffer from migraines can find relief and live a full life.
If you are seeking personalized advice on natural methods for reducing migraine headaches, please don’t hesitate to contact us through our contact page. We are here to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.