Migraines are one of the most common causes of recurrent headaches. It is estimated that 10-20% of the population is affected by migraines.

Migraines are a symptom, or a sign that something deeper is going on with the body.  Many people are left without answers or solutions to these all too common debilitating headaches because they are offered only a symptomatic approach to treatment.

As a naturopathic doctor, I am always looking to identify the cause. There are many common precipitating factors or triggers that can induce a migraine headache. Here are some examples of potential triggers:

• Emotional and physical stress
• Abnormal cortisol patterns, affecting sleep and energy levels in addition to causing headaches
• Blood sugar dysregulation (skipped meals, hypoglycemia)
• Changing weather conditions (changes in barometric pressure, changes in altitude or temperature)
• Poor structural integrity (musculoskeletal problems)
• Hormonal imbalances (birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, PMS)
• Food intolerances/allergies

The last trigger, food intolerances or allergies, is more common than you think! The top 10 food triggers for migraines include:

1. Cow’s milk

2. Eggs

3. Chocolate

4. Wheat

5. Oranges

6. Benzoic acid (common food preservative)

7. Cheese, especially aged-cheeses high in tyramine (blue cheese, feta, brie, gorgonzola, parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella and swiss)

8. Tomatoes

9. Tartrazine (aka FD&C Yellow 5, a synthetic yellow dye used as food coloring)

10. Fish

Spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, caffeine, and fried foods can also be common culprits.

Natural Solutions for acute migraines include:

• Short fasts to rid the body of toxins (5-7 day medically supervised fasts)
• Hydrotherapy
• Castor oil packs
• Herbal tincture for pain management
• Magnesium

Natural Solutions for chronic migraines include:

• Anti-inflammatory diet/ Gluten-free, Dairy-free Diet/ Avoidance of food allergies or intolerances*
• Fish oil
• Flax seeds
• Magnesium
• Hormone balancing therapies
• Adrenal gland support and stress management
• Liver support to enhance detoxification
• B vitamins
• Anti-inflammatory herbs
• Castor oil packs
• Biotherapeutic drainage- a gentle form of detoxification that utilizes vials of homeopathic medicines that have been formulated from plants and minerals.

*A blood test is available to identify food allergies that may be causing your migraines. It is also very helpful to track your headaches and daily food intake in a diet diary/headache diary to identify patterns.

Taking one of these recommended supplements without adapting lifestyle changes and investigating the cause will not result in true cure. An effective approach is a holistic one, in which a partnership is formed between you and your doctor to bring your body back into balance. Contact your naturopathic doctor to develop a specific plan for YOU. Don’t live with migraines if you don’t have to!