You might not be as lucky as me. Migraines could still attack your life unexpectedly, ripping apart your plans, adding stress, and putting you through periods of extensive pain.
I was thinking about migraines the other day when it was all kinds of hot outside. There was poor air quality and it felt like a pressure cooker. When I was a kid, those hot humid days almost guaranteed a migraine.
There wasn’t much to offer relief. It was really just trying to avoid the triggers; so, staying indoors when the humidity shot up too high. But of course, it’s pretty tough to keep a young boy inside during the summer months.’
When a headache did hit, I might find some relief lying in bed in a dark room with a cold rag on my head. But the relief was temporary.
Treatment for migraines hasn’t improved much since I was a kid. There are more medical options available that may work for some people, but doctors still largely recommend over-the-counter pain killers and preventative measures.
Preventative measures include identifying any triggers and doing your best to avoid them. They could involve stress reduction, mindfulness, or diet. It truly is an individualized approach.
For some people, migraine headaches may be associated with inflammation. There are some links between different types of headaches and inflammatory conditions, like obesity or type-2 diabetes, that could be influenced by diet.
Diet also has the potential to reduce systemic inflammation and prevent various associated symptoms. There is plenty of research to suggest a diet rich in antioxidants and other nutrients may help fight back against inflammation and potentially limit the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
Of course, there are several potential causes for migraines, and inflammation or dietary triggers are just one. Work with your doctor to take a holistic approach to help manage your headaches.