Top 3 Causes for Migraines!

As some who has suffered for years from migraines and headaches, I know how painful they are and how they can negatively affect your life.  And, how they can be totally debilitating they can be.

For me, it started in my mid-thirties and it was definitely a journey getting to the underlying cause – trying just about anything but medications to see what worked.   I began by researching hormone imbalances most notably estrogen dominance.  And, then could nutrition play a role?  One of the main causes of migraines was nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances which I later found out was related to my genetics.

Got that fixed, still had migraines.  Started a food journal and later had food sensitivities testing – yes, food played a role in my migraines.  Poor gut health top off with my genes lead to food sensitivities and intolerances which were playing a major role in my migraines.

Migraines are truly one of the least understood medical conditions but research is showing that there are genetic, environmental, hormonal and neurological factors that vary from one person to another.  And, now we know that gut health, food sensitivities, and food intolerances can also play a role in promoting migraines and headaches.

One of the Top Causes of Migraines is Nutritient Deficiencies

And, some of those deficiencies are related to genetic or nutrigenomics.  That was my first “aha” moment for me when I was suffering from vitamin B2 deficiency symptoms and that it is also linked to migraines and headaches.  The following deficiencies are also related to migraines:

• Vitamin B12, B6
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D
• Iron

Could Food Sensitivities and Intolerances Cause Migraines

Over the years, our gut can be compromised and this can lead not just to food sensitivities but intolerances.   After years of numerous long-term use of antibiotics and gut health issues – I finally developed food sensitivities and intolerances which I connected to my migraines by using a food journal and food sensitivity testing. If you suspect food sensitivities, start with a food and symptom journal.  Some of the common food sensitivities are chocolate, red wine, some cheeses, peanuts, and spicy foods.

Red wine is probably one of the most known causes of migraines but what if it was that tuna fish you had last night or the green pepper in your salad???

Now there is highly accurate testing for food sensitivities –  the MRT test that can accurately identify those sensitivities and skip the guessing game.  The LEAP program uses MRT testing and is a great first step for reducing migraines and headaches.  To learn more about this program, make an appointment today using the link to my calendar below.

Could Hormones Imbalances Cause Migraines?

This probably the least understood the cause of migraines but one thing for sure – tracking when you get migraines and tying this to your cycle can pinpoint if hormones are playing a role in your migraines.  The most common reason hormones can play a role in migraines is too much estrogen and not enough progesterone – or what is referred to as estrogen dominance.

What causes estrogen dominance?  There are many causes of estrogen dominance including poor diet, obesity, toxicity, and of course, genetics.

Chronic stress also plays a major role in estrogen dominance and that is why I use the DUTCH test which looks at not just sex hormones but the impact that stress is having on your hormonal balance.

So next time you are once again trying to rest in a dark room, can't sleep due to the pain and your day is ruined, it might be time to try to find what is the underlying cause of your migraines.