Dr. Curtis Baker, ND
713 studies have connected migraines to underlying imbalances in the body. They have found 17 different nutritional, hormonal, metabolic, inflammatory and autoimmune imbalances that occur more commonly in those with migraines. Data suggests that correcting many of these deficiencies leads to an improvement in migraine symptoms.
What Are Migraines
Migraine is a type of headache characterized by ongoing attacks of moderate to severe pulsatile and throbbing pain on one side of the head. Untreated attacks often last from four to 72 hours. Symptoms may also include: nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, noise, and odors.
Nutritional Causes and Risk Factors of Migraines
There are many studies on how certain nutrients impact migraines. For example, a 2023 study found that migraines were more frequent and longer-lasting those with a vitamin D deficiency.[1] In addition, another 2023 study found that those with migraines who used vitamin D supplements had less migraines compared to placebo users.[2] Another 2023 study found that those with iron deficiency had more frequent and more severe migraines. Furthermore, a 2021 study found that higher iron intake may reduce how often migraines occur in women. A 2022 study found that those with lower levels of selenium have 11 times higher risk of developing migraines compared to those with higher selenium levels. Consequently, a 2024 study found that higher selenium intake was associated with decreased frequency and lower severity of migraines.
These are a couple examples of the many nutrients that studies have found are related to migraines. Our clinic will complete a comprehensive panel that looks at all migraine-relevant nutrients.
Hormonal Causes and Risk Factors of Migraines
Studies have found several hormones that are related to migraines. A 2017 study found that migraines are more common in those with hypothyroidism and treatment with thyroid hormone lead to a 78% decrease in migraine attacks.
Our clinic can complete a full hormone panel to check for hormones related to migraine attacks.
Metabolic Causes and Risk Factors of Migraines
Studies have found that the metabolism may be related to migraines. For example, a 2022 study found that migraines were most frequent in those with high levels of urate. Urate is a waste product produced by our metabolism. It is formed when our body breaks down foods such as alcohol and meat. Certain therapies can be used to help reduce urate levels if they are high.
Our clinic can complete a metabolic panel to assess for factors related to migraines.
Autoimmune Causes and Risk Factors of Migraines
There are several autoimmune conditions that have been connected to migraines.
Studies have found that migraines are more common in those with autoimmune diseases. A 2021 study found that levels of inflammatory markers tend to be higher in those who experience migraines. An anti-inflammatory approach may help those with high levels of inflammation.
Our clinic can complete a panel of testing to check for autoimmune diseases and inflammatory markers related to migraines.
Dietary Causes of Migraines
There are several foods that research has connected to migraines. For example:
Trans fats: A 2024 study found that migraines were twice as common in those with higher levels of trans fats.[3] Some sources of trans fats include: fried foods, cakes, cookies pies, shortening, coffee creamers, and margarine.
Alcohol: A 2020 study found increased risk of migraines with higher alcohol intake[4]
Caffeine: A 2020 study found increased risk of migraines with higher caffeine intake[5]
These are few of the well-known triggers, however there are several other foods that have been found to be connected to migraines. Our clinic will create a comprehensive dietary plan based on your case and blood work. It prioritizes foods and dietary approaches that have been shown to improve symptoms of migraines.
Migraine Lifestyle Factors
Research has found several lifestyle factors that may affect the risk of developing migraines.
A 2018 study on patients with migraines found the following lifestyle triggers:[6]
80% of patients reported emotional stress triggers their migraines
65% of patients find their migraines are related to their hormone levels
57% of patients find not eating can trigger their migraines
Our clinic can help screen for over a dozen lifestyle factors that have been found to affect risk of migraines.
Natural Therapies for Migraines
The therapies used will depend on what your blood testing results are. After identifying deficiencies, they can be addressed through diet, supplementation, lifestyle or medication. There are over 700 studies assessing natural therapies for those with migraines and headaches. Many studies have shown that natural therapies can reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraines and headaches. For example, a 2022 study summarized 8 studies on melatonin and found that melatonin users had decreased frequency of migraines, shortened migraine duration, lower severity and less need for medication compared to placebo-users.[7] This makes sense because a 2020 study found that those with migraines tend to have lower levels of melatonin.[8]
Our clinic will use a combination of therapies tailored to what your results show.
Types of Migraines
Some of the types of migraines include:
Migraine without aura
Migraine with aura
Hemiplegic migraine
Retinal migraine
Abdominal migraine
Basilar-type migraine
Menstrual migraine
Retinal migraine
Status migrainosus
Conclusion
Migraines are a complex condition often linked to underlying imbalances in the body. By understanding the potential nutritional, hormonal, lifestyle and metabolic factors involved, we can develop personalized treatment plans. Our clinic's comprehensive approach involves thorough blood testing, dietary analysis, and tailored therapies to address the root causes of migraines and promote long-term relief.
References
[1] Ioannidou E, Tsakiris C, Goulis DG, Christoforidis A, Zafeiriou D. The association of serum vitamin D concentrations in paediatric migraine. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2023 Nov;47:60-66. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.09.007. Epub 2023 Sep 16. PMID: 37738749.
[2] Das S, Roy A, Behera SK, Selvarajan S, Kamalanathan S, Sahoo JP, Nair NS. Effects of Vitamin D on Migraine: A Meta-Analysis. Neurol India. 2023 Jul-Aug;71(4):655-661. doi: 10.4103/0028-3886.383862. PMID: 37635492.
[3] Yao K, Zu HB. The association between plasma trans-fatty acids level and migraine: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 1999-2000. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2024 Feb;201:102624. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2024.102624. Epub 2024 May 31. PMID: 38865817.
[4] Hindiyeh NA, Zhang N, Farrar M, Banerjee P, Lombard L, Aurora SK. The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Migraine Triggers and Treatment: A Systematic Literature Review. Headache. 2020 Jul;60(7):1300-1316. doi: 10.1111/head.13836. Epub 2020 May 25. PMID: 32449944; PMCID: PMC7496357.
[5] Hindiyeh NA, Zhang N, Farrar M, Banerjee P, Lombard L, Aurora SK. The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Migraine Triggers and Treatment: A Systematic Literature Review. Headache. 2020 Jul;60(7):1300-1316. doi: 10.1111/head.13836. Epub 2020 May 25. PMID: 32449944; PMCID: PMC7496357.
[6] Thomas S, Browne H, Mobasheri A, Rayman MP. What is the evidence for a role for diet and nutrition in osteoarthritis? Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018 May 1;57(suppl_4):iv61-iv74. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/key011. PMID: 29684218; PMCID: PMC5905611.
[7] Puliappadamb HM, Maiti R, Mishra A, Jena M, Mishra BR. Efficacy and Safety of Melatonin as Prophylaxis for Migraine in Adults: A Meta-analysis. J Oral Facial Pain Headache. 2022 Summer;36(3-4):207–219. doi: 10.11607/ofph.3211. Epub 2022 Nov 28. PMID: 36445912; PMCID: PMC10586587.