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Migraine Detox

The Mayo Clinic defines migraines as "chronic headaches that can cause significant pain for hours or even days." If you suffer from migraines, you're aware that this pain can be debilitating. Many migraines are so severe that the sufferer cannot function normally, and most try to find a dark, quiet place to recover.

  1. Do I Have A Migraine?

    • The Mayo Clinic explains that a migraine may be "preceded or accompanied by sensory warning symptoms or signs (auras), such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg. A migraine is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound."

      Be cognizant that a severe headache is not necessarily a migraine, and may be due to another problem such as a sinus infection or another, possibly more dangerous cause. If you are experiencing a severe headache and have not previously been diagnosed with migraines, seek medical help.

    Avoid Migraine Triggers When Possible

    • There are well-established behaviors or foods that trigger your migraines. Foods include chocolate, red wine (specifically the sulfites they contain), aged cheeses, soy, MSG and nuts. A common behavioral problem that may induce migraines is lack of sleep or a disruption or abrupt change in your sleep cycle. Atmospheric changes such as a sudden change in weather patterns---rainy one day, windy and dry the next---can also cause migraines. Migraines in women may also be caused by hormonal fluctuations.

    Detox?

    • Changing what you eat can help avoid food-induced migraines. Start by removing the foods listed above. A more thorough detox would require you to remove everything from your diet except fruits, vegetables, olive oil and spices for several days to a week. Unfortunately, as the body detoxes, the released toxins can induce a non-migraine headache. Slowly add back one food a day and see how your body reacts to each addition. Begin by adding whole foods like whole grains, eggs or chicken. Avoid any processed foods until you have determined your trigger foods.

    Caffeine

    • Caffeine is used in many migraine treatments, but withdrawal from caffeine can also cause headaches. If you consume caffeine, keep consumption consistent to avoid withdrawal. If you can, eliminate it from your diet and only use it---or medicines that contain it---when recommended by a physician.

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