When I was in seventh grade and playing field hockey, I had an unexpected mishap. My opponent swung her stick back, hitting me on the side of my head with a “slapshot.” It knocked me out for about 30 seconds, and when I came to, I noticed that my face felt wet—it turned out to be blood. She hit me right on the orbital bone, the bone that surrounds your eye. After some stitches, I thought I was okay.
That same year, I began experiencing the changes of puberty with all the hormonal fluctuations that come with it. I clearly remember my first migraine. I was getting ready to go to the movies with some friends and noticed in the mirror that I couldn’t see half my face. When I looked at my hand, it seemed like I was missing two fingers! It was frightening, and I didn’t know if I was having a stroke or some strange alien encounter. This uneasy feeling turned into a sensitivity to light and sound, followed by an intense, pounding headache that lasted over a day with severe nausea.
This was the start of my journey with migraines. My parents took me to the doctor, and after several tests, I was diagnosed with “classic” migraines, which are often preceded by an aura—those visual symptoms that made me think I was going blind—alongside light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and severe pain.
I dealt with migraines on and off for about two years until I identified my triggers; one of them was chocolate. I still wonder if the field hockey incident or my changing hormones created the perfect storm for migraines to start.
Today, as a holistic nutritionist, I’m happy to say I rarely experience migraines. Occasionally, I get a severe headache before my period, sometimes with a bit of nausea, but nothing like what I experienced as a child. I wanted to share this personal story with you so you know I’ve been there too.
In this article, I’ll talk about the various causes and triggers of migraines to help you identify and eliminate them. I’ll also add a follow-up post on natural solutions for managing migraines. This information is helpful for tackling headaches too, as they share similar causes and triggers. Migraines affect a significant portion of the global population, including nearly one in four U.S. households.
Let’s dive into some triggers and factors that can play a role in migraines:
**Food Sensitivities**
Diet is a key factor for many migraine sufferers, as certain food sensitivities can act as triggers. While not everyone is affected by the same foods, common culprits include chocolate—even the tiniest amount can set off a migraine for some. Histamines, naturally occurring chemicals in the body, are another potential trigger, particularly if your body struggles to break them down due to a defect in a particular enzyme. This can lead to reactions and migraine headaches.
**Oral Microbiome**
An intriguing and often overlooked trigger comes from the bacteria in your mouth. Research has shown a connection between oral bacteria and migraines, particularly those that thrive on nitrates and convert them into nitric oxide, widening blood vessels and potentially triggering migraines.
**Neurotransmitter Deficiency**
Low levels of serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter, have been linked to migraines. Since serotonin also converts to melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep, low levels could affect sleep cycles and trigger migraines.
**Hormonal Imbalances**
It’s a well-known fact that migraines are more prevalent in women, often starting during puberty. Changes in hormone levels, such as estrogen withdrawal before a period, can trigger migraines.
**Weather Changes**
Sometimes a change in weather, such as a drop in atmospheric pressure, can bring on migraines, a phenomenon supported by various studies.
**Stress**
Stress is a common trigger for many health issues, including migraines. It can lead to inflammatory responses in the body, increasing both the frequency and severity of episodes.
Identifying and eliminating personal triggers is crucial and can often help prevent migraines. Next week, I’ll share natural solutions for managing migraines. Wishing you a migraine-free week!
—
Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences!
I hope this information provides new insights for those battling migraines. Eliminating a few triggers can sometimes stop a migraine before it starts. Stay tuned for natural remedies coming next week!
