For adults under 50 years of age, migraine headaches are one of the leading causes of disability. There are several potential underlying causes for the condition. One of which appears to be a proinflammatory and oxidative state in the body. Fortunately, this can be addressed through healthier lifestyle choices.
Low-grade or systemic inflammation happens when the immune system is chronically under stress. Stress effects of obesity, smoking, excessive drinking, a poor diet, lingering injury, stress, or a combination of these things. In addition, systemic inflammation is also linked to an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer outcomes.
Eating patterns such as the Paleo, DASH, and Mediterranean diets have characteristics of a high intake of foods with anti-inflammatory properties. Fruit and vegetables and avoidance of pro-inflammatory fares, such as highly processed foods and those with added sugars. Other studies have found that the Ketogenic, low-glycemic, and even a modified Atkins diet can reduce inflammation. The typical Western diet associates with a high intake of unhealthy fat and sugars. This kind of intake can stimulate an inflammatory response.
Lifestyle Choices
Gut microbiota may play a role in the inflammatory process. Consuming food that nurtures a healthy population of bacteria in the gut may benefit migraine headache patients. Other research has shown that eating more omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods can help reduce inflammation.
The diets associated with lower inflammation can also aid in weight loss. This is important because carrying excess weight can also stimulate inflammation in the body. A systemic review in 2019 at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society concluded that weight loss can reduce migraine headache frequency, intensity, duration, and disability. In addition to its role in weight loss, exercise can also reduce stress, which is another driver of inflammation.
Living a healthier lifestyle isn’t easy, especially after years or decades of unhealthy habits. Your chiropractor can answer nutrition and fitness-related questions. They also show you exercises that are a better fit for your current situation. If aches and pains are getting in the way, chiropractors can provide treatment to help restore normal motion. This allows you to stay active. When it comes to the cervical spine, dysfunction in the neck plays some role in the migraine process.
