How to Help Migraines through Lifestyle Choices

Migraine headaches are the leading cause of disability for those under the age of 50. Did you know that there are essential underlying causes for migraines? One of these is possibly a pro inflammatory and oxidative state in the body. Today we will be looking at how to make healthier lifestyle choices to avoid migraine headaches. 

Inflammation in the body occurs when the immune system is chronically under stress. This can be from a variety of things including obesity, smoking, excessive drinking, a poor diet, lingering injury, stress, or multiple of these things. Systemic inflammation is also connected to having an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and poor cancer outcomes.

Certain diets such as the Paleo, DASH, and a Mediterranean diet are all inclusive foods which are anti-inflammatory. In this diet there are a lot of fruits and vegetables and avoid highly processed foods with added sugars. Research suggests that the Ketogenic, low-glycemic, and even a modified Atkins diet can also reduce inflammation. The typical Western diet includes many processed and sugary foods, which ultimately cause inflammation.

Gut microbiota could also play a role in the inflammatory process. Be sure to consume food which produces healthy bacteria for the gut, which can reduce your chances of migraine headaches. Eating more foods with omega-3 fatty acids can also help with this.

These diets with lower inflammation will also help aid in weight loss. Carrying excess weight may also stimulate inflammation in the body. A study in 2019 concluded that weight loss can reduce many things including migraine headaches and their intensity, frequency, duration, and disability. Weight loss may also reduce stress, which is a main cause of inflammation.

Switching to a healthy lifestyle is not always easy. After years or decades of unhealthy habits, it will take time. We can help you with any nutrition related questions and even give you exercises that could help you to start this healthy lifestyle.

If you are experiencing any pain, we can also help treat you to get you started on your healthy lifestyle.

Dr David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP

Dr. David Perna DC, CCSP, CCEP is the founder and practice overseer at Back and Body Pain Relief in Springfield, NJ. A graduate of Life University Summa Cum Laude, Dr. Perna holds certifications in Active Release Technique (ART), Graston, SFMA, Neuro-Diagnostics (NCV/EMG), and Manipulation Under Anesthesia, among others. He is a Board Certified Sports Physician, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a United States Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Volunteer.

A competing athlete himself — a 2x Ironman 70.3 finisher with a background in Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and martial arts – Dr. Perna brings firsthand athletic experience to his patient care.

He has treated presidents, royalty, diplomats, and professional athletes across MMA, baseball, tennis, and football, and has appeared on Dr. Oz demonstrating chiropractic therapies. His approach is diagnostic-first, combining evidence-based chiropractic care with rehabilitation to help patients get out of pain and back to full function.