Migraine
A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe headache, often unilateral, pulsating, and aggravated by activity. May be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, and sometimes aura. May indicate prophylactic supplementation with magnesium, riboflavin (B2), CoQ10, feverfew, 5-HTP (use cautiously).
- What may help
- 25
- What to avoid
- 17
What may help (25)
- Detailed Food Diary Practices HighClinical
For migraine sufferers, a detailed food diary is a highly effective tool for identifying dietary triggers. By systematically recording food intake and correlating it with migraine onset, individuals can uncover specific items or patterns that precipitate headaches, thereby guiding personalized elimination diets for symptom prevention.
- Feverfew Supplements HighClinical
Feverfew, particularly in its standardized form, is widely recognized for its ability to help prevent migraines. It may significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, offering a natural approach to managing this challenging condition.
- 5-HTP Supplements MediumClinical
Research suggests 5-HTP may play a role in modulating serotonin pathways involved in migraine pain, potentially reducing their frequency and severity.
- Caffeine Supplements MediumClinical
Often used in combination with analgesics, caffeine can help alleviate the pain of certain types of migraines by narrowing blood vessels in the brain.
- CBD Supplements MediumClinical
By modulating pain perception and inflammation, CBD shows promise in reducing the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.
- Eat Whole Foods Habits MediumClinical
A whole-food diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by stabilizing blood sugar levels, which can be a trigger for some individuals. It also provides essential minerals like magnesium and anti-inflammatory compounds, which contribute to reduced neuroinflammation and muscle tension often associated with migraine headaches.
- EEG Neurofeedback Practices MediumClinical
For migraine sufferers, EEG Neurofeedback offers a potential pathway to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Specific protocols, such as SMR training, aim to stabilize cortical excitability and re-regulate brain processes involved in pain processing. Clinical evidence suggests a moderate reduction in migraine symptoms and improved quality of life.
- Elimination Diet Practices MediumClinical
In a subset of individuals, migraines can be triggered by specific dietary components. An elimination diet can help identify these triggers, leading to a reduction in headache frequency and severity by avoiding foods that may induce neurovascular or inflammatory responses.
- Ketogenic Diet Practices MediumClinical
Several clinical studies suggest the ketogenic diet may reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Its mechanism likely involves stabilizing brain energy metabolism, reducing neuroinflammation, and modulating neurotransmitter pathways, offering a novel dietary approach for migraine prevention in some individuals.
- Taurine Supplements MediumClinical
Magnesium Taurate may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines due to its calming effects on the nervous system and its role in vascular health.
- Thai Massage Practices MediumClinical
Thai massage can help manage migraines, particularly those linked to tension, by releasing stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This targeted release, combined with overall relaxation, can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes, offering symptomatic relief.
- Transcranial Brain Stimulation Practices MediumClinical
Transcranial Brain Stimulation, particularly single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, has shown efficacy in modulating cortical excitability and reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. This non-pharmacological approach offers a promising option for prevention and acute relief in some individuals.
- Tryptophan Supplements MediumClinical
Certain forms of this supplement may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines by influencing serotonin pathways involved in pain regulation and vascular control in the brain.
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) Supplements LowClinical
Preliminary studies indicate that ALCAR may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
- Chiropractic Practices LowClinical
Chiropractic care may offer a low therapeutic benefit for migraine sufferers, potentially helping to reduce the frequency or intensity of attacks for some individuals. While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, adjustments may help to alleviate musculoskeletal tension in the neck and upper back, which can sometimes act as migraine triggers or contribute to pain pathways. This approach can be considered as an adjunctive therapy.
- CrossFit Practices LowClinical
Regular, structured physical activity may contribute to reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks by improving cardiovascular health, reducing overall stress levels, and influencing neurotransmitter balance. However, individual responses vary significantly, as intense exercise can also be a trigger for some.
- Acupuncture Practices HighTheoretical
Acupuncture provides strong prophylactic benefit for migraine and tension-type headaches by modulating pain pathways and reducing muscle tension. It can decrease both the frequency and intensity of headache episodes.
- Coenzyme Q10 Supplements HighTheoretical
Taking CoQ10 regularly can substantially reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, offering a natural and effective approach to headache prevention.
- Magnesium Supplements HighTheoretical
For many, magnesium supplementation can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, likely by influencing blood vessel tone and neurotransmitter balance in the brain.
- Naturopathy Practices HighTheoretical
Naturopathic approaches for migraine prophylaxis focus on stabilizing neuronal excitability and energy metabolism. Magnesium, riboflavin (B2), and Coenzyme Q10 demonstrate strong evidence in reducing migraine frequency and intensity by improving mitochondrial function and modulating neuronal pathways (Cohen's d=0.6-0.8 for prophylaxis).
- Propranolol Supplements HighTheoretical
Often prescribed as a preventative measure, extended-release propranolol can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches by stabilizing blood vessel activity in the brain.
- Vitamin B2 Supplements HighTheoretical
Studies show that high doses of riboflavin can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks by improving brain energy metabolism.
- Amanita Regalis Supplements LowPeople reports
Some individuals find it helps to alleviate the intensity and frequency of migraines, potentially by calming the nervous system.
- Herbalism / Phytotherapy Practices MediumTheoretical
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a well-established herbal remedy for migraine prophylaxis, effectively reducing the frequency and severity of attacks. Its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to modulate serotonin pathways are key to its action. Clinical trials consistently show moderate effects, with effect sizes around 0.5-0.8.
- Integral Yoga Practices MediumTheoretical
For migraine sufferers, Integral Yoga can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks by alleviating muscle tension (especially in the neck and shoulders), significantly reducing stress, and modulating pain perception pathways (effect size d=0.5-0.7).
What to avoid (17)
- Tai Chi Practices HighClinical
Do not practice during a severe acute migraine attack, as the movements and sensory input may worsen headache, nausea, and light sensitivity.
- Time-Restricted Eating 16/8 Practices HighClinical
Hunger and the associated physiological stress are common migraine triggers. Time-restricted eating, particularly during the fasting window, may increase the frequency or severity of your migraine attacks.
- Active Music Making Practices MediumClinical
Loud or intense music, specific frequencies, and performance-related stress can trigger or worsen migraine attacks. Consider ear protection and stress management techniques if you are susceptible.
- Caffeine Supplements MediumClinical
For some individuals, caffeine can trigger or worsen migraine headaches, or contribute to withdrawal headaches if stopped suddenly.
- Cognitive Training / Brain Games Practices MediumClinical
Specific visual patterns, screen flicker, or intense mental exertion during cognitive training can act as migraine triggers in susceptible individuals. If you experience migraines, proceed with caution and identify your personal triggers.
- Cycling Practices MediumClinical
Cycling during an acute migraine attack can significantly worsen headache, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity, making it impractical and risking falls due to impaired vision or balance. Avoid activity during an attack.
- Digital Art Creation Practices MediumClinical
If you suffer from migraines, especially those triggered by flickering lights, screen glare, or prolonged visual focus, extensive digital art creation can precipitate or worsen attacks. Consider screen adjustments and regular visual breaks.
- Integral Yoga Practices MediumClinical
If yoga, inversions, or specific breathing exercises typically trigger your migraines, avoid or modify these practices. Listen to your body and prioritize comfort.
- Intermittent Calorie Restriction Practices MediumClinical
Fasting can be a known trigger for migraines in some individuals, potentially due to blood glucose fluctuations, dehydration, or stress. Caution advised for those prone to fasting-induced migraines.
- Mindful Photography Practices MediumClinical
Certain visual stimuli (e.g., bright lights, contrasting patterns, screen flicker) or intense concentration during mindful photography can act as migraine triggers for susceptible individuals. Be aware of your personal triggers and adjust practice conditions as needed.
- Walking Meditation Practices MediumClinical
Physical exertion can trigger or worsen migraine headaches in some susceptible individuals. Start gently and be mindful of your body's response.
- Isochronic Tones Practices LowClinical
In some susceptible individuals, rhythmic auditory stimulation from isochronic tones may act as a trigger for migraine headaches. Discontinue use if symptoms occur.
- Professional Music Therapy Practices LowClinical
Intense, loud, or certain types of music can trigger or worsen migraine attacks and severe headaches in sensitive individuals. Inform your therapist about your sound sensitivities.
- Reading Habits LowClinical
Prolonged reading, particularly from screens or in inadequate lighting, can act as a trigger for migraine attacks in individuals predisposed to them. If you frequently experience migraines, consider adjusting reading habits and consult a neurologist for trigger management.
- Singing Bowls Session Practices LowClinical
Strong sounds and specific frequencies may act as triggers for migraine attacks in susceptible individuals. Exercise caution.
- Drumming Circle Practices LowPeople reports
Loud, repetitive sounds and vibrations from drumming can act as a trigger for severe migraine attacks in susceptible individuals. Consider alternative activities if prone to migraines.
- Yoga Practice Habits LowPeople reports
If you frequently experience migraines, certain yoga poses like inversions or intense breath-holding techniques may trigger or worsen an attack. Pay attention to your body's signals and modify or avoid triggering practices. Consult your neurologist.