A migraine is a form of headache that can be quite debilitating. According to Statistics Canada, it is estimated that up to 8.3% of the population suffered from this condition in 2011 (1).

Besides feeling severe pain in various parts of the head, some patients may experience sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells. Other symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

In addition, migraines can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, food sensitivity, or environmental triggers. If you are living in a busy city like Toronto and experiencing migraines, the following tips will help you prevent their onset and recurrence.

Drink Plenty of Water:

Drink plenty of filtered liquid during the day, as dehydration can cause a migraine. It is often forgotten, but water is essential in the daily detoxification process.

It should not be overlooked. Drink herbal teas, coconut water, home-made juices or infused water. Get 1.5L to 2L of liquid per day.

First, get 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Rest early and spend less time on your electronic devices. Also, learn to relax before going to bed to create a safe environment in which you can get a deep sleep.

For instance, add light stretches and a yoga session to the evening. These gentles exercises can calm the mind and relax your tense muscles. If you commit to this daily routine, you will regenerate your energy more easily.

Recent research has shown that 67% of sufferers believe that certain foods in their diet can trigger a migraine (2). Symptoms caused by food sensitivity can appear up to three days after eating the “offending” food.

Therefore, it can be confusing and often difficult to discover which foods might be causing your symptoms. The best way to find out is to perform a food sensitivity test (3).

With the information you obtain from this test, you can eliminate the foods that may be causing you to experience migraine headaches.

Take the time to find the main cause of your migraine. Then, find the factors that may aggravate or alleviate this condition. Once you are aware of all these elements, you can make lifestyle changes to reduce the onset of your headaches.

As a naturopath, I will look into the root cause of your migraines. I will assess whether they are caused by food sensitivity, lack of sleep, or stress.

I can also prescribe supplements that can ease the pain. Some of the natural cures I suggest include magnesium, fish oil, and coQ10, to name a few. These remedies are efficient when taken at the right dosage and have almost no side effects.