Patients who suffer from headaches and migraines are likely all too familiar with the pounding, shooting, or vice-like pain, and potential associated symptoms such as nausea and light or sound sensitivity. Some patients find themselves either living in a fog due to medications used to relieve a headache or in bed trying to sleep it off. Headaches and migraines can quickly turn a day sour, leading to pain and a loss in productivity.

Patients who frequently miss work or school due to their symptoms should consider seeking further evaluation, so that the cause of their headaches can be determined and treated, allowing them to better function in their daily lives. Headaches and migraines can be caused by any number of things including muscle tension, nutrient deficiencies, dehydration, food intolerances, and hormonal imbalances.

Headaches due to tension are commonly experienced later in the day due to neck strain. Patients who suffer from migraines may experience a “prodrome,” or feeling that their headache is coming on. This may include visual or sensory changes. Migraines are often brought on by different triggers for each patient. Common triggers can include red wine, cheeses, chocolate, strong smells, dehydration, and hormonal fluctuations such as menstruation.

From a naturopathic approach, we address other components that could be contributing to headaches or migraine. As a naturopathic doctor, we can test to determine whether nutrient deficiencies, toxin buildup or hormone imbalances may be contributing to chronic headaches and pain.

We can perform allergy testing to determine food intolerances that may be contributing factors. Then we can provide personalized nutritional counseling to address dehydration and dietary triggers that may be leading to migraines.