Migraine; It is a common type of headache that is usually on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound.

We can divide migraine into two with and without aura. At the beginning of migraine with aura, there is a time period in which various symptoms appear, informing the future of migraine. Meanwhile, the person notices symptoms such as numbness in the head, numbness in one arm or leg, and light rays in the eye. These auras are not observed in some types of migraine.

Environmental and genetic factors play a combined role in migraine. It has been found that the amount of serotonin and other neurotransmitters such as CGRP are decreased in the brain during migraine attacks.

While treating migraine from a functional point of view, the root cause is analyzed as in any disease.

Causes that can cause migraine;

Genetic reasons; Migraine is more common among members of the same family. It is known that the familial transmission of the type of migraine, which is generally called hemiplegic migraine, is common. Other genetic mutations seen in patients with migraine are generally in the pathways affecting the cerebral vasculature. In migraines with a genetic background, the functional perspective considers the link between genes and lifestyle, environmental toxins, trauma and diet.

Diet; Foods known to be triggers in the diet are evaluated. These foods are mainly dairy products, gluten, processed foods, refined sugar, preservatives such as aspartame, monosodium glutamate, foods that cause histamine release in the body. Other health problems related to food sensitivity are fatigue, brain fog, hypersensitivity, muscle and joint pain, sinusitis, and this list can be extended.

Detoxification problems; We are constantly exposed to toxins in food, water, air, cosmetics and clothes we use. Although our bodies have detox systems to remove them, when we are exposed to these toxins excessively, detox systems may be insufficient and need support. Waste materials left in the body without adequate support cause chronic diseases such as migraine, chronic fatigue and dermatitis.

Gastrointestinal System Problems: Flora imbalances in the gastrointestinal system are an important factor among migraine triggers. Situations that can cause flora imbalances include antibiotic use, long-term drug use, stressful lifestyle, poor quality diet. It may be linked to inflammatory bowel disease and celiac migraine.

Nervous system; The nervous system is tightly linked with diseases such as migraine. Imbalances of cortisol hormone and cortisol hormone, which play a role in fight or flight response, especially in migraine due to stress, play a major role.

Hormones; Menstrual migraine is a common problem. This is thought to be due to fluctuations in estrogen.

What are we doing in the treatment of migraine?

When treating migraine, primarily the underlying cause

Detailed examination, anamnesis, life history and habits

Hormone levels are taken into account, hormonal imbalances are regulated.

The person is taught to manage the stress level, and the adrenal fatigue problem caused by chronic stress situations is solved.

Regulation of nutrition, repair of the intestinal wall

Oxidative stress accumulated in the body is reduced by special methods.

Supplement support is planned according to the needs.

Depending on the patient, support is obtained from methods such as acupuncture.

Eliminate known allergic foods from your diet; Dairy products, gluten, refined sugar, vegetables that belong to a special group such as eggplant, tomato for some people, alcohol, caffeine, foods rich in tyramine …

Make sure to eat in a way that reduces inflammation in the body. Create an antioxidant-rich diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Consume at least 6 servings of fruit and vegetables every day. Give weight to vegetables. Use your fruit preferences for fruits with low glycemic index. Forest fruits in particular are rich in antioxidants and have a low glycemic index.

Drink water.

Keep your blood sugar under control, do not eat a high glycemic index. In addition, excessively long hunger may not be suitable for migraine patients. Remember that not every diet is for everyone.

Lack of many vitamins and minerals can lead to migraine. You can add vitamin D, magnesium, riboflavin, ALA, omega 3 fatty acids among your supplements. Although the supports are known to be useful, they should not be used uncontrolled, they should be used under the control of a holistic medical doctor.

Reduce your exposure to chemicals by replacing the chemicals, cleaning products and make-up materials you use with less harmful ones.

Apply detox methods for your chemical load. You can get support from iv treatments for detox, as well as nutritional supplements such as chlorella, spiraulina, blueberry extracts, resveratrol.

Pay attention to sleep hygiene. Sleep regularly, avoid heavy meals, caffeinated drinks and blue light close to your bedtime for melatonin secretion.

Learn techniques for stress management. Get support from yoga, meditation, or any other method suitable for you.

Exercise regularly

Functional Medicine and Antiaging Specialist Dr. Tugce KIZILAY