A large number of my Ottawa clients, in my Functional Medicine practice, suffer from chronic headache or migraine pain. Many of them taking medication to relieve their symptoms.
An estimated 13 percent of Canadians suffer from migraines.
Cluster headaches are far less common, affecting maybe five percent of us,
or less
Headaches, especially migraines, are typically caused by the dysfunction mitochondria. The vitamin Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) will help regenerate our
mitochondria. The reduced form, ubiquinol, tends to work best for most people.
About 50 percent of us with recurrent headaches are
deficient in magnesium. Vitamin B2 deficiency can also contribute to headaches
and migraines.
Following a gluten-free diet tends to support both brain and gut
health, thereby reducing headaches.
Stress, cortisol, and thyroid hormone also play a role in
headaches and migraines, making stress relief and addressing a thyroid
function are essential components of a more comprehensive plan.
By using the principles of functional medicine we can address the underlying cause of headaches and migraines rather than treating the symptoms.
Dominick Hussey
Functional Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine Practitioner
