Welcome to my rant about migraines, brought to you by a past fellow sufferer. As someone who has experienced the wrath of migraines, I understand the frustration, pain, and fear that comes with them. But have you ever stopped and wondered if there are external factors contributing to your migraine attacks? Spoiler alert: there are. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of migraine-inducing chemicals and how to avoid them.
The first culprit on our list is monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG. This flavor enhancer can be found in fast food, canned goods, processed meats, and snack foods. Studies have shown that MSG can trigger migraines in some people, especially those who are sensitive to it. The good news is that there are plenty of MSG-free alternatives out there, and you can always ask restaurants and food manufacturers about their use of MSG.
Next up, we have nitrites and nitrates, which are commonly used as preservatives in cured meats like hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats. These chemicals can dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the brain, triggering migraines. Luckily, there are plenty of nitrite-free options available, such as organic meats or those labeled "no nitrites added."
Another sneaky culprit is aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free gums, and many processed foods. Aspartame can cause headaches and migraines in some people and can also worsen symptoms in those who are already prone to migraines. If you're a fan of the diet soda life, try switching to an alternative sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
The fourth chemical trigger is alcohol, which can cause migraines in some people due to its vasodilating effects. Red wine is the biggest offender, but any type of alcohol can be a trigger. If you're a regular drinker and suffer from migraines, consider cutting back or eliminating alcohol from your diet. Your liver will thank you, too.
Lastly, we have scented products like perfumes, candles, and cleaning supplies. The fragrances used in these products can be migraine triggers for some people, especially those with scent sensitivities. If you think fragrances might be a trigger for you, try using unscented products instead.
Migraines are no joke, and they can seriously impact your quality of life. But by identifying and avoiding chemical triggers, you can take a step towards fewer and less severe attacks. Remember, you don't have to suffer in silence or resort to medication if you don't want to. As a past fellow suffer who has found relief, I believe in the power of prevention and taking control of your own health. So go forth and migraine-proof your life!
Oh, by the way, I've gone from 16 to 24 debilitating and skull-crushing migraines days per month down to less than 1 by decreasing inflammation. Does this sound overwhelming - like how do I even start? There is a FREE 11 Day Jumpstart next month where it walks you through step by step and has easy to follow instructions to get you started with a side benefit of weight loss averaging 7 to 12 pounds...I mean win, win!! All you need is the vitamins and minerals that do all the work. Shoot me a message and I'll send you the details and get you in!
