Migraines can be difficult to treat and pinpoint the cause. Aggravating factors like noise, light, smells and even food can be frustrating and overwhelming. I have suffered from migraines since childhood. The difference between then and now is my highly specialized diet. My allergies have forced me to identify foods that trigger pain, IBS and migraines over the years. I am lucky because my diet is so special and specific that I am able to identify migraine triggers easily.
My migraines have changed over time and symptoms are not as debilitating. I remember in the past I always had to take my prescription migraine pill combines with a nap, ice and earplugs for hours to find relief. Sometimes they would last days and even a week. Lately, my migraines are shorter in duration and easier to combat. Over time, I have identified a few severe migraine trigger foods that I have eliminated from my diet. These severe triggers are dairy, tostones, plantains, soy, gluten, corn, and apples. Interestingly, these foods cause a combination of symptoms migraines, constipation, bloat and body aches. So, here is the first hack mark your calendar with migraines and food from your last meal before it began. Keep track for a month to see if you develop a pattern of trigger foods. If you are having migraines weekly, I suggest an elimination diet (Elimination Diet). The diet will help cleanse your digestive system of trigger food particles to relieve your symptoms. Then you can begin to reintroduce foods to identify triggers.
Migraines can be unpredictable so stay prepared and keep your medicine and remedies on you. I keep my purse stocked with Tylenol, essential oil and prescription Zomig. I have been taking Zomig for more than 10 years. The only symptom I get is a weird numb sedation on my nose if I touch it. The Zomig relieve my migraine quickly but I prefer to start least invasive first. I use topical essential oils or Chinese magic ointment before taking an oral medication. Then I try some Cuban coffee or Mexican coke, the caffeine usually relieves a headache. My next step is Tylenol liquid gels, which are quick acting. I learned the hard way that many OTC pills like Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin are laced with corn starch which I am allergic too. Thus liquid gels became my go too choice. I am not able to use Motrin even liquid gel because of my severe IBS history and gastritis. If those steps did not relieve my migraine, I proceed to Zomig.
My best migraines hack is liquid gel freezer bags. They are soft enough to mold to your head and fabric covered. Ice packs can relieve the pain while you wait for medicine to take effect. The ice also facilities sleep when you have a headache or a migraine. I am interested to learn if you have any hacks. What are your migraine hacks?