Migraine is a severe type of headache that causes throbbing pain, often occurring on one side of the head. There is a high prevalence rate of severe headaches and migraines in the United States alone. Studies show that migraines affect the quality of life of the individuals who suffer from them.
Symptoms that accompany migraines include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Pulsing sensation on either side of the head
What causes your migraine episodes? In this article, we will unpack one of the recent theories about migraines’ root cause. Then, we will introduce you to a migraine chiropractor in Alabang who can help you get to the root of the condition.
Link Between Oxidative Stress and Migraine
According to an article published on Neuroscience.com, migraines could be the brain’s response to oxidative stress. Below are some information about the connection between oxidative stress and migraine from Jonathan Borkum, Ph.D.
- People suffering from migraine contains a high level of oxidative stress in their system.
- Migraines could contribute to the increase of oxidative stress. This then results in further harm since our body’s capacity cannot prevent the other harmful effects of free radicals.
- In this article, Jonathan Borkum Ph.D. also explains that migraine is the brain’s way to protect and repair itself from the harm of oxidative stress.
What is Oxidative Stress? Everything You Need to Know
As part of our nature, humans need oxygen to live and survive. Without it, our lungs, brain, and entire body won’t function the way they should. Lack of oxygen could hinder our cells in doing their most important job. As a result, our immune system would become weak until it shuts down. So, how does oxidative stress affect us?
- The oxidative process can damage our cells.
- The oxidative process works the same way as to how rusts forms. So, when there’s disruption of the normal oxidative process in our cells, problems may arise.
Explaining the Free Radical Cells
During the body’s normal metabolic processes, our cells produce free radicals. On the other hand, our cells also generate antioxidants that balance out these free radicals. These free radicals are constantly hunting to find another molecule that contains electrons since they lack this aspect. During the hunting process, free radicals can injure the surrounding cells. Therefore, when there are excessive free radicals in the body, more healthy cells will experience harm.
Factors that contribute to the rapid increase of free radicals in the body include:
- Certain existing body conditions
- Daily diet or the quality of food your body intakes
- The quality of your lifestyle
- Pollution and other environmental factors
- Excessive smoking
- Certain medications
- Exposing the body to too much sunlight
- Radiation
- Excessive exercise
What You Can Do to Get More Antioxidants
Too much food intake contributes to the increase of the production of free radicals in the body. This is because our mitochondria, a part of the cell, release excessive activating oxygen when we overeat. As a result, free radicals will also be at a much higher level. This also means that our body would be at greater risk of oxidative stress if overeating continues.
Antioxidants contain molecules that can balance out the free radical levels in the body. Here are helpful ways to reduce your free radicals and get more antioxidants:
- Limit the consumption of red meat.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Make sure that you only drink a moderate and limited amount of this type of drink. Alcohols contribute significantly to the production of free radicals in the body.
- Avoid foods that are high in sugar and refined carbs.
- Consume foods that are high or rich in antioxidants.
- Consume healthy fruits for snacks and dessert.
- Limit the consumption of processed foods and meats. These types of foods contain preservatives that trigger the increased production of free radicals in the body.
- Consider herbal therapy as well. Healthy spices can help reduce oxidative stress while keeping your food delicious.
- Visit a migraine chiropractor in Alabang for a consultation about the root cause of your problem.
Upper Cervical Care: A Safe and Helpful Way to Ease Migraines
Our bodies need to be in the best shape possible to maximize healthy functions. As a migraine chiropractor in Alabang, Dr. Flores advocates for a holistic approach to migraines.
Our nervous system plays a vital role for us to perform at optimal levels. Therefore, there is an essential need for us to take care of it, especially the upper cervical spine.
Having a correct upper cervical alignment is vital to the holistic health of your body. The neck area, also called the upper spine, is vulnerable to harm. Misalignment to the C1 and C2 vertebrae can put pressure on the brainstem.
When this happens, brain and body communication may get disrupted, thus causing further health problems. In addition, this may result in improper blood and spinal fluid flow in the area. Lastly, free radicals can increase due to any damage to the brainstem.
Being a trusted migraine chiropractor in Alabang, Dr. Flores can help ease migraine pain by correcting spinal misalignment of patients. He uses the NUCCA procedure, a specific technique that locates misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
You may visit N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic if you’re looking for a reliable migraine chiropractor in Alabang. The NUCCA chiropractic technique can help you get to your health goals in a safe and precise way. Contact us to book an appointment. We’d be happy to provide you with the best care your spine needs.
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