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The Role of Inflammation in Migraines and Vestibular Migraines: A Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy Approach

Writer's picture: Claire JarvisClaire Jarvis

Updated: Dec 13, 2024

Inflammation is an underlying factor in many chronic health conditions, including migraines and vestibular migraines. While acute inflammation is a natural and necessary response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can lead to persistent health issues, including increased sensitivity to migraine triggers. Understanding and addressing inflammation is a crucial part of managing these conditions.


As a naturopathic nutritional therapist, I help clients uncover the root causes of inflammation that may be contributing to their migraines. By addressing diet, lifestyle, and other key factors, we can create a tailored plan to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall wellbeing.

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What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. It helps the body heal and defend itself. However, when inflammation becomes chronic—persisting over time—it can lead to tissue damage, hormonal imbalances, and neurological changes that exacerbate migraines and vestibular migraines.


How Inflammation Affects Migraines:

  1. Neuro-inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the brain and nervous system can heighten sensitivity to pain signals, making migraines more frequent and severe.

  2. Vascular Changes: Inflammation can cause blood vessels in the brain to dilate or constrict irregularly, triggering migraine episodes.

  3. Gut-Brain Connection: Inflammation in the gut, often linked to poor diet or food intolerances, can impact the brain via the gut-brain axis, worsening migraine symptoms.

  4. Hormonal Disruption: Chronic inflammation can interfere with the balance of hormones like cortisol, oestrogen, and insulin, which are common migraine triggers.


Research Linking Inflammation and Migraines

Scientific studies have highlighted the role of inflammation in migraine development and severity. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), are often found in individuals experiencing migraines. A study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that reducing systemic inflammation led to a significant decrease in migraine frequency and intensity.

For vestibular migraines, inflammation affecting the inner ear or vestibular system may exacerbate symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance.


Common Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can result from a variety of factors, including:

  • Diet: High consumption of refined sugars, trans fats, and processed foods.

  • Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalance in gut bacteria that leads to inflammation in the digestive tract.

  • Stress: Chronic stress increases inflammatory markers and can worsen migraine symptoms.

  • Environmental Toxins: Exposure to chemicals, pollutants, and allergens can contribute to systemic inflammation.

  • Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol or caffeine intake.


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A Naturopathic Nutritional Approach to Reducing Inflammation

As a naturopathic nutritional therapist, I take a personalised approach to addressing inflammation and its role in migraines and vestibular migraines. By targeting the root causes of inflammation, we can reduce your symptoms and build a foundation for long-term health.


How I Can Help:

  1. Identifying Triggers:

    • Through comprehensive consultations, we’ll uncover dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors contributing to your inflammation.

  2. Optimising Diet:

    • Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts), antioxidants (in berries, leafy greens, and turmeric), and healthy fats.

    • Reducing Inflammatory Foods: Eliminating or limiting refined sugars, trans fats, and processed foods that fuel inflammation.

    • Personalised Nutrition Plan: Tailoring your diet to include nutrient-dense foods while addressing individual triggers like gluten or dairy sensitivities.

  3. Supporting Gut Health:

    • Rebalancing gut bacteria with probiotics and prebiotics.

    • Healing the gut lining with nutrient-rich foods like bone broth and L-glutamine.

    • Identifying and eliminating food intolerances that may be driving inflammation.

  4. Lifestyle Adjustments:

    • Stress management strategies, such as mindfulness, yoga, or breathwork.

    • Encouraging regular, gentle exercise to reduce systemic inflammation.

  5. Functional Medicine Testing:

    • Advanced tests, such as hs-CRP (to measure inflammation levels), food intolerance testing, or gut health analysis, to provide deeper insights into your unique inflammation profile.

  6. Supplement Recommendations:

    • Anti-inflammatory supplements like omega-3 fish oil, curcumin, magnesium, and vitamin D to reduce inflammation and support neurological health.


Practical Steps to Reduce Inflammation Today

If you’re experiencing migraines or vestibular migraines, here are some actionable steps you can take now to begin reducing inflammation:

  1. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Add fatty fish, turmeric, berries, leafy greens, and walnuts to your meals.

  2. Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports detoxification and reduces inflammation.

  3. Manage Stress: Practise relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation daily.

  4. Cut Out Processed Foods: Avoid refined sugars, fried foods, and artificial additives that drive inflammation.

  5. Track Your Symptoms: Use a diary to monitor how dietary and lifestyle changes impact your migraines.


How I Can Help You Take Control

Addressing inflammation can be a transformative step in managing migraines and vestibular migraines. Through my 1-2-1 consultations or Migraine Management Programme, I can help you:

  • Uncover the root causes of your inflammation.

  • Create a personalised plan tailored to your unique triggers, diet, and lifestyle.

  • Provide ongoing support to implement sustainable changes for long-term relief.

Alternatively, my Migraine Management Course offers a self-paced, structured approach to understanding and reducing inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes.


Book Your Free Discovery Call Today

If migraines or vestibular migraines are impacting your daily life, there are proven strategies that can help. A personalised, evidence-based approach to nutrition and lifestyle, including optimising magnesium intake, could make all the difference.


Take the first step by booking a free discovery call today to explore how I can help you. Together, we can build a tailored plan to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines. Alternatively, enrol in my Migraine Management Course or Personalised Programme to begin your journey to better health and a migraine-free life.


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I am a Nutritional Therapist offering one-to-one, in-person, or online consultations.


My Specialist areas include:

🥦 Menopause & Perimenopause

🍎 Female Hormonal Health

🥑 Migraines & Vestibular Migraines

🫐 Digestive & Gut Health

🍋 Food Sensitivities & Special Diets

🍉 Energy & Vitality (including fibromyalgia & chronic conditions)


Naturopathic Nutrition's holistic approach to health & wellness recognises the interconnection between diet, nutrition, lifestyle & overall wellbeing to support the body's natural healing processes & provide necessary nutrients to help you optimise your health, & feel your best! migraine hormonal migraine menstrual migraine magnesium glycinate


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