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Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

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21–30 of 57 posts

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#21
Dehydration, really fatty and dense foods, bright screens in dark rooms, and lack of sleep are my triggers. I find aspirin and sipping on water for a while will make the pain subside somewhat, and then a nap will clear it away.

I'm not sure if this is really the case physically, but I treat it as if there's a buildup of metabolites in my brain, and that is pretty effective at removing the problem.

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#22

My trigger was MSG (monosodium glutamate) but don't take my word for it. strong naturally occurring umamy taste can trigger for me too. you should keep a journal of everything you eat, especially if you can take note of the ingredients. For me 1 or 2 days after consumption triggers it, but staying away MSG helps in my case. MSG sensitivity isn't taken seriously because it only really affect a tiny subset of the popul…

I've had one experience in Indonesia where I had a massive amount of noodles with a massive amount of MSG in it. Soon after consumption of said noodles, I had a migraine attack. I also had a ton of work stress at that point, so I'm not 100% that MSG was the actual trigger for me.

stress will increase the blood flow to your brain and chemicals your liver has metabolised from msg might enter your brain.

that why it's doesn't affect everyone as everyone metabolises things differently.

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#23
post #13

2 likely triggers: - excessive polyunsaturated fats in your diet - poorly digested fibers in your intestines Use butter/coconut oil instead of soybean/canola/sunflower oil if that's your case. Avoid PUFA at all cost. Also, cut grain-enriched ('whole') bread and avoid grains in general, i.e., favor mashed potatoes over rice, avoid peanuts etc. Find more here: https://www.google.com.br/search?q=migraine+ray+peat+forum

Migraines run in my family and a lot of my friends have them (so this is a large anecdote, not research). From that experience, I think "likely" is a bit of a strong term for these triggers. The common factors are pretty clear in this thread: Strong sensory stimuli (visual/auditory, sometimes smell), stress and poor lifestyle habits (little sleep, little exercise, etc). These things are "likely" triggers - most people report one or more of these. The word you're looking for is "possible".

Along with that I'd like to point out nutritional advice is always an option, but in practice it is so personal that it's best taken with a healthy amount of skepticism.

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#25
post #2

Triggers for me are dehydration, tiredness, stress and oo much bad food. I found that eating meat and dairy also had a massive effect on me and led to me giving them up. I have been more or less Vegan since figuring that out 20 odd years ago.

MSG is added to nearly every shop bought meat dish.

There are no indications that MSG actually is bad for you (including by inducing headaches) in the amounts that it is normally used. Even 2g (this is a lot) is no problem when consumed with food. If you know otherwise, I'd love to read your sources.

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#26
post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

MSG is added to nearly every shop bought meat dish.

There are no indications that MSG actually is bad for you (including by inducing headaches) in the amounts that it is normally used. Even 2g (this is a lot ) is no problem when consumed with food. If you know otherwise, I'd love to read your sources.

most people say this because it doesn't affect them

https://migraine.com/blog/msg-untangling-this-hidden-migrain...

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#27
My migraines have mostly gone away now that I exercise regularly. For me it was cardiovascular. I'd see an aura and I'd get ready for the pain when I was a kid. Later in life I discovered that taking a simple Advil as soon as I saw the migraine would head it off. When I was a kid chocolate covered almonds and OJ would almost always hit me with a migraine. I discovered this by keeping a journal of what I ate. Changes in weather could bring them on too, especially if I was exercising hard right as the weather was changing. Bright screens in dark rooms could take a "maybe migraine" and turn it on. I've also found that if I wake up with a migraine that cannabis and Advil will put me to sleep pretty quick, though I decided not to use cannabis anymore because it makes me feel dumb for days and I was never a huge fan anyway.

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#29
My triggers tend to be stress, dehydration and too much screen time. I find that if I can take some aspirin/paracetamol and get to a dark, quiet place as soon as I start to see an aura, I can usually limit the pain somewhat, but I'll still be unable to actually do anything for the duration.

Re: Ask HN: Migraine prophylaxis?

#30
Does anyone else get migraines from... relaxing? Like having a few weeks of from work? Like I can wake up and after having enjoyed a full night of sleep and a steady breakfast and have the aura break out one hour after waking up. Christmas, easter, long weekends etc are times when I expect them to arrive.

As a child and young adult I just came to the conclusion that I got em when they felt on arriving.... They were much more frequent then but less intense.

I also guess stress is a trigger for me since I usually have multiple episodes around the day my father passed but that is the only stress I can remember being a trigger. (This has only been the case since he passed. Can't remember being triggered by stress before either.)

Edit: Does anybody else not really get "regular" headaches, like at all?

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