Hope for Frequent Headache Sufferers: How Seeing an Integrative GP can Help

Headaches can be a nuisance, but for those who experience them regularly, they can significantly affect their quality of life. Whether it’s missing out on work, social activities or family events, living with headaches can be challenging. In some cases, people end up taking multiple pharmaceutical treatments to cope with daily life, but there’s hope for those who want to explore natural options. In this blog post, we’ll explore how seeing an Integrative GP can help identify the root cause of headaches and provide relief.

Types and Causes of Headaches

There are many types and causes of headaches that doctors should consider as part of a headache workup. Some headaches are related to problems with the eyes, ears, sinuses, teeth, and neck, and can be treated by addressing those causes. Headaches can rarely be an indicator of serious diagnoses such as blood clots, infections, and tumours.

Diagnosing and Treating Headaches Naturally

Many people with frequent headaches are diagnosed with migraines, tension headaches, or cluster headaches. Integrative GPs explore natural treatment possibilities, including:

Food Intolerances and Environmental Allergies

Certain foods and environmental irritants can trigger headaches. Common irritants include caffeine, chocolate, red wine, flavour enhancers like MSG, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, preservatives like nitrate, pollens, dust, pets, and mould. Identifying and avoiding these irritants can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut flora, can be a significant factor in headaches, even with minimal abdominal symptoms. Overgrowth of less helpful bacteria in the gut flora produces toxins that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause headaches. Dysbiosis can also cause “leaky gut,” which increases the risk of food intolerances.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

The brain uses more energy than any other organ in the body, and therefore, the demands required of neural mitochondria to generate each nerve cell’s energy are significant. Depleted mitochondria are considered a significant factor in headaches.

Environmental Chemical and Heavy Metal Toxicity

Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, organic solvents, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, and aluminum can occur throughout our lifetimes from various sources. Repeated exposures, as well as inadequate detoxification, may be factors in frequent headaches.

Integrative Health GPs

Integrative GPs, also called Nutritional and Environmental Medicine doctors, can holistically assess your headaches. They work with you to address these issues and help you restore your health. They may recommend changes in diet, detoxification, and supplements, among other natural treatments.