Here's How An Integrative Neurologist Treats & Prevents Her Migraines

In addition to being a neurologist, I have taken that journey myself. I have worked hard over the years to not only learn the mystery of migraines but also to understand what my body and brain need to ensure fewer migraine attacks. Here is what has worked for me and for many of my patients:

My family will tell you how rigid I am regarding my sleep. I go to sleep around the same time each night and wake the same time each morning. (Yes, even on the weekends.) Getting the same number of hours of sleep each night is important, but just as important is that those hours are on the same schedule. So eight hours of sleep between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is not the same as eight hours of sleep between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m.

I ran some tests on myself and learned that I am sensitive to tyramines found in soy, aged cheeses, and fermented or pickled foods. I removed these foods completely from my diet. My testing proved I was completely tolerant to gluten. A plant-based diet works for me, and I make sure to include healthy fats like avocado and seeds, which make the brain happy. Find out what foods work best for your individual body with an elimination diet and/or food sensitivity testing.

Healthy kidney function will allow you to excrete fluids to maintain a healthy salt and water balance in the body. To maintain good hydration, add electrolytes to your water. Luckily, it's super easy because electrolyte tablets that you can just drop in your water bottle are available all over the place.

I am super busy with family and work and used to use that as an excuse to exercise less often. But facing frequent migraines taught me that it cannot be an excuse. I wake up a little earlier four to five days a week to run or take a yoga class. It starts my day on a really positive note and keeps my headache frequency way down.

These roots have some major antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power, helping to reduce chronic inflammation and keep me in tiptop shape. I add lemon, cucumber, and a pear for taste and extra hydration. Here's the full recipe for the brain-boosting tonic I drink every morning.

Meditation has been shown to reduce nervous system tension and response to internal or external stimuli. Deep breathing helps improve oxygen delivery everywhere, including the brain.

People with migraines are often deficient in nutrients like magnesium and riboflavin. I also add important herbal nervines for further nervous system support and stress management.

Psst...did you know there are five different types of headaches?