Many of us get the occasional craving for a specific snack – a little chocolate, something salty, or perhaps a burst of sour candy. But what if those cravings aren't just random? If you experience headaches, especially migraines, unusual food cravings might be one of your body's earliest warning signs that an attack is on its way. Find out what you must do from your trusted migraine chiropractor based in Vancouver WA.

The Science Behind Cravings

While the connection between food cravings and headaches is still being studied, researchers have a few theories:

Brain Chemistry

The changes in brain activity that happen before a migraine may influence the areas responsible for reward and pleasure. This could lead to sudden, intense cravings for specific flavors or textures.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Some experts suggest that cravings for certain foods could be your body's way of signaling a nutritional imbalance that might contribute to migraines. For example, a magnesium deficiency is sometimes linked to migraines, leading to powerful chocolate cravings (which can be a decent source of magnesium).

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones play a significant role in migraines, especially for women. Changes in estrogen levels can trigger cravings, particularly for sweet or high-carbohydrate foods.

Common Cravings Among Migraine Patients in Vancouver, WA

Many patients seeking a migraine chiropractor based in Vancouver WA note several food cravings before their episodes hit. Here are some of the most frequently reported ones:

• Chocolate: The classic migraine craving. Chocolate contains some magnesium, but it's also high in substances that can trigger migraines in some individuals.
• Salty Foods: Chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks top the list.  These cravings might stem from changes in electrolyte balance during the early phases of a migraine.
• Sugary or Carbohydrate-Rich Foods:  Donuts, cookies, and bread offer a comforting energy boost, something your body may be instinctively seeking when it senses an impending migraine.
• Caffeine: Some people find a strong cup of coffee helps ward off a migraine. However, for others, it's a craving that signals a headache is on the horizon.

Should You Give in to the Cravings?

That depends. If your cravings point to a nutritional deficiency, addressing that dietary gap could potentially lessen the frequency or severity of your headaches. In other instances, while that chocolate bar might provide temporary satisfaction, it could also contribute to the headache later on.

What to Do

• Keep a Food Diary: Tracking what you eat and when your headaches occur can help pinpoint any patterns. Pay attention to what you crave and whether specific foods can trigger your headaches.
• Listen to Your Body: Cravings are a complex signal. Sometimes giving in strategically can help address an underlying need. Other times, the craving might be misleading, and it's better to stick with healthier options.
• Manage Your Migraines: Talk to your doctor about preventative medications and other strategies to manage your migraines.

Beyond Food Cravings: Seek a Migraine Chiropractor based in Vancouver WA

Food cravings before a headache are a fascinating and sometimes frustrating aspect of the migraine experience. While research is ongoing, it's clear that there's a connection. If unusual cravings are one of your migraine warning signs, paying attention to those signals could help you prepare for an attack and potentially even lessen its impact.

However, food cravings aren't the only unusual sign that a migraine may be coming. Many migraine sufferers also experience structural misalignments in their upper neck, known as an atlas subluxation. This misalignment can put pressure on the brainstem and interfere with the proper flow of blood and signals between the brain and the body. This disruption is a major potential trigger for migraines.

Dr. Joseph Perin, a Migraine Chiropractor based in Vancouver, WA, specializes in addressing this connection with atlas subluxation. His practice focuses on gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine, aiming to restore proper alignment and reduce the neurological stress that can contribute to migraines. You can learn more about his approach and the potential benefits of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care by visiting our website.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joe Perin, call our Vancouver office at 360-569-1740. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.