He said, she said, NSAIDs
Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on Unsplash
If you pop an Advil or three a few times a week or so, you may want to reconsider.
I experienced tension headaches up to four times a month, sometimes twice per week. The headache melding with my neck and shoulder pain from my forward head posture made those days unbearable.
Whatever the situation, headaches are a nuisance and can sometimes be debilitating. They can also lead to isolation and leave you bedridden.
Can you relate to any of these scenarios?
• You waited too long to eat and your head starts throbbing intensely
• You were out in the sun all day and your brain feels like an explosion waiting to happen
• Staring at your laptop for hours results in radiating pain around your eyes
• Missed your morning cup of joe
Studies show that there is a possible link between migraines and the gut, especially for those with certain GI disorders like IBS or celiac disease. The bacteria in your gut produce various neurotransmitters that include serotonin and dopamine, along with pro-inflammatory molecules which can access the bloodstream and get transported to your brain.
Most of us reach for our favorite OTC NSAID for instant relief (Advil was my best friend for years). Unfortunately, however, your go-to headache band-aid only exacerbates the inflammation in more ways than one:
➤ 1. They screw up your stomach lining
In his book,“Mind Over Meds,” Dr. Andrew Weil illustrates how NSAIDs, when overused, prevents enzymes from producing prostaglandins—compounds that protect the stomach lining from acid and other irritants, which can lead to gastric bleeding and ulceration.
➤ 2. They contribute to a “leaky” gut
Dr. Steven Gundry in “The Plant Paradox” analogizes NSAIDs to grenades blowing up your intestinal mucosal lining, creating holes for invading particles (like bad bacteria) to get through. Consequently, your immune system triggers more inflammation and pain which…
➤ 3. They perpetuate your headaches
NSAIDs are basically tricking your body into thinking that the pain is “gone.” When the headaches return, you pop a couple more pills and may even beg your doc for the prescription-level kind. And the vicious cycle continues.
When I changed my dietary habits and followed Dr. Steven Gundry’s Plant Paradox protocol, my headaches disappeared. It was so unbelievably surreal to me in realizing that headaches ARE NOT normal. They are just another form of inflammation and your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.
If you suffer from chronic headaches, I feel ya. They are never fun and they keep you from having a fulfilling, best life. Go see a specialist if they happen several times a week or everyday. Additionally, keep track of what you are putting in your body everyday. Do you consume a lot of refined sugar and carbs? Then look at your lifestyle. Are you always stressed? Is your mind constantly running at a hundred miles per hour and often leading to lack of sleep?
Being mindful and aware of your daily habits is the first step in getting to the root cause of your headaches. Pay attention to what your mind and body are telling you, with love and compassion, and go from there.
Jumpstart your gut health and achieve vitality by downloading my free guide here! If you’re ready to gain energy, clarity and high levels of serotonin, I’d love to help. Book your free Gut Check Sesh here and let’s make it happen!
