Migraines impact around 20% of people in the world—women more than men. The condition severely disrupts daily life, and the WHO ranks it among the most debilitating illnesses. Beyond standard treatments, emerging research indicates alternative approaches could play a supportive role.
What is a migraine?
Migraine is characterized by recurrent headache attacks accompanied by intense, often throbbing pain. The duration can range from a few hours to several days. Typical associated symptoms include nausea and sensitivity to light. Classic migraine symptoms also involve unilateral pulsating pain (see left text box).
There are two main types of migraine:
Migraine with aura: Aura symptoms usually precede the headache phase, often signaling an impending attack. Aura manifestations may include visual or speech disturbances. Approximately 15% of affected individuals experience migraine with aura.
Migraine without aura: This is the most prevalent form of migraine.
Causes of Migraine
Scientists haven't fully decoded why migraines occur. Leading theories involve brain inflammation or glitches in mitochondria (your cells' "energy batteries" that produce ATP fuel). Remember: these root causes differ from common attack triggers like stress, weather shifts, poor sleep, or not drinking enough water.
Can Omega-3 Help Your Migraines?
The magic of omega-3 for migraines lies in balancing it with omega-6. Though both are "good fats," they work like yin and yang: omega-3 creates natural pain-relievers while omega-6 may worsen discomfort.
How It Works
Since your body can't make omega-3, what you eat matters. When you consume omega-3 rich foods, their DHA and EPA components travel through blood to your brain's "headache control center" (trigeminovascular system), releasing natural pain-relievers. Even better? Scientists found pairing omega-3 with turmeric's curcumin might double the headache-relief power!