Migraine: Definition and Symptoms
As described by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information, ‘Migraine is a genetically influenced complex disorder characterized by episodes of moderate-to-severe headache, most often unilateral and generally associated with nausea and light and sound sensitivity.’
Migraine is defined as a type of headache that has become chronic and prevalent among a significant portion of the population. Migraine has a direct genetic association: the risk of migraine in relatives is three times higher than in non-relatives.
WHO (World Health Organization) found that globally, about 50% to three-quarters of adults aged 18–65 years have suffered from headache symptomatic (at least once within the year 2016), and 30% or more have reported migraines. The major concern is the prevalence of migraine headaches growing worldwide.
Common Identifiers of Migraine
Headaches and migraines are different, so how can one identify whether the ache in one’s head is another headache or migraine? It shows specific and overwhelming sensations such as pulsating pain, sensory sensitivities, nausea, and fatigue. Let us discuss the common symptoms of migraine and understand how migraine feels.
A headache whose intensity ranges from moderate to severe to unbareable
Usually, occurs on one side of the head or both (in some cases) in the front or at the back of the head
Some individuals experience severe pain in or around the eyes and behind the cheeks
The ache causes a throbbing, pounding, or pulsating sensation
The pain gets worse with physical activity or any movement
Nausea and/or vomiting are the common experience during migraine trigger
Photophobia and/or phonophobia; as being sensitive to light and/or sound, respectively
The head pain lasts anywhere from four hours to several days
Experiencing these symptoms may identify as migraine in an individual. Usually, migraine produces unbearable pain. Though no exact reason for migraine has yet been identified with the exception of an identified genetic component; additionally, emotional, hormonal, physical, dietary, lifestyle, stress, environmental, and medicinal factors can trigger the occurrence of a migraine or contribute to the severity.
Dietary and lifestyle contributors are common causes that one can manage and control to avoid migraines, including dehydration. Dehydration or lack of pure drinking water intake can trigger migraines.
Dehydration as a Migraine Trigger
Recent studies have shed light on the intriguing connection between dehydration and migraines, highlighting the potential impact of fluid imbalance on headache migraine. Dehydration, characterized by an inadequate water level in the human body, is identified as a potential trigger for migraines in susceptible individuals.
Understanding the impact of dehydration on migraine - occurrence and severity - is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and optimizing treatment approaches for individuals suffering from this debilitating neurological condition.
Dehydration is a situation when the body loses more water than it takes in due to processes like urination, sweat & saliva secretion, and the loss of other bodily fluids. Dehydration has been one of the reasons for headache and migraines that usually presents on one-side and as throbbing. According to some research, when the osmolarity of the brain increases (and the water becomes too concentrated), some receptors that exacerbate migraines due to dehydration may be activated.
The human body needs a well-defined balance of water and electrolytes (minerals) to regulate body function. The body loses these minerals due to normal processes (sweat and urine), and when the body does not get water and electrolytes, this dehydration triggers migraines. Even mild dehydration can trigger a migraine. Dehydration is common in warmer places, at high altitudes, in diabetic patients, and in elderly and young children. Consumption of diuretics causes the body to produce and relieve more urine. Diuretics can come in the form of prescription drugs (water pills) and alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
Additionally, in a clinical trial study, a correlation between constipation and migraine symptoms has been found. Further, this ‘Gastrointestinal disorders associated with migraine’ review also found sufficient evidence to establish a link between increased frequencies of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and migraine. Here, dehydration or poor water intake induces constipation that might turn into a reason for migraine.
The Correlation Between Dehydration and Migraines
While several triggers can contribute to migraines, there is a growing body of research suggesting a correlation between dehydration and the onset of migraines. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this correlation is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.
Dehydration and Central Nervous System Sensitivity:
Dehydration can induce a state of physiological stress in the body, affecting various systems, including the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS plays a vital role in migraine pathophysiology, and alterations in its function can trigger migraines. Studies have shown that dehydration can lead to changes in brain volume, electrolyte imbalances, and alterations in cerebral blood flow, all of which can contribute to increased CNS sensitivity and migraine susceptibility.
Neuroinflammation and Dehydration:
Dehydration can trigger neuroinflammatory processes in the brain, which have been implicated in migraine development. Studies have demonstrated that dehydration-induced osmotic stress can activate inflammatory pathways, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory molecules. These molecules can sensitize pain receptors and exacerbate migraine symptoms.
Vasodilation and Dehydration:
Vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels, is a well-known mechanism associated with migraines. Dehydration can lead to changes in blood volume and plasma osmolality, both of which can affect vascular tone and promote vasodilation. Furthermore, dehydration-induced changes in electrolyte balance may influence vascular reactivity, potentially contributing to migraines through vasodilation-related mechanisms.
Serotonin Dysregulation and Dehydration:
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating pain sensation, mood, and vascular tone, has been implicated in migraines. Dehydration may disrupt serotonin levels and function in the brain, potentially contributing to migraine onset. Studies have shown that dehydration can lead to decreased serotonin synthesis and release, altered serotonin receptor activity, and impaired serotonin reuptake, all of which may influence migraine susceptibility.
How Hydration Can Help to Recover from Migraines
Medical treatment and prescribed and OTC medication can quickly deliver relief from migraine and keep the symptoms away. There are some home remedies to get relief from migraine and minimize migraine triggers.
Hydration is one way to relieve headaches and migraines, as suggested in a study published in Oxford Academic research and journals. As per this study, “Patients who regularly suffer from headaches reported better quality of life after 3 months of increased water intake. In addition, 47% in the water group experienced much improvement of their headache as a result of increased water intake, compared to 25% in the control group.” It clearly shows the positive effect of increased water intake on headache and migraine relief. The American Migraine Foundation also suggests that proper, regular hydration can relieve headaches and migraines. Regular water intake throughout one’s waking hours, can help to prevent and relieve migraine headaches.
Proper hydration ensures the maintenance of electrolyte balance in the body. Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, play a crucial role in nerve function and signal transmission. Imbalances in electrolyte levels, often associated with dehydration, can disrupt nerve function and increase the susceptibility to migraines. Adequate hydration helps maintain optimal electrolyte balance, promoting normal nerve function and potentially relieving migraine symptoms.
To utilize hydration as a potential migraine reliever, it is important to establish optimal hydration practices. This includes consuming an adequate amount of water throughout the day, monitoring urine color as a hydration indicator, and being mindful of fluid intake during physical activity and in hot weather. It is worth noting that individual hydration needs may vary based on factors such as age, climate, and activity level.
Water can help relieve headaches and migraines, as recommended by Migraine Canada™. Drink a recommended volume of water over a given time span. Avoid drinking too large a volume of water at once, as it could lead to water intoxication.
Pure Water and Migraine
Pure water drinking is a healthy habit for a healthier body. Some emerging research has brought attention to the potential influence of pure water consumption on migraines. Pure water, free from additives and impurities, has been considered to play a role in migraine prevention and management.
Water intake is a non-invasive and cost-effective way to keep migraine triggers away. Pure and mineral-rich water intake keeps the balance of water and electrolytes in the human body, which results in relief from migraines. Calcium and magnesium are the most prevalent nutrients in mineral water that one can get from approved Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems. These RO systems reduce or eliminate contaminants and add minerals with remineralization (like Calcium and Magnesium) in drinking water to promote healthy and agreeable drinking habits. Individuals suffering from migraines or headaches should add pure and mineral-rich water to their daily life to stay hydrated and relieve from migraine. These systems will call for regular RO filter replacement and service in order to ensure an adequate supply of purified drinking water.
Conclusion
Migraines are a neurological condition that has a genetic component as well as behavioral and lifestyle impacts. There are some health issues that pure mineral water can relieve, and migraine headaches is one of them. Dehydration and water deprivation are common causes that trigger migraines, so stay hydrated and prevent migraine triggers. Adequate hydration with pure water relieves migraine frequency and severity; a non-invasive and accessible approach to migraine management. As migraine symptoms vary in individuals, it is advisable to follow a healthy and pure drinking habit according to lifestyle, health, and fitness.