Beat headaches with probiotics

Unhappy gut = headaches

The much quoted Greek physician, frequently referred to as the ‘father of medicine’, Hippocrates, once said that “all disease begins in the gut”. It seems that science and modern technology are bringing evidence to this wise insight (made a whopping 2000+ years ago!) with more and more research demonstrating correlation between gut and a myriad of health conditions. That is, everything from skin conditions and weight, to immunity and brain health. Headaches fit within the category of brain health, and increasingly studies are linking healthy gut flora with a reduction of headaches. 

A recent literature review published in the Pain Physician, explored the relationship between microbiota and migraines. The review concluded that there is an association between increased gut permeability (sometimes referred to as “leaky gut”) and migraine headaches. The review also found that improving intestinal flora was correlated with a reduction in inflammation and overall gut and brain health.

Taking probiotics is a fantastic way to begin to repair and support your gut health. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that your digestive system rely upon in order to function optimally. In saying that, it is important to note that not all probiotics were made equal. It is crucial that you are choose high quality probiotic supplements to ensure you will actually reap the benefits. Our probiotic Nexba beverages use a unique strain of robust probiotics that actually survive the journey from your mouth to your gut. In fact research shows that 85% will reach your intestines intact!

Other ways to prevent headaches

While it’s important to see your doctor if you have frequent or persistent headaches, here are some common culprits and preventative measures to keep those headaches at bay:

• Make sure you are drinking plenty of water! Rule of thumb is to aim for 8 glasses of per day.
• Practice good posture. Neck and back stiffness which can occur as a result of slouching can cause headaches. Make sure you have a supportive pillow to use at night, too!
• Try to avoid looking at a computer or mobile device for prolonged periods of time. If you’re on the computer all day, make sure you take regular breaks away from the screen.
• Get an appropriate amount of sleep. Too much or too little sleep can result in a nasty headache.
• Practice stress management to avoid tension headaches. There are lots of different strategies for managing stress including yoga, walking/running, meditation, taking deep breaths and so on. The most effective strategy will depend on the individual.