If you suffer from migraine pain, you’re not alone and there are many underlying causes that can lead to recurring migraine pain. One common cause is an accumulation of toxins in our tissues that strain the liver and can cause too much inflammation in the body. Environmental toxins are everywhere these days, and factors like weak links in our genetics, mineral deficiencies, or a poor diet can make it harder for some people to excrete them as well as others.

In addition to more well-known heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, I discussed several heavy metals that you may not have considered & their link to headaches with Wendy Myers, FDN-P, CN and CHHC on the Chronic Headache and Migraine Summit.

These include:

Thallium

This heavy metal replaced lead from leaded gasoline and is 10x more toxic than mercury. Thallium toxicity presents vague symptoms like headaches that are hard to pin down.

Cadmium

This heavy metal is present in second-hand smoke, air pollution, shellfish, tuna, and coffee. Cadmium can build up in your body if you have mineral deficiencies. That build up can result in overstimulated adrenals and damaged nerve cells, which are linked to headaches and migraines. 

Copper

You’ll find copper in pipes, IUDs, and in contaminated food and water. Copper is important to our bodies but problems occur when there is too much of it in the soft tissues of the body. Clearing up copper toxicity has been clinically associated with the elimination of migraine symptoms. 

In order to limit the accumulation of heavy metal in your body, you can integrate these gentle daily detox steps into your lifestyle:

• Choose organic produce
• Filter your water
• Avoid processed and packaged foods
• Use an infrared sauna a few times a week
• Chlorella and chlorophyll supplements
• Lymph massage, which you can learn how to do in this video
• Rebounding, walking, yoga
• Correct your mineral deficiencies
• Eliminate sources of artificial fragrances and household products that contain irritating chemicals that your body has to work harder to eliminate

If you’re a migraineur who wants to use an infrared sauna, I’ve got some special tips for you (I know I said 4 tips but I keep adding them, so now you get 6…):

1. Avoid using an infrared sauna when you are feeling susceptible to a migraine or on the verge of one, especially if you tend to get migraines from exercise or other exertion.
2. Have ice water with a few drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil handy to use on your neck.
3. Build up your sauna time very gradually so that you know what your body can comfortably handle.
4. Stay hydrated with water and replace electrolytes to avoid dehydration headaches.
5. Consider using a binder (such as activated charcoal) 30-min before the sauna, especially if you’ve felt unwell post-sauna in the past and don’t think it was from dehydration or overheating.
6. Ensure you are not constipated while engaging in sauna therapy – infrared heat mobilizes toxins to leave not just through your sweat but through your other detoxification pathways as well, so it is critical to have those working properly. Our coaching team can help you troubleshoot if constipation is an issue for you, just reach out at support@engineeringradiance.com to set up a call.

Consult your doctor before beginning this or any other therapy and please note that nothing in this article may be construed as medical advice.

Of course, there are many more migraine triggers than the ones covered in this article. You can find out more about migraine triggers and how to manage them here.