By Lygon Everyday Chemist - Your Local Brunswick East Health Partner

Migraines are more than headaches - they’re a complex neurological condition that can affect focus, mood, digestion, and energy. 

Around 1 in 5 Australians experience migraines, and we regularly help patients right here in Brunswick East find relief and prevention strategies that work.

What Causes Migraines?

Common migraine triggers include:

• Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle, menopause)
• Stress and poor sleep
• Dehydration or skipping meals
• Strong smells, flashing lights, or loud noise
• Weather or barometric pressure changes
• Certain foods - see below for what to eat and what to avoid

Genetics, lifestyle, and gut health can all influence how sensitive your nervous system is to these triggers.

Foods That Help vs Foods to Avoid

Foods that may reduce migraine frequency

• Leafy greens & colourful vegetables – rich in magnesium and antioxidants
• Whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds – steady blood sugar and support serotonin
• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) – provide omega-3s to calm inflammation
• Ginger & turmeric – natural anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea benefits
• Plenty of water – hydration reduces vascular headaches

Foods and drinks to limit or avoid

• Red wine, aged cheese, processed meats – contain tyramine, a known trigger
• Chocolate and artificial sweeteners – can dilate blood vessels
• Excess caffeine or sudden withdrawal – both can spark migraines
• Highly processed foods & MSG – may irritate nerve pathways
• Skipped meals – low blood sugar can quickly lead to a migraine attack

Our pharmacists can help you identify your personal food triggers and guide elimination trials safely.

The Gut–Brain Connection: Why Gut Health Matters

Emerging research shows a strong link between the gut microbiome and migraine frequency.

When your gut is imbalanced (due to stress, poor diet, antibiotics, or low fibre intake), inflammation and neurotransmitter changes can increase migraine sensitivity.

Probiotics and gut-friendly foods can help restore this balance:

• Eat fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut
• Increase prebiotic fibres from bananas, oats, garlic, and onions
• Consider a targeted probiotic supplement - we stock pharmacist-recommended strains that support gut-brain health

A healthy gut can also improve vitamin absorption (like magnesium and B vitamins), further reducing migraine risk.

Treatments and Vitamin Support

Migraines often need a multi-layered approach — medication, nutrition, and lifestyle together.

Effective options include:

• Over-the-counter pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Prescription triptans for moderate–severe attacks
• Preventive medications for frequent migraines
• Stress and sleep management - we offer bulk-billed sleep studies
• Vitamin support:
• Magnesium – relaxes blood vessels and muscles
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – may halve migraine days in some studies
• CoQ10 – supports brain energy
• Omega-3s – reduce inflammation

All available with professional guidance from our pharmacists.

Most-Asked Questions from Brunswick East

Q: Are migraines just severe headaches?

No - migraines are a neurological disorder with sensory symptoms and can include nausea, aura, or light sensitivity.

Q: Can gut problems cause migraines?

Yes, poor gut health and food intolerances can trigger inflammation that contributes to migraines.

Q: Can I take vitamins and probiotics with my medicines?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no - interactions can occur. Ask our pharmacists for a personalised review.

Local Help at Lygon Everyday Chemist

Our pharmacists provide private, evidence-based migraine consultations, including vitamin and probiotic advice, medication review, and lifestyle support.

Appointments are often bulk-billed, and we offer a comfortable consultation room for your privacy.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait for your next migraine - prevention starts now.

Visit Lygon Everyday Chemist, 473–475 Lygon St, Brunswick East

Or CLICK HERE to book a consultation today.