Episode
How to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
2:26:43
Published: Mon Feb 06 2023
Description
In this episode, I discuss the causes and treatments of different types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraines, sinus and cluster headaches, as well as menstrual and other hormone-based headaches. I describe how to distinguish between the different headache types and how to select the right treatment, including prescription-based and non-prescription-based treatments, behavioral and nutrition-based approaches. I also explain the evidence and mechanisms supporting the use of omega-3 fatty acids, high dose creatine, peppermint oil, turmeric, acupuncture and more. Additionally, I touch on traumatic brain injury, the causes of photophobia, aura, and the link between spicy foods and thunderclap headaches. By the end of this episode, listeners and viewers will have a comprehensive understanding of headaches, their types and the best way to prevent and stop them. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Maui Nui Venison: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman InsideTracker: https://www.insidetracker.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Huberman Lab Premium https://hubermanlab.com/premium Timestamps (00:00:00) Headache (00:03:51) Sponsors: Thesis, LMNT, Maui Nui, Momentous (00:07:47) Headache Sources: Muscle Tension; Blood Flow & Meninges (00:14:06) Headache Sources: Neurons; Inflammation & Sinus Headache (00:23:21) 3 Neuron Types, Pain, Tension Headaches (00:31:05) Tension Headaches (00:33:25) AG1 (Athletic Greens) (00:34:29) Migraine Headaches, Aura, Photophobia (00:43:10) Cluster Headaches (00:47:47) Hormone-Based Headaches, Menstrual Cycle & Menopause (00:53:38) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Headache, Baseline Health (01:02:08) Tool: Headache Treatment, Creatine Monohydrate & TBI (01:12:22) InsideTracker (01:13:55) Headache Treatment, Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Linolic Acid) (01:22:14) Tool: Omega-3 Supplementation, Omega-6 Fatty Acids & Inflammation (01:28:11) Hormone Headache Treatment & Omega-3s (01:31:24) Tool: Aura, Photophobia & Offsetting with Red Light (01:44:15) Tool: Tension Headache & Botox Treatment (01:49:43) Tool: Alternative Headache Treatments, Peppermint Oil, Menthol (02:01:35) Tool: Tension Headaches Treatment & Acupuncture (02:05:41) Tool: Migraine & Herbal Treatment, Caffeine Timing (02:13:26) Tool: Migraine Treatments & Curcumin (Turmeric) (02:18:00) Carolina Reaper Pepper & Thunderclap Headache (02:24:21) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors, Social Media, Momentous, Neural Network Newsletter Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Chapters
In this podcast, the different types of headaches and their underlying biology are reviewed, along with the natural and conventional treatments available for each type.
00:00 - 03:54 (03:54)
Summary
In this podcast, the different types of headaches and their underlying biology are reviewed, along with the natural and conventional treatments available for each type. Some natural treatments are found to be as effective, and in some cases, more effective than over-the-counter and prescription drugs, which may have side effects.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast talks about different types of headaches and how they arise from changes in different tissues of the head and neck.
03:54 - 09:52 (05:58)
Summary
This podcast talks about different types of headaches and how they arise from changes in different tissues of the head and neck. The role of quality protein in the repair of all tissues, including the brain, is also emphasized.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Dr. Barry Krakow explains how nociceptors and vascular portals in the tissues surrounding the brain can cause pain and pressure when inflamed and how inflammation in sinuses is necessary.
09:52 - 20:49 (10:56)
Summary
Dr. Barry Krakow explains how nociceptors and vascular portals in the tissues surrounding the brain can cause pain and pressure when inflamed and how inflammation in sinuses is necessary.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
There are three types of neurons: motor neurons, sensory neurons, and modulatory neurons.
20:49 - 33:52 (13:02)
Summary
There are three types of neurons: motor neurons, sensory neurons, and modulatory neurons. Understanding these distinctions can help explain sources of pain and the different types of headaches, as well as their corresponding treatments.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Migraines have a neural origin arising from the nervous system, spinal cord and brain; aura is a prominent feature of migraine headaches.
33:52 - 43:16 (09:23)
Summary
Migraines have a neural origin arising from the nervous system, spinal cord and brain; aura is a prominent feature of migraine headaches. Caffeine can effectively alleviate the pain of a headache, especially if it is caught early on, but it's important to know what type of headache you are experiencing before using caffeine as a treatment.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Low levels of estrogen and progesterone are the cause of hormonal headaches in women, that tend to occur around the time of menstruation.
43:18 - 58:43 (15:24)
Summary
Low levels of estrogen and progesterone are the cause of hormonal headaches in women, that tend to occur around the time of menstruation. Repeated low-level impact to the head, such as in football, boxing, and soccer, can lead to traumatic brain injury without the need for any kind of full-blown concussion, often resulting in chronic headaches or a feeling of fullness in the head.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Creatine, particularly the phosphorylated form, is found in brain tissue and can potentially help with symptoms of TBI such as headache, dizziness and fatigue.
58:43 - 1:15:29 (16:46)
Summary
Creatine, particularly the phosphorylated form, is found in brain tissue and can potentially help with symptoms of TBI such as headache, dizziness and fatigue. However, it's important to remember that no treatment can surpass the foundation of mental and physical health.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Studies have found that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids either via food or supplements was associated with a lower prevalence of severe headache or migraine due to their anti-inflammatory effects and construction benefits to neuron tissues.
1:15:29 - 1:32:12 (16:42)
Summary
Studies have found that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids either via food or supplements was associated with a lower prevalence of severe headache or migraine due to their anti-inflammatory effects and construction benefits to neuron tissues.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
A discussion of the different types of neurons in our eyes and how they respond to light, particularly blue and green light, and how this can affect our perception of our surroundings.
1:32:12 - 1:40:55 (08:42)
Summary
A discussion of the different types of neurons in our eyes and how they respond to light, particularly blue and green light, and how this can affect our perception of our surroundings.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Red lights can help with photophobia and aura during migraine attacks.
1:40:55 - 1:49:54 (08:59)
Summary
Red lights can help with photophobia and aura during migraine attacks. The use of dim red lights may reduce the likelihood of a migraine or other type of headache entirely.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches in a manner that outpaces non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and without the same issues associated with such drugs according to studies.
1:49:54 - 1:55:43 (05:48)
Summary
Essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches in a manner that outpaces non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, and without the same issues associated with such drugs according to studies. There is growing interest in non-drug treatments for headaches, and research is being conducted to understand the neurophysiology behind how essential oils can impact things like muscular tension or perception of pain.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
A study shows that the use of peppermint and eucalyptus oil prepares can lead to pain relief by activating channels in sensory neurons and shutting down pain pathways.
1:55:43 - 2:05:54 (10:11)
Summary
A study shows that the use of peppermint and eucalyptus oil prepares can lead to pain relief by activating channels in sensory neurons and shutting down pain pathways.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Ingesting caffeine within 10-12 hours before bedtime is not recommended due to the ways it disrupts sleep architecture, according to Dr. Matthew Walker.
2:05:54 - 2:14:24 (08:29)
Summary
Ingesting caffeine within 10-12 hours before bedtime is not recommended due to the ways it disrupts sleep architecture, according to Dr. Matthew Walker. Caffeine may relieve headaches associated with excessive pressure through vasoconstriction, but if caffeine causes headaches, it is unlikely to provide relief.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
Studies have shown that taking curcumin at dosages of about 80 milligrams in conjunction with omega-3 fatty acids at two and a half grams per day resulted in significantly improving migraine and other types of headaches, reducing the frequency and intensity of the headaches that occurred.
2:14:24 - 2:23:21 (08:57)
Summary
Studies have shown that taking curcumin at dosages of about 80 milligrams in conjunction with omega-3 fatty acids at two and a half grams per day resulted in significantly improving migraine and other types of headaches, reducing the frequency and intensity of the headaches that occurred.
EpisodeHow to Stop Headaches Using Science-Based Approaches
PodcastHuberman Lab
In this episode, the Huberman Lab podcast discusses the different types of headaches, from tension headaches to traumatic brain injury-related headaches.
2:23:21 - 2:27:11 (03:50)
Summary
In this episode, the Huberman Lab podcast discusses the different types of headaches, from tension headaches to traumatic brain injury-related headaches. They also provide advice on how to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of chronic recurring headaches.