A migraine is more than a headache… MUCH more.
The associated pain, nausea, and light sensitivity can make each second feel like a living nightmare.
These attacks can knock you off your feet for hours, if not days. And chronic sufferers feel the impact across virtually ever facet of their lives.
Has it happened to you? Because according to recent estimates, each year, over one billion people experience at least one migraine attack.
And now, research suggests this crippling pain could signal yet another debilitating condition…
A significantly greater risk
In a new study published in Scientific Reports, researchers explored the link between migraine and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
(Not to be confused with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), IBD includes chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—both of which are drive by immune dysfunction.)
For the analysis, researchers gathered data from over 10 million people through the nationwide healthcare system for South Korea citizens.
Turns out, the incidence of IBD was significantly greater among migraine sufferers, compared to those without migraines…
Especially within the first five years after receiving a migraine diagnosis.
It boils down to the “I” word
Now, researchers state these results aren’t definitive.
But it uncovers an interesting, albeit unsurprising, link—one that I encourage any migraine sufferer to discuss with their primary care physician.
Because at the end of the day, chronic inflammation almost certainly plays a role.
(That’s why I say unsurprising… because is it really any surprise migraine sufferers may be at a higher risk of developing an inflammatory condition, like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis?)
See, chronic inflammation is a “silent” condition that smolders in the background, causing the body to continuously send out harmful, inflammatory cells and substances.
The result? A whole host of symptoms and diseases, like migraines and/or IBD.
Start by understanding your overall inflammation levels. Ask for these blood tests:
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Fibrinogen
Then, I urge you to check out my Essential Guide to Combating Inflammation for a comprehensive plan to safely and naturally reduce chronic inflammation.
Source:
“Migraine linked to increased risk of IBD in new study.” MedicalNewsToday, 01/22/2024. (medicalnewstoday.com/articles/migraine-increased-risk-of-ibd-inflammatory-bowel-disease-study)