The Headache Nutritionist with Susannah Juteau, M. Sc. RD.

Many of our speakers have alluded to the effects that nutrition has had on their recovery.  If you’re like us, you want to learn more but don't know where to turn.  This. Episode. Is. It! Susannah Juteau, the Headache Nutritionist, schools us on dietary approaches to headaches, migraines, post-concussive syndrome, and mental health.  Do you think this means that you need to follow a super, restrictive elimination diet?? Susannah teaches us a different approach and gives practical advice on how to improve our diets.  Listen and learn with us! Topics covered:Susannah’s survivor story and path to nutritional approaches for migrainesSolving headaches requires focus on 3 pillars:SleepStress NutritionNutrition is only part of the solution“A healthy diet doesn’t mean a headache-free diet”Anti-inflammatory diet to treat migraines and headachesMigraines are an inflammatory conditionIt’s not a quick fix.  Migraine and headache treatment require an interdisciplinary approach.  Work with your practitioners on what they specialize in, advocate for the right people on your teamWhat to expect when seeing Susannah, the headache nutritionistMicro-nutrient assessmentTiming of eating, what are you eatingDiagnostic test: the mediator release test, tells the specific foods that cause inflammation in YOUGoal of treatment is to calm the immune systemTypical approach is to have an elimination diet which is very restrictive. Susannah offers something different.  Her approach using the mediator release test allows you to target specific foods to remove rather than whole categories of foodsElimination diets can take a year and may not hit the nail on the head as well as using a mediator release testHow do you know that inflammation is a problem?MigrainesChronic headachesIBSIndigestionMood, irritabilityPoor sleepHigh stressFemales’ hormones and stress response make females more susceptibleMost common food culprits for inflammationProcessed foodsDyesChemicalsMSGWhat to eat:Focus on brightly colored whole foodsTo make this easy: Frozen vegetables and fruits are oftentimes more fresh than what’s in the produce section meaning they are more healthy.  They are easy to grab, already cut up, and make a great addition to any meal. Fish: omega-3 fatty acids are essential.  Fish is quick and easy to make, bakes in 20 minutes!AnchoviesCodOystersMackerelSardinesSalmon Clams--canned is good too!! Great source of iron.Big bad wolves in nutrition: dairy, gluten, sugar.  You might not need to cut them or eliminate every food in each category!! The mediator release test will guide what needs to be removed. Common elimination diets cut all gluten, sugar, and dairy as they are often reactive for people.  With Susannah’s approach you cut these for the...