Posted 1/18/2016 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
I started getting migraines in high school. Over the years, they increased in frequency. By 2011, I was getting 1-2 migraines/wk. I also started getting severe headaches that were actually worse than the migraines. I was getting those all the time. Between the two, I was suffering from one or the other 5-7 days/wk.
My migraines varied in severity. Sometimes I would vomit, sometimes not. Sometimes, I would get lucky and almost sleep it off. An allergic reaction to Relpax and nausea discouraged me from taking medication so I dealt without Rx or even caffeine. The severe headaches were absolutely sinister. Aside from the severe headache, stomach bile would back flow in my stomach repeatedly. The sickness wasn't over until I had sufficiently expelled all the stomach bile, seemingly from the depths of my guts. This was not fun. It sometimes took 4-6 sessions of forced water intake and forced vomiting. Forcing yourself to guzzle water when you're this nauseous is not easy but I knew this was the only way to get to the finish line.
This went on for almost 18 months. Since I started getting migraines, I just assumed this was a genetic condition that I had no choice but to tolerate. When I heard about how migraines cause brain damage (brain lesions), I instantly became frightened into attempting to identify any triggers or causes that I might be contributing to. I made every effort to control every variable so false correlations/causation would be avoided. Then I would remove something from my diet or my behavior and see if there was any improvement. The only trigger I identified was cheese. Eliminating it made a barely noticeable difference.
After almost 18 months of being entirely incapacitated (stuck in a silent pitch black room, alternating ice packs, vomiting etc.), I was struggling to find a reason why I shouldn't kill myself. I couldn't live like this forever. I'm sure many of you know about the depression that comes with these headaches. I used to deal with it pretty easily because I knew that once I got through it, I would probably not get another migraine for possibly months. That wasn't the case anymore. The only thing waiting for me was another migraine or severe headache. I couldn't get a break to refill my strength. Mentally, I was exhausted and demoralized.
I had known for some time that common deodorants were not thought to be healthy but I didn't consider going without to be an option for personal hygiene reasons. Under the circumstances, I didn't know whay else to do so I cut out the deodorant.
Since I stopped using toxic aluminum based deodorants, I have had 2 migraines. The severe headaches stopped immediately. The two migraines were in the months immediately after discontinuing, probably due to buildup in my body. It has been a few years since I have had either a migraine or severe headache. I consider myself to be cured.
To be sure, I am not someone who is easily swayed by anecdotal evidence. I was careful not to change more than one variable at a time. I don't see any reason not to believe that I was causing my migraines entirely by dosing myself with a toxic substance on a daily basis. Eliminating deodorant also worked for my sister's much less severe but constant mild headache. I doubt we are unique. I hope many people try this. I really believe it will help others. My results have been nothing short of amazing.
Also, you don't have to stink if you eliminate toxic deodorant. I don't go completely without protection. I use a natural deodorant now. Most of them suck but there are decent options. You just have to find one that's sufficient. Good luck.