Living with Chronic Migraines

How ArrowSpeak Was Born from the Battle Against Migraines

The term ”superfood” dates back to the early 20th century, coined by the United Fruit Company to market bananas as an affordable, nutritious staple. Today, ”superfood” has evolved into a popular (though unofficial) label for nutrient-dense foods. While it lacks a formal scientific definition, it has become a shorthand for whole, minimally processed foods that can offer health benefits. Here at ArrowSpeak, we embrace the idea that while superfoods might look different for everyone, they’re all about tapping into substances that make us feel good, energized, and balanced.

Battling the Beast, One Headache at a Time

Chronic migraines were my constant, unwelcome sidekick. It wasn’t just a headache that would pop up here and there—it was a full-blown, daily saga. I tried everything I could think of to shake them: western medicine, Ayurveda, chiropractors, sinus specialists, acupuncture, massage—you name it, I probably tried it. Every time I met a new practitioner, I’d walk in with that glimmer of hope that maybe this time would be the charm. Spoiler alert: nothing worked. But along the way, I did learn a thing or two (or a hundred) about perseverance, resilience, self-care, and resilience in the midst of it all.

Living with migraines is like going to war with your own head. At my worst, I had a four-year stretch where I woke up with a headache, like it had taken up permanent residence at the back of my neck. I felt perpetually fatigued, moving through life with brain fog so thick you could hardly see through it. In fact, I often described this stressor as a hand in front of my face, blocking my view. There were days when I snapped at the smallest things—like the salt shaker not cooperating—only to realize I was letting the pain win. That didn’t sit well with me.

In the beginning, I dabbled in pharmaceuticals to see if they’d kick the headaches to the curb, treating both the migraines and the inevitable blues that came with them. For a while, I thought I’d found a good routine, but the side effects weren’t great, and I hated the idea of putting chemicals into my body. Eventually, I pivoted, deciding to try a more holistic path. Spoiler alert (again): that didn’t magically cure me either. But it did start me on a journey of self-care, which, as it turns out, was the medicine I needed.

Living Fully—Migraines or Not

One day, I had this epiphany. I realized that if I wanted to live fully, I couldn’t sit around waiting for a pain-free day. So I made a choice: to live my life, headaches and all. Through daily exercise, occasional chiropractic adjustments, and a weekly dance practice, and yes, even dancing through some headache-free stretches (cue happy dance), I found deep satisfaction and moments of joy in spite of the migraines. Every day I pushed through, even if it meant fighting through the fog and forcing a smile.

There was no magic bullet, no one thing that “cured” me. But today, I am piecing together a lifestyle that feels right: balancing my hormones, eating superfoods, taking vitamins, and leaning on homeopathic remedies. A long time ago, I swapped out pharmaceuticals for a natural, sober path. These days, I prioritize rest and relaxation (or at least try), because if I am going to keep this battle up, I want to feel strong.

How Do Superfoods Help?

Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods that offer significant health benefits for the body, heart, and mind. For physical health, superfoods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote bodily health. For instance, leafy greens like spinach and kale are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, supporting digestive health and immune function. Nuts and seeds offer healthy fats and protein, contributing to muscle maintenance and energy levels.

Certain superfoods are beneficial for emotional and mental well-being. For cardiovascular health, and also emotional wellness, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, also supports cognitive function and mental health, supporting brain cell structure and function. Nuts, especially walnuts, offer similar benefits. Berries contain antioxidants and flavonoids that may delay brain aging, improve memory, and reduced the risk of a heart attack.

Finding Humor and Strength (and a Little Love) Along the Way

Today, I’m halfway to 90, and let me tell you, life has taken on a brighter tone. I’m newly engaged to an amazing partner who understands me, migraines and all. I feel stronger than I did a decade ago—strong enough to laugh about some of the challenging times. When life gets tough, sometimes you’ve got to smile and keep moving, right?

Living with migraines taught me that we’re all built to handle more than we think we can. These days, I’m all about self-care, which means respecting myself, finding peace in the process, and yes, laughing when I can. I’m here to tell anyone dealing with chronic pain that it’s okay to be a little stressed, to find humor in it, and to never lose sight of your satisfaction. So here’s to living fully, migraines and all, because life’s too short to wait for perfect days.

Sources:

• 10 superfoods to boost a healthy diet – Harvard Health Publishing
• Get Smart About Superfoods Infographic – American Heart Association
• 11 Best Foods to Boost Your Brain and Memory – Healthline