Hey All,

I wanted to post my (relatively) recent experience.  I don't know if there is a correlation or not, but wanted to share in case someone else out there could benefit.

Since I was at least 12 (I'm 43 now), I've had episodic cluster headaches.  They occur mormally at 18 month intervals.  I had a couple of episodes at 24 months.  I have never gone over 24 months without an episode.  I would go 6 weeks with 1 to 2 headaches per day, always at the same time.  Y'all know what they feel like so I don't have to describe the pain.

One year ago I started CrossFit.  Just google "crossfit".  It's a kind of workout and there are crossfit gyms everywhere.  The workout is short, and incredibly intense.  I also changed my nutrition to eat "paleo", and have recently begun zoning my nutrition.

It's been over three years since I had an episode!

I have always worked out and kept my self in good shape.  But there is something different about CrossFit.  I think there is something going on with the high intensity and the nutrition that has helped.

I'm not saying CrossFit is a cure for everything (you'll see that there is a near cultish following of CrossFit).  All I know is I used to get cluster headaches, and now I don't.  And the only real change is that now I do CrossFit and eat paleo/zone.  I've read of people "outgrowing" cluster headaches.  Could be a total coincidence.  I don't know.  It was too monumental not to share. 

Has anyone else tried this?  Anyone had a similar experience with exercise/nutrition?

Also, let me know if you do try this and what your results are.

markca wrote on May 10^th, 2011 at 2:03pm:


I'm glad you're not touting a "cure" -that never goes well here.

While I am glad you are not in pain, and glad what you are doing is working for you, I would amend your statement to "I don't have cluster headaches right now." 

You may never have another one, and that would be wonderful.  Or you could have another one tomorrow.

Great to see you're not getting CH's currently!  I really do hope they never return, but just keep it in the back of your mind that they could (and keep an arsenal ready!).

Nice to see someone eating Paleo.  I do remember awhile back someone on here eating low carb and it helping them with their CH's too.  I have eaten LC for years, got off it a few times and am now back on no sugar and no grains.  They are such a culprit for so many health and weight issues for me!

Good luck to you!
mel

one word of caution for anyone who wants to try crossfit.  if you have never done it before, look up a good work out for beginners and DONT OVERDO IT!  i only give this worning because my first time trying crossfit, i did overdo it, by a large margain.  i almost died.  then my headaches got much worse...  having said that, a word to how good it is for personal training:  the 82nd airborne uses it, the rangers use it, and the army special forces(green berets) use it.  enough said?