Cause of Migraines

Another Unsuspected Migraine Trigger?

From Michigan to Arizona Migraine headaches can be caused by numerous different triggers.

Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea or artificially sweetened drinks like diet cola are amongst dozens of foods which create a reaction for migraine sufferers. Even the best organic foods are still likely to create a reaction in a sensitive person. Milk ranks near the top of the allergy list, and according to a study published in the Lancet in 1979, has been linked to reactive migraines(1).

The best way to learn what foods are causing allergic reactions is to go on a strict diet using only a few foods that are at the bottom of the reactive spectrum (such as lamb or pears). After a period of five days, suspected triggers can be introduced one per day, and any adverse effects can be noted. Obviously, quite apart from the inconvenience and misery of such a restricted regime, it would be extremely unwise to continue the "few foods" diet for longer than five days as serious nutrient deficiencies would arise.

A study of migraines and non-seasonal asthma was done on a group of 48 patients in 1983. The patients were put on a diet which strictly precluded any cows’ milk protein. All patients showed laboratory evidence of lactase deficiency, and out of the 48, 33 showed marked improvement following the omission of cows’ milk from the diet(2). Lactase(3) is an enzyme that breaks down the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose. Persons with a deficiency of lactase in the gut can develop abdominal cramping and diarrhea after ingesting milk products. Migraine can apparently be an addition to these better known side-effects.

There are multiple reports of people having severe migraines which ended abruptly when milk was cut from the diet. One faction claims that it is the hormones used in dairy production, and encourages a move to all organic products.

Another faction feels that it is not the milk itself that is causing the problem, but the freshness of the product and the amount of bacteria it contains. This is possibly borne out by a study done on milk intolerance and microbe-containing dairy foods, as it links back into the lactase deficiency(4).

An antibacterial milk product was patented for use by patients with menstrual migraines, supporting the idea that for many, the bacteria in the milk is actually the trigger. This development combined with the previously mentioned lactase deficiency might make an antibacterial milk solution a sensible approach(5).

One particular case study within the patent application(5) reports that a patient with severe menstrual symptoms including debilitating migraine, took two 500 mg capsules of the supplement twice daily over four months, resulting a cessation of migraines and a noticeable decrease of other symptoms. When she discontinued use of the product her symptoms returned, and they reduced again when she restarted using it.

This supplement which is sold to reduce joint pain and stiffness, is additionally claimed to be capable of addressing other types of pain, including headaches. It is not suitable for use prior to, or during, pregnancy, or by those who are lactose (milk sugar) intolerant. Understandably, I cannot endorse this product personally, without first trying it. However, as it is an inexpensive product to purchase, and available in health shops, readers benefit from a trial, but must remember the previous warnings.

The consensus remains that milk is a trigger for some migraine sufferers, and often if it is eliminated from the diet, relief is almost immediate and the headaches will not return unless triggered by re-introduction of dairy products. With so many other dietary sources of calcium available, a trial period of excluding dairy products is a very effective exercise. Arizona migraine headaches can be cured naturally with the Migraine Solution.

References:
(1) Grant ECG; Food, Allergies and Migraine; Lancet, May 5 1979;966-969
(2) Isr J Med Sci. 1983 Sep ;19 (P,S,G,E,B) D Ratner, E Shoshani, B Dubnov
(3) http://www.medterms.com/
(4) Savaiano DA, Levitt MD –J Dairy Sci 1987 Feb;70(2):397-406
(5) US Patent 6770280 Treatment of menorrhagia, hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and menstrual migraines by the administration of an antibacterial milk product

Research by Grace-Alexander

By: Joy Healey

Joy Healey qualified as a nutritionist in 2000, at the prestigious Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. Her dissertation topic was migraine. For immediate delivery of an ebook full of further recommendations for natural, alternatives approaches to treat and prevent migraine visit: www.natural-migraine-alternatives.com Keep up-to-date with new information on migraine at: natural-migraine-alternatives.blogspot.com

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Wheat As A Migraine Trigger

Several case studies have linked food intolerance and migraine; this article is one in a series which takes a closer look at some of the foods less commonly suspected when a food sensitivity is thought to be at the root of a migraine problem.

Most people think first of red wine, chocolate and cheese as the most common foods that will cause a migraine. As long ago as 1979 the prestigious Lancet journal published research on migraine and food intolerances, finding wheat to be the most common trigger of migraine(1).

In fact wheat has recently been linked to a flurry of other health problems ranging from fatigue to bloating.

Wheat is a major allergen, with approximately 78% of migraine sufferers being linked to food intolerance, with wheat being identified as the main trigger(1). This may be unrecognized for a long time, because wheat is so prevalent in foods, that cutting it out completely is extremely difficult and involves detailed scrutiny of labels for unsuspected sources. Consult your health professional for detailed advice, failure to do so may otherwise expose yourself to considerable suffering, by unwittingly still consuming wheat-containing food or drinks.

Some maintain that claiming allergy to wheat is an affectation, citing the desire to follow celebrities such as Rachel Weisz who has been public about her wheat intolerance. Many others, however, simply point to the incredible obstacles that face those who would cut wheat and gluten out of their diet, and ask what person would struggle to surmount them if there was no real benefit.

Many migraine sufferers are thought to be suffer from celiac disease, a severe wheat and gluten intolerance that causes serious gastrointestinal problems and fatigue. One of the most frustrating aspects to migraines is the inability to stop them once they gain control, so any form of prevention is always welcome.

In a study done at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, researchers discovered a marked improvement in migraines among celiac patients when placed on a gluten free diet, leading some to speculate that a large percentage of migraine patients do in fact have celiac disease(2).

Other links between wheat intolerance and migraines have been studied, and in at least one case, nine out of ten patients experienced relief from headaches; whilst the tenth refused to eliminate gluten from their diet(3).

Some sufferers opt to become vegan in order to improve their diet and remove the foods to which they have a sensitivity. While a significant number of them cease having headaches shortly after beginning a vegan lifestyle, others have a sharp increase in the number and severity of headaches.

The Coeliac society has several forums and many reports of first hand experiences of vegans who discovered they had celiac disease causing various health problems, as many vegans depend on wheat/soy products to replace the protein they would normally gain from meat and dairy. For some people who were consuming a large amount of wheat, to replace proteins and carbohydrates they were missing out on by avoiding dairy and meat, had in fact triggered gluten intolerance. With the the large amounts of gluten eliminated from the diet, the migraines ceased(4).

Based on this information, it appears more than likely that wheat and gluten are responsible for triggering a migraine, subsequently, a trial abstinence period would be an effective way to prove this. (5).

Sources:
(1) Grant ECG, Food, Allergies and Migraine, Lancet, May 5 1979;966-969
(2) Am J Gastroenterol. 2003 Jul;98(7):1674; March edition of American Journal of Gastroenterology.
(3) American Academy of Neurology (2001, February 14); Gluten In The Diet May Be The Cause Of Recurring Headaches; Science Daily.
(4) The Celiac Society, The Gluten-free Vegan
(5) Celiac Disease, A Hidden Epidemic, Peter Green, MD.

Research by Grace-Alexander

By: Joy Healey

Joy Healey qualified in 2000 as a nutritionist at the acknowledged Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London; with her dissertation topic being migraine. Check out://www.natural-migraine-alternatives.com for immediate receipt of an e.book full of further recommendations for natural, alternatives and approaches to treat and prevent migraine. Keep up-to-date with new information on migraine at: natural-migraine-alternatives.blogspot.com

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Your Natural Relief To Migraine

"I’ve got a headache." This is one common phrase that we normally hear, and it is not something we should make fun of. There are twenty five million Americans who suffer from migraines, and 75% of these are women. From New York to Texas Migraine can leave sufferers in agony. It’s a good thing that there are natural remedies for us to ease the pain and to permanently eliminate migraine.

Migraine could last between 6 and 48 hours. It could sometimes leave the person bedridden and unable to function well. There are many symptoms of migraines, but there is always intense throbbing pain included, but it is usually on just one side of the head. 

Although the specific causes of migraines are still unknown, some thought that it might be because of inflammation, which comes from stress, hormonal changes especially during the times of puberty, menstruation or ovulation, MSG, alcohol, caffeine or eating certain kinds of foods like chocolate.

There are two main types of migraine headaches, common and classic. A common migraine without an aura is generally less painful than the classic variety with auras, and most people, about 80% fall under this category. An aura is an array of visual disturbances that occur shortly before a headache, and these auras are mostly accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Ocular migraine has a similar aura experience with the classic migraine but it occurs with only one eye, followed by a headache, the two types of headaches are often confused. The symptoms are just temporary and won’t be harmful to the eye, unlike ocular migraines; it can interfere with your eyes in terms of reading and driving.

Those who suffer from migraines can find relief by lying down in a cool, dark and quiet place, or by applying cold compresses or an ice pack. The headache they are feeling will usually ease down after a nap or a good night of sleep.

Once you are already free from the painful migraine, it’s wise of you to know how to prevent it from happening again. You can start off, by changing your lifestyle, and this can eventually eliminate your migraines. You can begin this, by living a less stressful life. In the long run, you will find it worth of your time.

The next thing for you to do is to have a regular moderate exercise program and to switch to a healthier migraine-free diet. You have to avoid foods that may trigger headache symptoms. These include certain foods and drinks, such as, caffeine, sodas, processed grains, chocolates, sugar and sweetened foods like cookies, cereals and cakes. These foods can be addictive and soon, you will have to wean yourself from these foods.
You have to learn to enjoy eating a whole food diet with lots of nutritious vegetables, whole grain, fruits, lean protein and water. This is an essential step in your migraine-free diet. To reduce inflammation and to eliminate the pain, a high quality of omega 3 fish oil supplement is needed.

It is great that people who suffer from migraines are able to naturally apply a change of lifestyle to eliminate their migraines and to live a life with much less stress as well. It always feels good to be migraine free!

By: Michael Byrd..

Information about omega 3 has never been this easy to understand! Get more free information by going to this website on fish oil.

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