Migraines and Nutrition: Cause or Cure?

Look to Nutrition when Dealing with Migraine

Migraine headache are caused by excessive dilation of blood vessels in the head, potentially effecting 15%-20% of me and up to 25%-30% of woman.

In terms of diet and Nutrition, it’s recognised that Food allergy or intolerance can play a role in many cases of Migraine with patients, with detection and removal of potential allergies/intolerances from certain foods from their diet having been shown to reduce or even eliminate symptoms of Migraine in many patients, success ranging between 30%-90%.

Food Issues

 

Histamine foods such as Red wine, cheese&chocolate can cause problems

Certain foods may play apart in onset Migraine because they contain Histamines and other Vasoactive compounds that can trigger migraines in those susceptible by causing blood vessels to expand in the head.

Such Foods that can potentially cause issues for some include:

•        Red Wine: This has 20 times the histamine that is found in white wine, and as such when stimulated to release vasoactive compounds can inhibit the enzyme ‘Phenolsulfotransferase’ that is commonly low in Migraine sufferers inducing more Migraine Headaches when Red wine is drunk.

•       Chocolate, Aged Cheese, beer, fermented sausage, sour cream are other such foods high in Histamine, and if not metabolised well, they can cause the blood vessels in the head to close which can trigger Migraines.

•          Citrus Fruits: Oranges, orange juice and other such citrus fruits may cause problems with many Migraine sufferers

•       Salt: Large amounts of salt may also act as a trigger for Migraine sufferers

•       Saturated Fat: Cutting out bacon, preserved meats, butter, dairy products such as whipped cream, lard, ghee, biscuits and cakes can aid significant reduction in Migraine attacks in some individuals

•       Foods containing Tyramine: Kidney Beans, Marmite, Bovril, Oxo and other protein/yeast extracts can cause problems for many sufferers with Migraine

•         Aspartame: A commonly used sweetener, found in soft drinks, fizzy pop, some sweets and chewing gum may increase migraine incidence in individuals

•       Food Colourings: Some food dyes may increase migraine incidence

Sulfites

Sulfar is used in food as a preservative, such as Sulfar Dioxide and Sodium Sulfite, all uses mainly to extend shelf life, and this can be just as common in dried fruit such as apricots from the health food shop as it can in shelfish and in wine.

Selecting Biodynamic/Organic wines that do not contain sulfates maybe an option for some with Migraine issues. The online store Vintage Roots is also a good provider to consider.

Biodynamic Wines are sulfite Free

Nutrition Migraine Help

Some dietary changes and the possible use of supplements containing important vitamins and minerals may help some who have to deal with Migraine attacks:

•          Essential Fatty Acids: Fish such as Salmon, Tuna, Trout, sardines, mackerel and Cod for example are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce blood platelet aggression, preventing blood vessels closing that can cause Migraine. The anti inflammatory affect can reduce headache frequency and intensity. Other forms of essential fats found in olive oil, flax oil and supplemented Fish Oils and help with Migraine and it’s effects

•          Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Found in spinach, Broccoli, eggs, green beans, kale and Raspberries to name but a few, Vitamin B2, important in our diet to help us produce energy that helps the function of the body. It’s believed Migraines are caused by reduced energy production within the mitochondria of celebral blood vessels.

•          Magnesium: Low levels of Magnesium are linked to Migraine attack in many as Magnesium is vitally important in the integrity of blood vessels and nerve cells. Best food sources can be found in Broccoli, spinach, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, basil, kale, ginger, salmon and Tomatoes to name but a few that might help within our daily dietary intake.

•          Vitamin B6: This important vitamin is able to improve Histamine tolerance, so foods such as garlic, cauliflower, tuna, bananas, cabbage, watermelon, turmeric, carrots and brussels sprouts to name but a few ca n play an important part in general daily diet but especially those who are looking to reduce potential incidence and severity of Migraine headache

•         Garlic and Onions and other foods that inhibit blood platelet aggression will be important to Migraine sufferers

Magnesium rich foods may benefit Migraine sufferers

Supplements

Those looking at supplements should make sure good quality Vitamin and Mineral supplements contain Magnesium and a full selection and B Vitamins for energy production.

Fish oils and other essential fats such as flax may also be taken supplementary, so for all advice and help on this and others, try the Natural Dispensary

www.naturaldispensary.co.uk

 Migraines Can be Debilitating, Don't let them Be

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