The Migraine Headache - Allergy Connection
By Cari Haus, Fri Dec 9th

Most everyone has had a headache at some time, but there arepeople who cannot function on a daily basis due to headachepain. Many people go to physicians for headaches, in fact,headaches are the ninth most common cause of physician visits.Some headaches are caused by serious medical conditions and mayneed medical treatment.

Migraines, which come on an average of 1-2 times per month, maylast anywhere from 3 hours to 3 days each. The pain, may varyfrom throbbing to moderate, often comes on gradually. Sometimesit starts on one side of the head and then switches sides.People report seeing lights, rainbows and blurred vision. Theremay also be loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting.

More women than men complain of headaches. Usually migrainepatients have a family background of headaches 80% of the time.43% of migraine sufferers complain of eye symptoms. According tomany studies, most sufferers have other symptoms: hay fever,eczema, travel sickness and a history of digestive tractproblems.

The Connection

Migraines are often a reaction to an allergen, which in turn,irritates the blood vessels. In migraines, an artery, mostcommonly the superficial temporal artery, becomes constricted atfirst, then the same segment of the artery becomes widelydilated, and overstretched. The pressure of the blood carried inthe artery increases the pain, whereas compression of the arterywith the hands on the side of the head over the dilated segmentwill cause relief of pain. The control of blood vessel tone isthrough the autonomic nervous system. Thus many naturaltreatments are directed at the nervous system and blood vessels.

Triggering Agents

The most common triggering agents for migraines are alterationsin serotonin metabolism (a deficiency), food allergies (in orderof the most common- wheat, citrus fruit, eggs, tea, coffee,chocolate, milk, salt, corn, cane sugar, yeast, alcohol,cheeses, onions), low magnesium levels, hormonal imbalances,histamine-induced platelet aggregation (blood platelets stickingtogether). Migraine headaches can also be triggered byeyestrain, poor posture, stress, sleep excess or deficiency,weather changes, blood sugar imbalances and drug use. (Dr. DanaMyatt)

Other studies cite triggers like hypoglycemia, tension,depression, tobacco, birth control pills, vasodilator drugs,water retention, menstruation, wind exposure, and sun exposure.There may also be factors that aggravate migraines such as poorair, constipation, getting cold, noise, carbon monoxidepoisoning, very low / high blood pressure, altitude changes (airtravel), bright or flashing lights (a recent study showed 30%were in the sun when the migraine started), loud or lowfrequency noises, electromagnetic fields (cell or portablephone), emotional stress or trauma, strong odors (including newsprint), pet allergies, and others. (Dr. Ron Roth and Lancet)

Can Foods Cause Migraines?

When producing foods were avoided there was a dramaticfall in the number of headaches per month, 85% of patientsbecoming headache-free (Lancet) Migraine users may want to stayaway from food with dairy and wheat.

Eating too many varieties of foods at one meal is a common causeof headache. The many chemicals from the various foods, eventhough naturally produced, still make war inside the system. Forpeople with headaches it is wise to take two dishes at a meal ofvery simple foods. (Dr. Agatha Thrash).

Natural Relief

* When the headaches first starts, applying an ice pack canprovide quick relief. The ice pack can be placed on the top ofthe head or on the forehead. * Tension headaches result fromstress and reduced blood flow to the brain, causing the neckmuscles to tighten. To soothe the neck muscles apply heat.Applying a heating pad or taking a hot bath can provide relief.* A massage can relieve stress and relax the muscles in the neckand other parts of the body. With the fingertips, massage thescalp and temples, using a circular motion. * A hot foot bathwith a cold compress or ice pack over the painful area can alsobe helpful. * Studies show that Feverfew and Ginkgo reducemigraines and vascular headaches. The leaves of the Feverfewcontain parthenolide, which inhibits the production ofsubstances that dilate blood vessels and cause inflammation.Ginkgo also relieves ringing in the ear, and dizziness oftenassociated with headaches. Feverfew and Ginkgo are available athealth food stores. * Ginger relaxes blood vessels in the headand reduces swelling in the brain. It activates natural opiatesin the brain that relieve pain. Ginger can be taken in the formof tea or in tablets available at health food stores.

Where to Find Help

For information on headaches contact: The National HeadacheFoundation (888) NHF-5552. Always consult a physician beforeproceeding with any remedies. Headaches can be a sign of a veryserious medical condition that can lead to death.

Since diet can play a part in migraines, reducing allergyproducing foods is recommended. If you can't afford the $100food test from your alternative medicine provider, youcan instead try going 1 month each without wheat, dairy, andyeast. Those are the most common offenders. If any of them isinvolved, you should notice a difference!

Although it can be a challenge to change your diet, if the endresult is migraine headache relief, it will be well worth youreffort. There are an increasing number of non-allergenic foodmixes and seasonings on the market today that have no dairy, areeasy to make and healthful and fun to eat. You may want toconsider some of those options while testing your diet to see ifyou can determine what foods, if any, are the ones that give youa headache.

About the author:Cari Haus is webmaster for http://www.thevegetarianexpress.com,a manufacturer and online retailer of quality vegan food mixesand seasonings.