Migraine Headaches - Nutritional Support
Herbal and nutritional supplements supporting natural cerebrovascular tone for migraine
headache sufferers
The Anatomy of a Typical Migraine
The typical migraine headache is throbbing or pulsatile. The migraine is initially unilateral and
localized in the front temporal and ocular area. A migraine headache builds up over a period of 1-2
hours, progressing posteriorly and becoming diffuse. Migraines typically last from several hours to a
whole day. Migraine pain is moderate to severe, intensifying with routine physical activity.
Eighty percent (80%) of migraines are accompanied with nausea and vomitting which usually occur
later in the migraine attach. Fifty percent (50%) of migraine headaches are accompanied with food
intolerance. Some migraine patients become pale and clammy, especially if nausea develops.
Two Commonly Noted Causes of Migraines
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in the level of the hormone estrogen during the menstrual cycle have been linked to
the onset of migraines. Headaches greatly decrease after menopause. Women who suffer from hormonal
changes may benefit from the use of a natural progesterone creme.
Low Blood Sugar
Studies have shown that blood sugar levels are low during a migraine attack, and the lower the
blood sugar level, the more severe the headache.
Nutritional Recommendations
- Take 1 or 2 capsules daily of MigraBalance
MigraBalance has been formulated specifically for migraine sufferers for support of healthy
cerebrovascular tone.
- Rule out food sensitivities thay may be contributing to migraine headaches.
Early studies have suggested that about 30-40% of migraine sufferers benefit markedly by avoiding
certain foods. The results of four double-blind studies support the role of food in causing migraines.
A nutritional advisor can help with a controlled elimination diet to identify offending foods that
impact a migraine sufferer.
- Avoid dietary amines
Foods such as chocolate, cheese, citrus, and alcohol contain amines (e.g., beta-phenylethylamine and
tyramine) known to cause vasoconstriction either directly or indirectly through the liberation of
catecholamines.
- Reduce arachidonic acid
Arachidonic acid is found in a disproportionate amount of omega-6 oils in the diet, such as corn oil
and many high temperature frying oils. Arachidonic acid can increase platelet aggregation, increase
histamine release, and increase inflamation associated with migraines.
- Increase consumption of essentail fatty acids
Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids will help decrease platelet aggregation and
change the membrane composition to more of the unsaturated acids.
Recommended: Golden Omega-Omega, and
New Life 1000 for benefits and availability of supplements for essential
fatty acids.
- Increase fiber and complex carbohydrates
High fiber vegetables, whole grains, and Nutri Cleanse will increase the number of bowel movements and
decrease bowel transit time, helping alleviate constipation and blood sugar imbalances.
- Consume a low fat, high complex carbohydrate diet
A study conducted by the Loma Linda School of Public Health, 1994-1996, showed that a low-fat, high
complex carbohydrate diet can dramately lower the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine
headaches and, consequently, reduce the usage of pain medications. One of the most important
contributions of the study was to identify increased levels of blood fat as a common denominator of
primary headaches.
- Add De-oiled lecithin to your diet as a natural source of choline
Red blood cell choline levels may be different in patients with cluster headaches. In a study of
cluster headaches, the RBC choline concentration of patients suffering from cluster headaches was
compared to age-related controls. The RBC choline concentration was reported to be low in patients
during and between cluster headache periods. during lithium treatment, choline levels rose 78 times.
(de Belleroche, 1984). Recommended: De-Oiled Lecithin and
Green Magic.
Selected References:
Bic, Zuzana, at the Loma Linda School of Public Health (1994-1996).
Brown D, Gaby A, Reichert R, Clinical Applications of Natural Medicine-Migraine NPRC
Condition-Specific Monograph Series, 1997.
Johnson E, Kadam, Hylands and Hylands, Efficacy of feverfew as prophylactic treatment of
migraine, British Med. J. 5619-73, 1985.
Linde A, et al, Low brain magnesium in migraine headache, 1989:29:590-93
Makhejaan, Baialey J M, A platelet phospholipases inhibitor from the medicinal herb feverfew
(Tanacetum parthenium).
Mansfield L E, Food Allergy and Migraine: Whom to evaluate and how to treat. Postgrad Med,
83(7):46 55, 1988.
Mowrey and Clayson, The Lancet, 1982.
Schoenen J, Lenarrts M, Bastings E, Effectiveness of high-dose riboflavin in migraine prophylaxis:A randomized controlled
trial. Neurology 50:446, 1998.
Schoenen J, et al, Blood magnesium levels in migraines. Cephalagia 97-99, 1991.
Solomon S S, Lipton R B, Newman L C, Prophylactic Therapy of Cluster Headaches, Clin.
Neurophamacol, 1492: 116-30, 1991.
The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only.
It is not meant to either directly or indirectly give medical advice or prescribe treatment.
Unless specifically referenced, the information has not been scientifically validated or approved by any
government or regulatory agency. Please consult with your physician or other licensed health care
professional for medical diagnosis, prescription, and treatment.
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