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

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.

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 essential 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.