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A migraine headache is an intense, throbbing, moderate
to severe headache, usually on one side of the head. It usually is around
the eyes. It may last as long as several hours to 4 days and can be
accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The frequency can be as often as
several times per week or as infrequent as once a year. A minority of
migraine headache patients have an "aura" that precedes the pounding
headache. The aura is described as bright spots of light, zig-zag lines
and/or temporary visual loss. The sense of smell and taste may be affected
at this time as well. There may also be numbness/tingling in the hands or
face, speech difficulty, weakness in your arm or leg and mental confusion.
The aura may last a few minutes to 1/2 hr and is then followed by the
headache.
What Triggers a Migraine Headache?
Triggers can include :
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Stress and/or tension
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Hormonal changes: menstrual cycles,
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Pregnancy, oral contraceptives
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Fatigue
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Missing a meal (causes low blood sugar)
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Alcohol intake
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Certain foods: chocolate, cheeses, yogurt, nuts, MSG, nitrates
and nitrites (hot dogs, bacon, sausage, lunch meats) and caffeine
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Glaring or flickering lights
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Weather changes
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Increased Risk Factors include :
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Family history of
migraines |
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Smoking
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Treatments for Migraine Headaches
Preventive measures include:
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Regular exercise
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Proper sleep
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Eating regularly
and don't skip meals |
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Avoid stress when
possible |
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Avoid those foods
that trigger your migraines |
Medical treatment includes :
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There are several very effective prescription medications
currently available from your doctor that will eliminate your
migraine after it has begun. They are available in tablet form as
well as a single dose nasal spray. They do not cause drowsiness.
These medications allow you to continue your work or daily
activities without being disrupted from a headache.
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Other suggestions include
applying a cold pack or cloth to your head and lie down in a quiet,
dark area to rest. Don't try to read and avoid odors such as those
from cooking or from tobacco. |
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Keeping a food diary of foods that you have eaten prior to
your migraine may help you to identify those triggers. Keeping track
of other possible contributing factors may also help you to avoid
migraine headaches.
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Food Sensitivity
| Sulfite Sensitivity and Eating Out
Certain individuals are
hypersensitive to sulfating agents used in processing specific
foods, beverages and drugs. These people experience adverse reactions
of varying degrees of severity.
Asthmatics or other
individuals with this hypersensitivity should avoid consuming items
which contain sulfating agents. They can identify these items by
reading labels on packaged foods and by inquiring about their presence
in foods eaten away from home.
Sulfur dioxide and several forms of
inorganic sulfites that release sulfur dioxide when used as food
ingredients are known collectively as sulfating agents. They
are marketed as "vegetable fresheners" or "potato whitening"
agents and are used to eliminate bacteria, preserve freshness and
brightness, prevent spoilage of certain food products. They are also
used to improve the quality or texture of finished baked products.
According to some studies, 5% to
10% of all asthmatics are hypersensitive to sulfating agents. They
may experience reactions ranging from relatively mild to severe.
Symptoms may include difficulty in breathing, flushing,
gastrointestinal disturbance, and possibly, anaphylactic shock.
Individuals who have this
hypersensitivity should be aware of the food categories to which
sulfating agents are often added. They include but are not limited
to the following :
| Alcohol (all
sparkling grape juices including non-alcoholic) |
Avocado Dip and
Guacamole |
All Bottled
Lemon/Lime Juice |
| Beer |
Cider |
Cod |
| Fresh Fish |
Fruit (cut-up
fresh, dried or maraschino-type) |
Fruit Juices,
Purees and Fillings |
| Gelatin |
Glucose, syrup
and solid |
Hot Peppers (jar) |
| Potatoes (cut-up
fresh, frozen, dried or canned) |
Relishes
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Salad Dressing
(dry mix) |
| Salads,
particularly salad bars |
Sauces and
Gravies (canned or dried) |
Sauerkraut and
Cole Slaw |
| Sausage Meats
(esp. outside USA) |
Shellfish (fresh,
frozen, canned or dried): Clams Crab, Lobster, Scallops, Shrimp |
Soups (canned or
dried) |
| Vegetables
(cut-up fresh, frozen, canned or dried) |
Wine vinegar |
Wine & wine
coolers |
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Headache Diet
Most headaches are not caused by
food sensitivities.
However, the following foods are the
most likely ones to cause headaches :
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Aged hard cheese
- parmesan vs. cottage or cream cheese |
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Chocolate |
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Caffeine -
coffee, tea, cola |
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Nuts |
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MSG - Chinese foods, and many
processed foods |
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Nitrites and Nitrates -
luncheon meats, i.e., ham and hot dogs |
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Alcohol - especially wine |
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Headache Diary
On a large desktop calendar, chart the
following…
- menses :
number of days, i.e 1-5
- severity :
1 thru 10, 10 being most severe
- time of day
headache developed, and duration - i.e. 8 am, 4 pm
- food :
most recent meal, beverage, or snacks before the onset
of headache
- anxiety/stress level
: 1
thru 10, especially 1 - several days before onset of headache
- quality of sleep
the night before : a good or disturbed night’s sleep
- weather changes :
yes or leave blank
- illness :
yes with diagnosis or leave blank
- medications :
“out of the ordinary”
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