$Unique_ID{BRK02021}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Dietary Causes of Migraine Headaches}
$Subject{migraines headaches migraine headache migraines blood flow arteries
head dilation contraction blood vessels chemicals tyramine red wine food foods
reaction sensitivity liver nuts aged cheese bananas sour cream yogurt bread
phenylethylamine chocolate ham bacon bologna salami hot dogs nitrates
monosodium glutamate MSG caffeine coffee}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Classic Migraine Headaches*0003902.scf
Common Migraine Headaches*0003903.scf
Where Headaches Originate I*0004001.scf
Where Headaches Originate II*0004002.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Dietary Causes of Migraine Headaches


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QUESTION:  Scarcely a day goes by that I don't read about a new special diet
that helps prevent disease.  I have seen diets to prevent cancer, heart
attack, even asthma and skin conditions.  However my personal problem is
headache, the migraine variety, which can destroy my day without any advance
notice.  If there are any diets that can help prevent these attacks, I would
like to know about it.  Can you help me with this?

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ANSWER:  The intense pain of a migraine attack is associated with the blood
flow through the arteries of the head.  This flow is affected by the dilation
or contraction of these blood vessels, and any food or chemical that can
trigger a reaction in these arteries may be the cause of a migraine headache.
The sensitivity to some chemicals varies from person to person, and you can be
the judge of your personal reaction but there are at least 4 chemicals that
you might be well advised to avoid.  Most common is tyramine, a substance that
may be found in red wine, liver, nuts, aged cheese, bananas, sour cream,
yogurt and even freshly baked bread.  Another common culprit is
phenylethylamine, found in chocolate.  Cured meats, such as ham, bacon,
bologna, salami and hot dogs, contain nitrates, and nitrates can provoke the
reactions that bring on the migraine.  Monosodium glutamate (MSG) used as a
meat tenderizer and in many Chinese restaurants is another identifiable
chemical.  Many people who are sensitive to this chemical will develop a
headache after consuming Chinese food even if they don't develop a classical
migraine headache.
     Caffeine may also be a source of trouble, although for many people a cup
of coffee is beneficial during an episode of migraine.  Caffeine can shrink
the vessels that are causing the headache and provide a measure of relief.
However if you are used to four cups or more a day, and suddenly try to reduce
your intake, you can provoke an attack.  The blood vessels in your head become
accustomed to your usual daily intake, and when you cut back, they react by
dilating and create a headache.  If you wish to cut back do it gradually, and
avoid unnecessary pain.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.