Migraine Headaches: Nutritional causes, therapies, remedies & prevention

______________________________________________________________________________

MIGRAINE / HEADACHES: Nutritional Causes, Prevention and Therapies

One important step in the prevention of migraines or a headache is keeping a diary to help identify

as many triggers as possible. The most common dietary offenders include sulfites, red wine or other
alcoholic beverages (hangovers), nuts, aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), caffeine intake or
withdrawals (tea, cocoa products...chocolate), tyramine (some cheeses), nitrites / nitrates (salami, hot
dogs, spinach, radishes, lettuce, celery, cabbage), and others, including some nutritional supplements

(see separate segment on "One-Sided Headaches" further below).

Non-dietary causes of headaches include those resulting from eye strain, lack of sleep or sleeping too
long, carbon monoxide poisoning, very low / high blood pressure, altitude changes (air travel), bright or
flashing lights, loud or low frequency noises, electromagnetic fields (cell or portable phone), fluorescent-

energy-saving light bulbs, emotional stress or trauma, strong odors (including news print), pet allergies,

and others. Prescribed medications are another source of headaches, including the very ones used to
treat a migraine headache, which after a while can trigger more headaches from a rebound effect.

Sinus / Allergy / Viral Headaches: While any individual may develop an acute sinus headache

secondary to a bout with a viral infection, those who suffer from chronic sinus headaches all year round

frequently fall into a category that includes a tendency for a compromised immune system, low adrenals,

low blood pressure, and commonly some allergies. Subsequently, the best approach in the treatment of

sinus headaches is trying to improve as many applicable components as possible, although compared

to some other types of headaches, those related to chronic sinus problems are one of the most difficult

to deal with.

One reason is that environmental factors cannot easily be changed, which may include an unfavorable

climate, outdoor-air pollution, indoor pollution, work-related pollutants, and even "social pollutants" such
as tobacco smoke and various types of fragrances found in grocery and department stores, particularly
around cosmetic / perfume counters or shopping malls in general. Many individuals find that a vacation
in a drier climate or pollen-free island makes a noticeable difference in the degree of suffering from
mucus / sinus congestion and related headaches.

Two of the most prominent dietary factors which in prone individuals invite recurring viral headaches

or chronic sinus headaches are dairy products and simple sugars as a result of their weakening effect

of the immune system (see also Acu-Cell "Sugar & Glycemic Index"). Dairy products in particular have

a reputation of being a major cause of mucus / sinus congestion, closely followed by wheat products,

although there are likely a number of other person-specific beverage or food allergens (i.e. cocoa) that

may have to be isolated and subsequently avoided in order to control sinus congestion and headaches.

Conventional allergy tests are only marginally accurate, so a rotational diet may have to be followed,
during which time specific food groups are avoided and then re-introduced so one is eventually able to

come up with a list of offenders that should then be permanently eliminated from one's diet (see further

below on actual Food Intolerance types-of Headaches).

In a majority of patients affected by sinus congestion and headaches, cellular tests show Vitamin C

and nickel levels considerably below normal. Vitamin A stores (on average) show below normal as

well, which in itself is a common cause for bronchial / sinus mucus congestion. When supplementing

Vitamin A, females of child-bearing age should not ingest amounts larger than 8000 I / day because

of its potential to induce birth defects in the fetus. Excessive intake of Vitamin A can also induce

headaches! Since iodine helps to thin / reduce mucus, it would be worthwhile to check its status also.

Larger amounts of Vitamin B1 or tin - if compatible with one's chemistry - may be helpful also.

The symptoms of airborne allergies (i.e. hay fever) can oftentimes be lessened with allergy shots, or
specific supplements that may include Vitamin A, C, beta carotene, quercetin, and bee pollen (which

should be harvested from local hives and initially used with caution to avoid an allergic reaction).

Herbs such as nettle, fenugreek, willow bark, eyebright, feverfew..., may also be helpful, while some

individuals report success using homeopathic remedies such as potentized echinacea, euphorbium,

pulsatilla, allium cepa, bryonia, thuja, lachesis, and others. While the herb Cat's Claw isn't particularly

well-known for the treatment of sinus headaches, I have had some very good patient success with it.

Many patients suffering from sinus congestion / headaches present with blood pressure readings that

are on the low side. Considering that sinuses get more congested overnight, and blood pressure can

drop even more so during sleep as well, it comes as no surprise that vigorous exercise is one of the
most effective counteractive measures anyone can undertake to help drain sinuses, and improve blood

circulation through the sinuses. This of course isn't always easy, since many individuals presenting with
sinus headaches and hypotension also suffer from chronic fatigue.

Another option is nasal irrigation with a saline solution, sipping hot, steamy beverages, and/or regularly
adding some garlic and hot spices (cayenne pepper), or horseradish, to thin mucus and make it less
sticky. Garlic should also be a consideration when dealing with fungi-related sinusitis, as could be
olive leaf extract or barberry for their antifungal properties (barberry is contraindicated in pregnancy).

Many people find volatile oils helpful when applied topically on the forehead or scalp (Chinese Tiger oil,

or Kwan Loong oil, which is a stronger version), and/or used internally (oil of oregano, eucalyptus, anise,

peppermint...). The Nosode complex "Sinusitis" available from the German Pascoe company has also
proven very beneficial in controlling chronic sinusitis. It may be available through some naturopathic or
complementary practitioners. Needle acupuncture, or particularly needle-less electro-acupuncture are

very effective for sinus congestion and related headaches. Sinus drainage starts to take place already
during or shortly after a treatment and may continue for hours, or even days in heavily-congested cases.

Low Blood Sugar Headaches: If counteracted in time, symptoms are fairly easily dealt with, since

they simply entail consuming almost any type of food to raise / normalize blood sugar levels. Time is

of the essence, as just like with any other headache, the longer one waits to initiate counteractive

measures, the less successful the results will be. Many individuals who wake up with a headache will

find that avoiding sugar - or simple carbs in general - before bedtime may be all it takes to resolve the

problem, or by only consuming protein food sources with the latest meal of the day. In addition,
correcting any tendencies for hypoglycemia / low blood sugar through appropriate supplementation

or diet should be considered as well. (see also Acu-Cell Disorders "Hypoglycemia").

Low Stomach Acid Headaches: Individuals suffering from headaches related to low stomach acid
have the option to resolve not only the headaches, but also most of the other symptoms associated with

low acid, such as bloating, or heartburn-like symptoms following a larger meal. They can supplement a

digestive aid containing Glutamic acid + Betaine + Pepsin (some brands also contain Bromelain), or

they can supplement Bromelain by itself, which may be a better choice if acid reflux is involved as well.

Drinking pineapple juice with meals also assists better digestion, and similarly to acid-raising digestive

aids, may help lower calcium or magnesium. Their levels are frequently on the high side (causing low

stomach acid), and this approach will make them more bioavailable by increasing their solubility.

Acidophilus, or any of the 'Probiotic' friendly bacteria formulations should also be taken on a regular

basis, with the best time being right at bedtime. This assures re-seeding of the "good" bacteria

overnight, which will subsequently lessen any early morning symptoms such as nausea or headaches

that are experienced by some of those suffering from low stomach acid. Since the Helicobacter Pylori

bacteria is also a common cause for low stomach acid (as well as ulcers, cancer, asthma, gum, and
heart disease), it may be worthwhile to be tested for a possible infection, and if found positive, undergo

appropriate therapy. (see also Acu-Cell Disorders "H.Pylori").

Cluster Headaches: These are very severe one-sided headaches, affecting usually the temple / eye

area, and - with some exceptions - typically last less than one hour, or sometimes even just for a few
minutes. They tend to occur almost daily for a few weeks, and then stop as suddenly as they started.

Patients with cluster headaches share common cellular chemistry: Depending on the side of the attack,
there is generally a combination of very low magnesium, very high sodium, and very high nickel for the
one side, and very low calcium, very high phosphorus, and very high cobalt for the other side.

Excessive levels of nickel and cobalt share both vasoconstrictive properties, so in the first example
(which is more common), the treatment of choice would consist of a high intake of magnesium, a high
intake of Vitamin E, and a larger amount of any adjunct supplement such as Vitamin B2 to help lower

sodium. The other example would require a high intake of calcium, a high intake of pangamic acid

(Vitamin B15), and a larger amount of usually pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), unless the patient's
chemistry dictates otherwise.

In one particular experience with a patient who had a cluster headache attack in my waiting room,

I applied an ice pack on the affected side, and the attack was aborted in seconds. After mentioning

that incidence to other patients suffering from cluster headaches, some of them reported having since

had similar success, and they now always make sure to have some ice cubes at hand.

Tension Headaches: While symptoms resulting from spinal alignment problems, poor posture or

unconsciously tensing muscles in the neck or shoulder area may benefit from chiropractic intervention,

there are also organic or chemical factors that are capable of precipitating a general uptight or tense

disposition, in which case nutrients with muscle relaxant properties may be considered. The two most
important minerals to use for that purpose are calcium and magnesium, while the B-complex should be

used with caution or avoided entirely since higher amounts encourage muscle tension and a "stressed-

out" emotional disposition. (see also Acu-Cell Nutrition "B-Complex Vitamins").

Migraine / Vascular / Hormonal Headaches: In contrast to many other types of headaches, classic
migraines or vascular headaches have the best potential for an actual cure, since the cause centers

around abnormal liver functions (i.e. abnormal iron and manganese levels or ratios), which when
rectified, will permanently resolve the problem. I have many patients who have been completely

migraine-free for over twenty years following corrective measures to normalize liver functions through

supplemental intervention, and I have also used electro-acupuncture treatments with similar success.

Iron and manganese comprise an interdependent mineral pair which affects various liver functions

(and vice versa), including hormonal balance, glycogen metabolism, red blood cell / hemoglobin

production, and others. In contrast to below-normal levels of iron or manganese, which can provoke
vascular headaches, elevated levels can trigger classic migraine symptoms, with the iron / manganese

Ratio determining the left or right-sidedness of a headache.

In the event of elevated iron, any iron antagonist such as zinc, magnesium, Vitamin B2 or E - whichever

is the most compatible - will effectively relieve the side-specific migraine headaches associated with

iron. Donating blood is another option, which will also lower blood pressure in those where it is related

to high iron levels.

The opposite headache side responds to reducing manganese, whose level can be lowered through

potassium, calcium, Vitamin B6, or C - whichever ones match best individually. Lowering manganese

will also improve the liver's ability to break down estrogen, where a higher mean average is a common
trigger for migraines that are associated with the menstrual cycle, including high estrogenic-types of
PMS. Blood sugar irregularities may also improve once manganese levels are normalized.

Most properly diagnosed migraine cases involve congestive liver disease of both large central liver
lobes (implicating elevated iron and manganese), which makes the herb Milk Thistle an ideal addition

to any other therapy chosen.

Migraines precipitated by an Aura fall into the category of elevated iron and/or manganese levels,

where their ratio will again determine which side the migraine will later take effect. On average, there is

about a 30 +/- minute warning, during which time there may be zigzagging visual patterns, hazy or blind

spots, or partial to complete loss of vision in one eye.

Since the migraine may develop at the same or opposite side of where originally the aura took place,

it helps to make notes, so any future migraines - precipitated by an aura - may be aborted by using

appropriate supplements (see "One-sided Headaches" below for details). This may only have to be
done a few times until liver functions are corrected, which will then resolve any further migraine attacks.

In contrast to migraines, Vascular Headaches require the opposite treatment approach, where below-

normal levels of iron or manganese require their supplementation. This is usually done by taking the

chelated version of the minerals in the 15-50mg range/day, until corrected. Headaches developing

as a result of low or diminishing estrogen levels, i.e. menopausal, or low estrogenic-types of PMS,

amenorrhea (failure to menstruate), or iron-deficiency anemia, fall into this same category. In addition

to raising their levels, it is equally important to normalize the iron / manganese ratio to subsequently

prevent any one-sided headaches (or migraines) from developing in the first place.

Food Intolerance / Food Sensitivity / Food Allergy Headaches: Many practitioners categorize

these headaches as part of the migraine group, however outside of an occasional enzymic deficiency,

they are not treated by normalizing organic or chemical problems. The most effective way to deal with

these types of headaches is to avoid the foods or beverages that one is sensitive to, since in contrast

to air-borne allergies (hay fever) where allergy shots may be an option, there are no shots available for
dietary triggers.

The Elimination Diet uses a type of protocol where an individual starts with a one day fast, and then

begins to re-introduce various food items every day, whereby the types of foods causing headaches or

any other medical symptoms are then permanently eliminated.

The Rotational Diet simply rotates various food groups, assuming that symptoms / reactions can be
kept to a minimum by not consuming the same offending foods on a frequent basis. If a particular food

from a food group stands out as a cause for headaches, it may then also be eliminated.

There are several variations to the above methods, whereby some people find that eliminating specific

Food Groups on a trial basis offers the most practical and least interruptive approach. In other words,
one follows a conventional diet, but then begins to avoid foods of the nightshades group, or legumes,
citrus, dairy, meats, grains, etc. - in no particular order- for a specific time period:

• Nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, chili peppers, garden peppers, eggplant, paprika),

• Root Vegetables (carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, rutabagas, garlic, onions),

• Cruciferous Vegetables (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower),

• Gourd Vegetables (squash, cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini),

• Leafy Green Vegetables (lettuce, spinach, kale, chard),

• Legumes (peanuts, soybeans, all other beans, peas, lentils),

• Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, tangelos),

• Fruits (apples, pears, bananas, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, grapes, pineapples, olives),

• Berries (strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, gooseberries, blackberries),

• Dairy (milk, ice cream, sour cream, cheese, yogurt - and other dairy-containing sources),

• Meats (beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey),

• Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, trout),

• Shellfish (lobster, shrimp, oyster, mussel),

• Seeds (pumpkin, flax, sesame, sunflower),

• Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, filberts, Brazil),

• Grains (wheat, barley, rye, corn, millet, oats, rice, buckwheat, amaranth, spelt),

• Various (eggs, mushrooms, spices, alcohol, tobacco, sugar, honey, tea, cocoa, cooking oils, yeast).

Once an offending food group is isolated, then the same approach can be applied to single items of

the same group, although in some - but not all cases - an entire food group may be responsible for

causing headaches. Keeping an accurate diary is most important to not only help isolate any problem

foods, but also food additives such as sulfites, MSG, nitrites / nitrates, or other common offenders such

as caffeine or tyramine, and to not miss any possible non food-related triggers such as lack of sleep or
sleeping in too long, electromagnetic fields (cell or portable phone), fresh news print (magazines, news-

papers), eye strain, pet allergies, prescribed medications or nutritional supplements.

Headaches - or any other symptoms related to food intolerance, sensitivity or allergies generally clear

in about 4-5 days, so any particular food group should be avoided for at least a week to 10 days. This

also applies to salad dressings, ketchup, baked goods, etc..., that contain any suspect food sources.

The Pulse Test is another method that an individual may apply to isolate suspect foods or inhalants,

whereby the pulse is first taken upon getting up in the morning to get an average pulse before doing

any daily chores or getting in contact with soaps or toilet articles. The pulse is taken again before a
meal (ideally using the food groups above), and then at 10 minute intervals a few times after a meal.

Comparisons are made of an increase in the pulse rate between those meals one is - and the ones

one is not sensitive to.

Suspect foods generally result in a pulse rate that is higher compared to tolerated food sources. This

varies from one individual to another, but can range from an increase of less than 10 beats a minute to

more than 20 beats, whereby more allergenic foods may trigger noticeable palpitations as well.

Pancreatic Enzymes help reduce many allergic reactions in those individuals who don't produce

sufficient amounts, so using either basic Pancreatin tablets, or a Digestive Enzyme Complex may

be helpful in those cases. While pancreatic enzymes are usually well tolerated, they cause an allergic

reaction (i.e. skin rash) in a small percentage of individuals, particularly when larger amounts are taken.

Nutrients that cause, reduce, or interact with Migraines or general Headaches:

High/low iron, high/low manganese, high/low magnesium, high/low sodium, high/low calcium, high/low
Vitamin A, high copper, high Vitamin D, high Vitamin E, low Vitamin B1, low Vitamin B2, low Vitamin
B6, low Vitamin B15, low Vitamin C, low folic acid, heavy metal toxicity.

Optional Herbs: Feverfew [Chrysanthemum parthenium] - some migraines, Butterbur [Petasites
hybridus] - some migraines, Cat's Claw [Uncaria tomentosa] - "Group A" sinus / general headaches,

Silica - general headaches, Turmeric - "Group B" migraines, general headaches.

One-Sided Headaches

One major advantage of using nutritional supplements over conventional drugs is their unlikelihood

of causing rebound headaches or user dependency. I have spent several years categorizing minerals
and vitamins by their action on the body's pH, oxygen metabolism, and cranial / vascular effect, to help
prevent or control one-sided headaches or migraines.

In the chart below, supplements are divided into group A and group B, whereby one group will help

headaches that are on the left side, and the other group will help headaches that are on the right side.

Slightly more than half of the population can use group A for left-sided headaches, and group B for

right-sided ones. For the rest of the population, it is the other way around.

Group A

Group B

Calcium

600-1000mg

Magnesium

300-500mg

Iron

25-60mg

Manganese

25-100mg

Chromium

500mcg-2000mcg

Copper*

3mg-6mg

Potassium

100mg-500mg

Zinc

25mg-50mg

Vit B1

100mg-300mg

Vit B2

100mg-300mg

Vit B6*

100mg-500mg

Vit PABA

100mg-400mg

Vit C

1000mg-3000mg

Vit E

400IU-1200IU

Vit B15

100mg-400mg

Vit B12

250mcg-1200mcg

Lecithin

1200mg-2400mg

Choline

250mg-750mg

Cat's Claw

1000mg-2500mg

Turmeric

½ + teaspoon

Apple cider vinegar with water

Baking soda with water

Caffeine

Alcohol

Decrease oxygen

Increase oxygen

* Larger amounts of Vitamin B6 or copper should not be taken on an ongoing basis.

One can either use trial and error to determine what group applies for a specific individual, or previous

experience with for instance caffeine-containing beverages might be of help --- of whatever effect they

had in improving or worsening one's headache.

Vitamins work quicker (10-20 min), while minerals take a bit longer (30-60 min). Any combination can
be used, as long as they are part of the same group, and as long as they do not interfere with the rest of
one's chemical profile --- i.e. Vitamin B1 and iron raise sodium, so they should not be taken by anyone

who has problems with high sodium retention.

If one is in a habit of taking specific minerals and vitamins every day, then on days where one can feel a
headache coming on, the ones in the wrong group should not be taken that day, since they would likely
worsen the headache, or prevent the other group from being effective enough to relieve the headache.

For the same reason it is usually better for a headache-prone person to take all daily supplements later

in the day, as by then, most people will have had signs of an impending headache.

Example 1: Assuming a person is on a vitamin / mineral program consisting of chromium, manganese,
iron, Vit B12 and magnesium, and that person is the type of needing to take group B for a left-sided
headache. Assuming further that this person develops a left-sided headache, only Vit B12, manganese

and magnesium should be taken that day only, but not iron and chromium. If the headache is severe,

the actual amounts taken can easily be increased to the amounts shown on the chart, and for instance

Vitamin E could be added for additional results.

Example 2: Assuming a person is on a vitamin / mineral program consisting of PABA, potassium,

zinc, Vit C, choline and lecithin, and that person (whose left-sided headaches correspond to group A)
develops a right-sided headache, only zinc, PABA, and choline should be taken that day, but not Vit C,
potassium, and lecithin. As in the first example, extra supplements of the corresponding group (B)

could be added at higher amounts to help the headache, including some baking soda in water if an
upset stomach accompanies the headache.

If headaches always occur on the same side, then specific supplements from the corresponding group
can then be used on a daily basis to prevent them from developing in the first place. ¤

______________________________________________________________________________

Acu-Cell Disorders: Migraine Headaches

| Eat Right 4 Your Type / Blood Type Diet | Multi-Level-Marketing / MLM Products & Coral Calcium | Sterols, Sterolins & Beta-Sitosterol |

| Vegan / Vegetarian / Vegetarianism | Simple, Refined & Complex Sugar, Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load & Satiety Index | Cocoa & Chocolate |