Migraines
Migraines are a ‘neurogenic inflammatory’ disorder. Nurturing the health of the brain and nervous system is an important component of treatment. Migraines are linked with but not limited to, triggers from intolerance’s and allergic sensitivities, stress, digestion, liver function and microbiome balance (good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract). Many people experience migraines, even when otherwise physically quite well overall. The treatment of migraines is multifaceted.
Following are currently known facts about Migraines
Allergies and Intolerances
Leah Hechtman lists the following potential food triggers in ‘Clinical Naturopathic Medicine 2012’: Triggers may occur with: wheat, chocolate, egg, orange, benzoic acids, cheese, tomato, tartrazine, rye, rice, grapes, onion, soy, pork, peanuts, alcohol, monosodium glutamate, walnuts, beer, tea, coffee, nuts, goats milk, corn, oats, cane sugar, yeast, apple peach, potato, chicken (if protein metabolism is an issue) banana, strawberry, melon carrot, caffeine, aspartame, alcohol, nitrates, dietary amine foods, histamine, foods, aged cheese, cured meats, smoked fish, smoked salmon, beer, wine, fermented food, yeast extract (individualised testing may be necessary as not all foods will be a trigger or cause migraines): (Hechtman, 2012, p. 1216)
Stress, Digestion and the Microbiome – The Scientific Research
Migraine prevalence can be reduced with good gut microbiota according to some studies; good microbiota can increase synthesis and release of the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), and improve hypothalamic, pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) response to stress induced cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine balance (van Hemert, et al., 2014).
Studies have shown that diet restriction based on IgG antibodies against food antigens are a somewhat useful strategy in reducing the frequency of migraine occurrences (Alpay, et al., 2010). This indicates that specifically addressing the diet and avoiding foods which cause intolerance will reduce inflammation and therefore migraines.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticotropin releasing hormone (stress hormones), along with oxytocin and endorphins can relieve onset of migraines in some cases, and therefore regular mild to moderate exercise and time spent relaxing assists better prevention or recovery from stress and better sleep may result as well (Alpay et al. 2011).
Additionally migraine pain is caused by nociceptors of trigeminal nerve endings in the dura and may be exacerbated by low serotonin levels (van Hemert, et al., 2014). Exercise is known to increase serotonin levels and is a helpful part of migraine management. Another help is eating foods rich in tryptophan such as turkey for example which helps regulate serotonin. Tryptophan containing foods might interact with Imigran although the risk is small; it’s likely that this would only happen if taking supplements containing tryptophan.
Disrupted liver function can also be a factor in the development of migraines, along with serotonin abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract (Hechtman Pp 212). There is a multi-level approach to treatment: Removing allergens from the diet, improving nutrient absorption, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and accessory organ function, reducing inflammation, mild to moderate exercise, reducing stress levels and improving sleep (van Hemert, et al., 2014).
Differential Diagnosis. See your doctor or Natural Health Practitioner to Rule out Other Problems Including:
Leah Hechtman lists the following potential differential diagnosis in ‘Clinical Naturopathic Medicine 2012’: ‘Platelet disorder, serotonin abnormalities, vasomotor instability, neuronal disorder / sensory defects, hormones / menstrual related migraines, and food allergy intolerances’ (Hechtman, 2012, pp. 1217-18).
Medscape gives the following further considerations: ‘adrenal or pituitary malfunction, pituitary tumour, adrenal tumour. (Medscape – New Treatment Options in Migraine)
Naturopathic Treatment Objectives
Following are some approaches to treatment (Not All Are Necessarily Utilised):
Leah Hechtman states the following approaches in ‘Clinical Naturopathic Medicine 2012’: ‘Support liver function, remove allergens, increase good bacteria in the GIT, Decrease stress levels, optimise nutrient status and absorption, Functional liver detoxification profile, amino acid profile, female hormone profile, food allergy / intolerance testing, essential fatty acids, environmental screen, nutritional profile, vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, adrenocorticotropic hormone’ (ACTH) testing (Hechtman, 2012)
Contraindications and Interactions
Foods known to interact with Imigran are those containing high levels of tryptophan however this is mostly a concern in supplemental form where higher doses can cause serotonin syndrome (Hechtman, 2012, p. 1157).
Nutrients Rationale
Basic recommendations of foods from the ‘Australian Government National Health and Research Council’ can improve nutrient status and nourish the body to lessen the impact of migraines.
A prebiotic and probiotic may be taken daily initially to establish good GIT bacteria and assist the healthy function of the nervous system (van Hemert, et al., 2014). Eventually the microbiome may be maintained with food balance. Focus eating to avoid allergens and reduce or eliminate known migraine triggers.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation
Some studies show that Activated B complex vitamins, Omega 3 Fatty acids, Alpha lipoic acid, Magnesium, Zinc and Co-enzyme q 10 can all improve health thereby potentially reduce migraine occurrence.
Naturopathic Note:
Some people can react to certain B vitamins, fish oil, and other vitamins and minerals. Take as directed and monitor reactions. See a Naturopath or Doctor for a more individualised treatment plan. Seek Medical advice if Symptoms persist.
Healthy Food Ideas. Listing Some Important Essential Nutrients (not all nutrients listed)
Some are from the list of Potential Triggers, however not all foods listed will trigger all people.
Keep a food diary and see a health professional for assistance in determining which foods to choose.
Cooked porridge
Vit B1, Manganese
Dried fruit (not for those with sulphate intolerance)
Bioflavonoids, Inositol, Phosphorus, Potassium, B2, B5, Silicon Bio flavonoids
Enriched Gluten Free or Normal Bread
Vit B9, Vit B1
Pure butter
Vit D
Muesli
Vit B1, Manganese, Zinc, Iron
Calcium fortified almond, soy or coconut milk
Vit B2, Potassium, Inositol, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium
Egg omelette with chives, parsley, and mushroom
Vit A, Vit D, B1, Iodine, Manganese, Omega 6, Trace minerals
Gluten free Weet bix
Vit B1, B3, B6, B12
Banana, pear, apple, or orange
Bioflavonoids, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Silicon, Vit C
Apple, banana, orange or pear with ¾ cup of lactose free or plain probiotic yoghurt
Bioflavonoids, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Silicon, Vit c, Calcium, Phosphorus, PABA, Inositol
Small apricots, kiwi fruit, or plums
Bioflavonoids, Vit C, Potassium, Manganese
Diced fresh or canned fruit with lactose free or plain probiotic yoghurt
Bioflavonoids, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Silicon, Vit C, Calcium, Phosphorus, PABA, Inositol
100g Almonds with skin
Potassium, B2, Inositol, vitamin E
Freshly squeezed orange juice
Vit C, bioflavonoids, trace minerals
Prepared fruit and or vegetable juice
Vit C, Bioflavonoids, Trace minerals (vegetable juice)
Wholemeal sandwich with grated carrot, Mescalin lettuce, alfalfa, tomato, and turkey breast
Vit A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, Calcium, Fluorine, Beta carotene, Selenium, Silicon, Magnesium, Molybdenum
65g cooked lean red meats & 1 cup of Mescalin1 cup of raw vegetables, carrot, cucumber, celery, fresh snow peas, and mushrooms
Vitamin A, B6, Zinc, B2, B3, B9, Bioflavonoids, Vit C, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Fluorine, Iron
Organic split pea soup with medium gluten free or plain bread roll
Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Chromium, Vitamin K, Choline, B12, B1, B9, bioflavonoids
1 Avocado and 100g of turkey breast on wholemeal or gluten free bread with Mescalin 1 cup of fresh raw vegetables
Omega 6, Vit A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, Calcium, Fluorine, Betacarotene, Selenium, Silicon, Magnesium
½ cup of canned pink salmon with bones
Vit B3, B6, D3, Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Iodine, Omega 3, Calcium
3 crispbreads
Vit B1
1 cup of salad vegetables
Vit B9, Beta carotene, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Iron
¾ cup of natural yoghurt
Calcium, Phosphorus, Vit D, Inositol, Molybdenum
Fruit and nut chocolate bliss balls
Bioflavonoids, Inositol, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, B2, Inositol, Vit E, Silicon
6 crispbreads with 100g of hummus dip
Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Vit B1 B2 B3, B9, B12, Zinc
1 cup of coconut, almond, or soy milk blended with fresh or frozen berries and banana
Vit B2, potassium, Inositol, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Phosphorus, PABA,
150g of steamed salmon with 1 cup of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or pumpkin and medium potato
Vit B3, B6, D3, Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Iodine, Omega 3, Calcium, Vit A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, Calcium
1 cup of curry lentils and 1/2 cup of rice with 1/2 cup broccoli, spinach, carrots or pumpkin
Vit B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, Choline, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc
Quiche with 1 cup of fresh salad, Mescalin, carrots, cucumber, tomato
Vit A, B1, B2, B12, choline, Vit D, PABA, Selenium, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium
2 cups of roasted vegetables, potato, sweet potato, pumpkin
100g cooked fish
Omega 3, Calcium, B12, Iodine, Phosphorus, Zinc, B6, Beta-carotene
80g cooked lean chicken or 65g of learn red meat with 1 cup of fresh salad, Mescalin, salad vegetables and cooked sweet potato.
Vit B3, B6, D3, Fluorine, Beta carotene, Selenium, Silicon, Magnesium, Molybdenum omega 6, Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Iodine, Calcium, Vit A, B1,B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, Calcium, Fluorine
All nutrient sources referenced above are listed in Leah Hechtman, ‘Clinical Naturopathic Medicine 2012’ (Hechtman, 2012, pp. 1508-09)
Blessings on Your Health Journey
Heather Indiana Rose
Copyright 2019