Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder, which is defined recurrent moderate to severe headaches. They affect one in four women and one in twelve men in the UK. Hormonal changes may be a reason why more women than men are affected and women often find migraines occur more frequently around the time of their period. Migraines usually begin in young adults with 9 in 10 having their first migraine before 40 years of age. However, it is possible for migraines to begin later in life and more than half of migraine sufferers have a family history of migraine.
Food allergies play a role in many cases. Therefore, detection and removal of allergens can reduce or eliminate symptoms. Dietary amines: chocolate, cheese, beer and wine can precipitate migraines. Foods containing histamine or other vasoactive compounds also triggering migraines. However, histamine release can be prevented by quercetin and a diet high in antioxidants. Histamine breakdown is also promoted by foods rich in Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C.
A nutritional therapy consultation at the clinic could help to establish lifestyle changes and explain that chemicals such as nitrates and MSG (monosodium glutamate) are contributing factors towards migraine. Furthermore, low brain and tissue magnesium levels have been found in migraine patients and essential fatty acids can decrease the accumulation of platelets, which can be useful for migraine sufferers.
For more information contact Nuffield Health Farnham on 01252 747500, follow us on Twitter @NuffieldClinic or visit out website http://www.nuffieldhealth.com/gyms/farnham/nutritional-therapy
