Reasons for migraines
Eternal_Knight 2012/04/02 03:03
Eternal_Knight 2012/04/02 03:03
Its copy+paste from Rediff
migraines and headaches are mistaken for each another.
But there is a thin line of demarcation between the two. Dieticians Priya Khanna and Seema Tarneja explain:
What's a migraine?
Migraine is a throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head, caused by the narrowing and dilatingof blood vessels on one side of the brain. An attack may last upto two days.
There are two main types of migraine:
Common : A slowly developing severe headache, lasting from a few hours to two days, made worse by the smallest movement or noise, accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Classical : Headache preceded by an aura which generally takes the form of a visual disturbance.
This may consist of:
*. A temporary loss of vision, focusing problems, blind spots and flashing lights.
*. Possible speech problems.
*. Occasional weakness or temporary paralysis of the limbs or extremities.
*. Nausea and vomiting.
*. Sensitivity to light.
What's a headache?
Headaches, on the other hand, are a common complaint. For the most part, they happen because of muscular tension in the head, neck orshoulder or due to congestion of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain and muscles.
Generally, there is a sensation of a tight band around the head, a feelingof pressure at the top of the head, a bursting and throbbing sensation, eye and neck pain, dizziness.
Stress . thanks to a hectic, competitive lifestyle . is a cause, butchanges in dietary habits may also be the culprit.
Dietary factors known to activate theheadache mechanism are called 'migraine triggers'.
migraines and headaches are mistaken for each another.
But there is a thin line of demarcation between the two. Dieticians Priya Khanna and Seema Tarneja explain:
What's a migraine?
Migraine is a throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head, caused by the narrowing and dilatingof blood vessels on one side of the brain. An attack may last upto two days.
There are two main types of migraine:
Common : A slowly developing severe headache, lasting from a few hours to two days, made worse by the smallest movement or noise, accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting.
Classical : Headache preceded by an aura which generally takes the form of a visual disturbance.
This may consist of:
*. A temporary loss of vision, focusing problems, blind spots and flashing lights.
*. Possible speech problems.
*. Occasional weakness or temporary paralysis of the limbs or extremities.
*. Nausea and vomiting.
*. Sensitivity to light.
What's a headache?
Headaches, on the other hand, are a common complaint. For the most part, they happen because of muscular tension in the head, neck orshoulder or due to congestion of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain and muscles.
Generally, there is a sensation of a tight band around the head, a feelingof pressure at the top of the head, a bursting and throbbing sensation, eye and neck pain, dizziness.
Stress . thanks to a hectic, competitive lifestyle . is a cause, butchanges in dietary habits may also be the culprit.
Dietary factors known to activate theheadache mechanism are called 'migraine triggers'.
Eternal_Knight 2012/04/02 03:06
Here are some causes are known to precipitate migraines and headaches:
Migraine
Headache
Hereditary
Stress
Fatigue
Tiredness
Exercise
Poor posture
Sleep deprivation
Caffeine
Bright lights
Alcohol
Head trauma
Drugs
Infection
Food allergy
Menstruation
Eye strain
Oral contraceptives
Sinusitus
Hormonal changes
Low blood sugar
Head injury
Chemicals that trigger migraines
Here are some chemicals in foods that trigger migraine headaches:
1 . Tyramine and other amines, including phenylethylamine and histamine
Patients with dietary migraine are sensitive to tyramine-containing foods. Tyramine leads to dilation of the nerves in the brain, resulting in a rush of blood, which tiggers the migraine.
Tyramine is found in:
*. Cheese, especially the aged, strong and Cheddar varieties
*. Beer
*. Wine
*. Pickled herring
*. Chicken liver
*. Yeast
*. Coffee
*. Broad beans pods
*. Citrus and canned figs
*. Bananas
*. Eggs
*. Oranges
*. Spinach and tomatoes
Phenylethylamine is found in chocolates; octopamine in citrus fruits; his tamine in red wine and beers.
Here are some causes are known to precipitate migraines and headaches:
Migraine
Headache
Hereditary
Stress
Fatigue
Tiredness
Exercise
Poor posture
Sleep deprivation
Caffeine
Bright lights
Alcohol
Head trauma
Drugs
Infection
Food allergy
Menstruation
Eye strain
Oral contraceptives
Sinusitus
Hormonal changes
Low blood sugar
Head injury
Chemicals that trigger migraines
Here are some chemicals in foods that trigger migraine headaches:
1 . Tyramine and other amines, including phenylethylamine and histamine
Patients with dietary migraine are sensitive to tyramine-containing foods. Tyramine leads to dilation of the nerves in the brain, resulting in a rush of blood, which tiggers the migraine.
Tyramine is found in:
*. Cheese, especially the aged, strong and Cheddar varieties
*. Beer
*. Wine
*. Pickled herring
*. Chicken liver
*. Yeast
*. Coffee
*. Broad beans pods
*. Citrus and canned figs
*. Bananas
*. Eggs
*. Oranges
*. Spinach and tomatoes
Phenylethylamine is found in chocolates; octopamine in citrus fruits; his tamine in red wine and beers.
Eternal_Knight 2012/04/02 03:08
2 . Chocolate-induced migraine
Phenylethylamine, theobromine and caffeine are chemical triggers present in chocolate. They may causea headache by altering the cerebral blood flow.
3 . Caffeine withdrawal headache
Caffeine causes constriction of the cerebral blood vessels. When the caffeine intake is interrupted, the blood vessels dilate and the increase in cerebral blood flow results in headache.
4 . Alcoholic beverages and migraine
Alcohol per se is probably not a migraine-provoking chemical, but the tyramine and histamine contained in many red wines and beers are said to provoke migraines.
Some believe grapes that are organically grown and wines that are free of sulfites are less likely to trigger headaches. Stress may act as a secondary trigger in some situations.
A person who suffers from migraines and is exposed to a stressful and tiring work environment may complain of an inability to tolerate wine, whereas the same person on a relaxing vacation may drink and enjoy the same wine without suffering headaches.
2 . Chocolate-induced migraine
Phenylethylamine, theobromine and caffeine are chemical triggers present in chocolate. They may causea headache by altering the cerebral blood flow.
3 . Caffeine withdrawal headache
Caffeine causes constriction of the cerebral blood vessels. When the caffeine intake is interrupted, the blood vessels dilate and the increase in cerebral blood flow results in headache.
4 . Alcoholic beverages and migraine
Alcohol per se is probably not a migraine-provoking chemical, but the tyramine and histamine contained in many red wines and beers are said to provoke migraines.
Some believe grapes that are organically grown and wines that are free of sulfites are less likely to trigger headaches. Stress may act as a secondary trigger in some situations.
A person who suffers from migraines and is exposed to a stressful and tiring work environment may complain of an inability to tolerate wine, whereas the same person on a relaxing vacation may drink and enjoy the same wine without suffering headaches.
Eternal_Knight 2012/04/02 03:09
5 . Nitrates, Nitrites headache
Hot dogs and other cured meats like bacon, ham and salami contain nitrates.
Beets, lettuce, celery, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes contribute the largest portion of nitrate to our daily diet.
Nitrites are formed by the reduction of nitrates and are responsible for headaches, and flushing of the face and neck.
Nitrites can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, which imparts a slate grey colour to the skin.
6 . Aspartame triggered migraine
If you already have a headache, and if you consume anything containing aspartame (artificial sweeteners likeSugar Free, Diet Coke, Equal), you might get a migraine.
7 . Ice cream headache
Such a pain is generally located above the forehead or behind the eyes. It may be caused due to a reflex constriction of blood vessels around the head, resulting in a headache.
8 . Food allergy and migraine
Various foods, like cow's milk, eggs and wheat cereal, in addition to amine-rich chocolate, orange and cheese may provoke headache in people susceptible to migraines.
9 . Monosodium glutamate or the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
Also known as MSG, this has been linked to the frequent use of MSG in some Asian foods.
There are reports of flushing, tingling, dizziness and headache. It isalso generally found in frozen foods, canned soups, salad dressings, processed meats, sauces and snack foods.
10 . Hunger and hypoglycemic headaches
Fasting and consequent low blood sugar levels may trigger headaches in patients with migraine.
Avoid consuming anything high or rich in carbohydrates. Else, it could result in a rapid secretion of insulin, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
5 . Nitrates, Nitrites headache
Hot dogs and other cured meats like bacon, ham and salami contain nitrates.
Beets, lettuce, celery, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes contribute the largest portion of nitrate to our daily diet.
Nitrites are formed by the reduction of nitrates and are responsible for headaches, and flushing of the face and neck.
Nitrites can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, which imparts a slate grey colour to the skin.
6 . Aspartame triggered migraine
If you already have a headache, and if you consume anything containing aspartame (artificial sweeteners likeSugar Free, Diet Coke, Equal), you might get a migraine.
7 . Ice cream headache
Such a pain is generally located above the forehead or behind the eyes. It may be caused due to a reflex constriction of blood vessels around the head, resulting in a headache.
8 . Food allergy and migraine
Various foods, like cow's milk, eggs and wheat cereal, in addition to amine-rich chocolate, orange and cheese may provoke headache in people susceptible to migraines.
9 . Monosodium glutamate or the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
Also known as MSG, this has been linked to the frequent use of MSG in some Asian foods.
There are reports of flushing, tingling, dizziness and headache. It isalso generally found in frozen foods, canned soups, salad dressings, processed meats, sauces and snack foods.
10 . Hunger and hypoglycemic headaches
Fasting and consequent low blood sugar levels may trigger headaches in patients with migraine.
Avoid consuming anything high or rich in carbohydrates. Else, it could result in a rapid secretion of insulin, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
Pr1ya 2012/04/05 07:46
Great topic for migraine sufferers and non-migraine sufferers too. Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
Great topic for migraine sufferers and non-migraine sufferers too. Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
Eternal_Knight 2012/04/05 12:53
thanks for commenting here..
prIyAnoMiCs: Great topic for migraine sufferers and non-migraine sufferers too. Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
thanks for commenting here..
#2 General Area
A forum for life in general. Post about news, social matters, relationships, lifestyle, or anything on your mind.