Digestive Wellness Clinic

Migraine

What are Migraine headaches ? What are the causes of Migraine ? Can changing my diet help with Migraine ? Should I test for Candida or other yeast, harmful bacteria and parasites ?

There are several different types of headache which are normally described as "migraine", but most start with a severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, which then spreads to both sides and the rest of the head. They can last for several hours, and sometimes even for days,and are often associated with intense nausea and/or vomiting. Over half those suffering from migraine experience warning symptoms the day before. These may include:-

• mood swings
• irritability
• stiff neck
• fatigue
• numbness or tingling on one side of the body
• changes in vision
• constipation or diarrhoea

As many as 10% of the population suffer from migraine, with 3 times as many women as do men.

A number of different studies have shown high correlation between migraine headaches and food sensitivities. In one, all of those participating were found to have food sensitivities or allergy. Furthermore, nearly 2/3 were specifically sensitive to wheat and/or dairy products. Chocolate, oranges, onions, pork and beef are also foods very commonly associated with the onset of migraine.
There are also thought to be links between foods which are high in amines and migraine. Amines are found most significantly in the following foods:-

The very dramatic nature of migraine attacks indicates that, in addition to a background sensitivity or allergy to certain foods, there may be specific triggers which set them off. These can include:-

• stress episodes
• emotional events
• changes in hormones
• use of birth control pill, or other medications containing oestrogen

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The very strong links indicated between migraine and food sensitivities or allergy make investigation of one's diet a top priority.
Following your completion of a detailed questionnaire which would look at the antecedents of past migraine events, we would normally recommend a Food Intolerance Test to establish accurately what, if any, foods you are sensitive to, and to what extent.
Armed with the information that this provides, we can draw up for you a diet which eliminates any problem foods and encourages food habits which can put you back on the road to health and vitality!

Links have been observed between migraine and the presence of candida. Depending on the nature of your responses to the questionnaire you complete, we may recommend that you test for candida or other yeast, harmful bacteria and parasites.

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