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Got a pain in the pumpkin? The dietary information in “Back Sore?” also applies to headaches. Salt causes swelling that can worsen inflammation and headaches, including migraines. (Please see “Salting the wound”.)
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Aspartame is a major source of complaints to the FDA regarding side effects such as chronic headaches. Aspartame, monosodium glutamate, soy sauce, and many meat tenderizers and seasoned salts are excitotoxins (neurotoxins) that can trigger headaches. (Please see “Sweeteners/Seasonings”.) No doubt any neurotoxin can cause headaches. The mold formed in buildings emits neurotoxins.
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85% of sufferers cannot tolerate lactic acid, indicating low systemic alkalinity. (Please see “Acid-alkali balance”.) Ferments such as soy yogurt and miso contain lactic acid.
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The common triggers for migraines include milk products, processed meat, red wine, caffeine and chocolate.
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Other triggers include bright lights and noise that irritate migraineurs’ hypersensitive occipital regions in the rear area of the brain. Research conducted in the late 1990’s revealed that such triggers set off an electrical wave of firing neurons that spreads over the occipital cortex at a rate of several millimeters per minute. This wave was named a cortical spreading depression. It’s also been found that using a magnetic stimulator close to the skull over the cerebral cortex to send a one millisecond magnetic pulse into the cortex can cause the firing of neurons that are ahead of the cortical spreading depression, stopping its spread the way a prescribed burn in the path of a forest fire can prevent the fire from spreading further, often eliminating the pain from the migraine (Discover Aug.2004 pg.29). In some migraineurs several treatments may greatly reduce the recurrence of migraines. A company called NeuraLieve is preparing to market a portable magnetic stimulator so that migraineurs can self-treat (www.NeuraLieve.com). Another approach to stopping cortical spreading depression is being developed by the company Capnia to use carbon dioxide to irritate the nerve endings in the sinuses (www.Capnia.com). Such irritation can often stop the cortical spreading depression. Capnia has completed Phase II trials, with plans for the next patient trial in 2004.
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Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can increase the risk of heart and circulation problems—including heart attack and stroke—and is also tough on the digestive tract. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) has been linked to nausea, diarrhea, and kidney and liver problems.
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To make tension headaches go away, the Farmers' Almanac recommends applying an ice pack to the neck and upper back, or, even better, getting someone to massage those areas.
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An acupressure technique to help relieve the pain from a tension headache: With the thumb and forefinger of one hand, press the shallow indentions in the back of the head at the base of the skull. Simultaneously, with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand, press firmly into the upper hollows of the eye sockets, right where they straddle the bridge of the nose and meet the ‘t' of the eyebrow bridge. Press softy at first, and then more firmly, holding for three to five minutes.
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Soaking the feet in hot water can divert blood from your head to your feet, easing any kind of headache pain in the process.
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Melatonin can ease the pain of migraines and stretch out the pain-free periods (pg. 81 Prevention March 2005).
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Magnesium, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10, feverfew, butterbur, lavender, gingko biloba, rosemary and chamomile may help prevent or stop migraines.
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Supplements can be potent, so headache sufferers should consult a health professional before usage.
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Excellent sections on headaches and migraines with many very worthwhile tips can be found in Balch (Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch MD, ISBN 1-58333-077-1, available at many large health stores) A great deal of information can be found at www.achenet.org, www.headaches.org, www.migraines.org.
Alleviating allergies -
A majority of people are allergic to dairy. Allergies to dairy may manifest not only as sinus congestion, respiratory and/or gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, intestinal pain, gas and diarrhea, but also as rashes, hyperactivity, irritability, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and/or insomnia, as well as chronic colds, earaches and sore throats, and even Type I childhood diabetes. (Please see “Powerful probiotics, vegan cheese” and “Dairy dubious for health”.)
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Antibiotics can result in severe allergic reactions.
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Soy allergies are particularly common in infants and young children. These allergies sometimes do not involve hives and asthma, but rather lead to colic.
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The nightshade foods (tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, and peppers) contain an allergenic substance called solanine. Acidic foods such as pineapple may cause a reaction. The gluten in many grains is allergenic.
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Salicylates, substances found in aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can inhibit an enzyme that helps fight many ailments including the symptoms of hay fever. Salicylates occur in certain foods including margarine, chocolate, luncheon meat, all pork including bacon, salami, mustard, sausage, tea, carbonated drinks, chili sauce, wheat, prunes, cloves, mint, wintergreen, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (due to wheat), corn, almonds, pickles, raisins, and tomatoes.
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Possibly allergenic and/or toxic: food additives, MSG, aspartame, preservatives, artificial colors, perfume, antacid tablets, cough drops, throat lozenges and commercial toothpaste. Colors and flavors added to foods may contain allergens and animal byproducts. Many toxins and allergens are found in junk food.
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Alcohol swells bronchial tissues, worsening allergic response.
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Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, but in large quantities may make blood less alkaline. Buffered C may have less of an acidic effect on blood. Bioflavonoids, closely related to vitamin C, may also have anti-allergy effects. Bioflavonoids, found in many plant foods, are most easily procured from the pulp, rind, and juice of oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. A simple way to prepare them is to cut orange or lemon peels into strips and cook them with honey until they're soft, eating one or two teaspoons daily. Pantothenic acid may ameliorate the symptoms of hay fever (alternative-medicine-and-health.com/conditions/hayfever.htm). Evening primrose oil and Omega-3 fatty acids with their powerful anti-inflammatory action may prove helpful in fighting bronchial congestion. (Please see “Outstanding Omegas”.)
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Supplementing B-complex vitamins may help persons suffering from allergies. Multivitamins usually contain relatively little B-complex. If one takes a large dose once a day, the excess gets eliminated in urine after say half a day because B vitamins are water–soluble. For that reason, several times a day one could take the low dose supplement from New Chapter, Coenzyme B Complex.
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A dehumidifier can reduce allergenic mold in a basement if it’s damp. People whose symptoms are worse in the morning may be allergic to dust mites. A hypoallergenic plastic mattress cover can be of enormous help in avoiding dust mites, along with a pillow made of hypoallergenic material like dacron or polyester. It helps to vacuum the mattress before putting the cover on. Rugs and carpets, and storage items beneath the bed can provide breeding grounds for mites. Some vacuums come equipped with allergen-absorbing filters. A HEPA (high-frequency particulate-arresting) filter could be installed on the furnace to reduce particles from both indoors and outdoor pollution. Pollen levels are higher between 5:00 AM. and 10:00 AM.
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An excellent section on allergies with many very worthwhile tips can be found in Balch (Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch MD, ISBN 1-58333-077-1, available at many large health stores).
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Food sensitivities are discussed at hypoallergenicdiet.com. Reasons are given to avoid milk products, gluten containing grains, egg, animal meat, refined sugar, caffeinated products and chocolate, alcohol.
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Immune response often creates inflammation. An anti–inflammatory diet may reduce symptoms (zonediet.com).
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Any allergen that one is reacting to must be avoided entirely to avoid reactions, because the body sends out the entire fire department even though the allergen may only strike a spark. Changing to a mostly plant-based and more alkaline diet may ameliorate such a response, because of the acid–forming tendency of many animal–based foods.
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Hypoallergenic pets do produce allergens, but because of their coat type, may produce fewer allergens than others of the same species.
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If none of the steps mentioned here provide sufficient relief, it may be helpful to reset the immune system. Fasting under the supervision of a health professional could allow the immune system to shut down attacks against self, and restart entirely protective of self (DrFuhrman.com). While fasting it is important to get sufficient electrolytes and minerals. Taking green juice could supply enough if one is resting during the fast.
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