Migraine

Migraine is a very bad headache which has a series of symptoms associated with it such as nausea, sensitivity to bright light, visual problems and dizziness. It is very common condition affecting 1 in 12 men and 1 in 4 women in the UK.

Types of migraine
There are two types of migraine:

Classical migraine is where the headache includes symptoms of aura or “warning signs” such as difficulty speaking, stiffness, lack of coordination, visual problems. Aura can occur 15 minutes to an hour before the headaches actually begin.

Common migraine symptoms include increased sensitivity to light or smells and nausea which can come on the same time as a headache.
Other symptoms that are associated with either type of migraine include urinary urgency, abdominal pain, sweating or feeling very hot or cold.
The symptoms can last from a few hours up to 4 or 5 days and leaves you feeling very tired.

What are the causes?
There are various factors that can bring on a migraine including a change in air pressure usually occurring during the change in seasons, bright light, intense smells such as paint or perfume, stress, poor posture and certain foods or drink. Hormonal changes can also play a part in the onset of migraine, this is why migraine attacks can occur during a women’s period.It is also believed that serotonin, the “feel good” neurotransmitter, is involved in migraine. Recent research suggests the platelets (blood cells involved in blood clotting) of migraine sufferers are very different from normal platelets during and between headaches where they tend to clump together during or at the onset of migraine. This is significant in terms of our diet as chemicals in certain food can induce the clumping together of platelets whilst other foods help to thin the blood.

The most common food and drink triggers of migraine include citrus fruit, chocolate, cheese, food additives (MSG, Nitrates), coffee, tea and alcohol so it would be worth keeping a food diary to see if your migraines are linked to any of these foods or alternatively carry out an intolerance test to foods or allergens which involves a simple finger prick blood sample.

Which foods should I eat?
Foods that may help alleviate headaches are those rich in magnesium such as whole grains, almonds, cashew nuts, buckwheat and beans. Magnesium is a mineral involved in relaxing blood vessels in the body allowing blood to flow easily. Foods such as oily fish, garlic, ginger and onion help to reduce clumping of platelets and have blood thinning properties.