Headaches and Migraines
Researchers have long puzzled over the biochemical mechanisms responsible for recurring headaches and migraines. Recent evidence points to a strong neurochemical influence, with a variety of other possible factors playing an important role in provoking headache pain.
The following functional tests can offer important information for creating an individualized program for the person suffering from headaches and migraines.
Food Sensitivity Test IgG: Headache symptoms are often alleviated by pinpointing and eliminating offending foods in the diet provoking allergic reactions. 1 There are two types of allergic reactions. Type A (acute allergy) when there is a momentary allergic reaction to certain food immediately after consumption (IgE immune response), or type B (delayed immune response or sensitivity) when the reaction to certain substance or food is delayed up to 72hours after consumption (IgG immune reaction). Type B immunological reactions are often difficult to detect. Especially as the sensitivities can be to common foods such as wheat, milk, eggs that we use in abundance every day. Therefore with a simple test you can find out exactly what food you may be sensitive to and immediately remove the possible trigger of migraines and headaches.
Headaches and Amino Acids: Amino acid imbalances in the body may be associated with frequent headaches. 2 For example nitrogen excess, or hyperammonemia, is a classic cause of migraine. This is indicated by elevations of glutamine, glycine, alanine, and others, via plasma or urine analysis. There are also several unusual amino acid impairments that can cause headaches. Hyperphenylalanemia/uria is the most common. A urine analysis shows this condition most clearly, and the best treatment is a low-phenylalanine diet.
Headaches and Female Hormones: For many women, headaches are often associated with menstruation or the onset of menopause. Migraine symptoms could very often be aggravated with changes in estrogen that occur during menarche, menstruation and menopause. 3
Headaches and Fatty Acids: Imbalances in essential fatty acids in the body could trigger headaches caused by inflammation. Fatty acids are important metabolic nutrients that strongly influence inflammation processes in the body. Several essential fatty acids influence the production of prostaglandins--hormone-like substances that stimulate inflammation and are thus implicated in the development of a variety of headaches. 4 Number of studies shows a close relation between metabolites of arachidonic acid and migraines. 5-6
Mineral and Toxic Element Analysis: A recurring headache may serve as an important signal of toxic exposure and chronic nutrient imbalances. Headaches could therefore be symptom of toxic metal body burden such as mercury, lead or aluminium toxicity.7-8 Also, nutrient levels should be assessed since key nutrients deficiencies like calcium and magnesium can lower the threshold for migraine attacks.
Ortho MediCare offers functional testing in collaboration with World leading laboratories from USA and Belgium. After the result we propose test result interpretation and nutritional therapy support.
References:
1 Mansfield LE, Vaughan TR, Waller SF, Haverly RW, Ting S. Food allergy and adult migraine: double-blind and mediator confirmation of an allergic etiology. Ann Allergy 1985;55(2):126-129.
2 Chaitow L. Amino acids in therapy: a guide to the therapeutic applicatino of protein constituents. Rochester (VT): Healing Arts Press, 1988;73.
3 Silberstein SD. The role of sex hormones in headache. Neurology 1992;42(3 supple 2):37-42.
4 Fragoso YD, Seim A, Stovner LJ, Mack M, Bjerve KS, Sjaastad O. Arachidonic acid metabolism in polymorphonuclear cells in headaches. A methodologic study. Cephalalgia 1988;8(3):149-155.
5 Vapaatalo H. Tolfenamic acid and migraine--aspects on prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Pharmacol Toxicol 1994;75 Suppl 2:76-80.
6 LaMancusa R, Pulcinelli FM, Ferroni P, Lenti L, Manzari G, Pauri F, et. al. Blood leukotriens in headaches: correlation with platelet activity. Headache 1991;31(6):409-414.
7 Jornod P, Vannotti M, Dascal DR, Auer C, Berode M, Savolainen H, Buclin T, Nicod P, Waeber G. Voluntary mercury poisoning: biological consequences and psychiatric significance. Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax 1997;86(22):946-951.
8 Kischi R, Doi R, Fuckuchi Y, Satoh H, Satoh T, Ono A, et. al. Subjective symptoms and neurobehavorial performances of ex-mercury miners at an average of 18 years after the cessation of chronic exposure to mercury vapor. Mercury Workers Study Group. Environ Res 1993;62(2):289-302.
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