How to Identify, Prevent, and Address Food Sensitivities and Migraines in Children and Adults
Recent Trends with Food Sensitivities and Migraines
Food sensitivities and migraines have been on the rise recently. Despite this, many people are still in the dark about these conditions.
Migraines are often mistaken for tension headaches, and food sensitivities can sometimes produce seemingly unrelated symptoms that may trigger a migraine.
This blog post aims to clear up some of the common misconceptions about food sensitivities and migraines and explain what you can do if you think you might be suffering from either, or both, conditions.
According to a study released by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), food allergies in children increased by 18% from 1997 to 2007.
Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults report symptoms associated with food sensitivity, such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
Migraines are also a common problem: They afflict an estimated 38 million people in the United States or about 12% of the population.
The Connection Between Food Sensitivities and Migraines: What You Need to Know
Migraines are a common neurological disorder experienced by a rather sizable percentage of the population. They can cause different symptoms, including throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
The leading causes of migraines are not yet known, but it is believed that they may be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
One potential environmental factor that may contribute to migraines is genetic food sensitivities.
A recent study found that people with food sensitivities were more likely to experience migraines than those who did not have sensitivities.
If you’re one of the people who suffer from migraines, it’s worth considering whether food sensitivities contribute to your headaches.
In this article, we’ll explore the connection between food sensitivities and migraines, and we’ll look at some tips for how to get over food sensitivities causing your migraines?
Are Food Sensitivities Behind Your Migraines?
Food sensitivities believe to be one of the leading causes of migraines. A study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that food sensitivities were responsible for 58% of migraine headaches.
If you suffer from migraines, it’s essential to be aware of the foods that might be causing them.
Understand those common food sensitivities that can trigger migraines, including gluten, dairy, and artificial additives commonly found in household food products and restaurants.
Migraines are a common and often debilitating type of headache. Many things, including food sensitivities, can cause them. It’s estimated that food itself triggers around 30% of migraines, in those with and without sensitivities to food. So, it is worth paying attention to what you eat no matter if you are sensitive to food.
If you’re someone who suffers from migraines, it is worth considering whether food sensitivities are playing a role.
However, the great news is that there are many methods to test for food sensitivities, and once you know which foods are triggering your migraines, you can work on eliminating them from your diet.
Can Food Sensitivities Really Cause Migraines?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the relationship between food sensitivity and migraines. Some people believe that food sensitivity can trigger migraines, while others claim that this link does not exist.
Food sensitivity is a condition that affects people who cannot digest certain foods.
This occurs when the body has difficulty breaking down a food component, such as lactose or gluten. Lactose and gluten intolerances are two of the most common examples of dietary food sensitivities affecting millions of Americans. The easiest way to identify if you are lactose or gluten intolerant is a genetic test kit for food intolerance.
Food sensitivity is a term used to describe several unpleasant symptoms after eating certain foods. Food sensitivity symptoms vary from person to person, including stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
Migraines are a typical kind of headache that can be very severe. They are often escorted by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can significantly impact the quality of life, and some people experience them several times a week.
There is some evidence to suggest that food sensitivity may contribute to the development of migraines. Researchers at Harvard suggest there are multiple types of food sensitivities that can impact the triggering of migraines, including but not limited to lactose, gluten, and even fat consumption. The evaluation of sensitivities of all three of these types of foods is covered in HealthCodes DNA’s Nutrition Panel, which looks at these as well as 13 other DNA test results relating to nutritional metabolism.
What Food Allergies Can Also Contribute to Migraines
Many different food allergies can potentially cause migraines. A few of the most common food allergens that link to migraines are dairy, gluten, and nuts. However, any food can potentially cause a migraine in someone allergic to it.
If you are allergic to one of these foods, it is essential to be aware of the potential triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
People who are allergic to dairy often experience migraines after consuming milk or other dairy products.
The proteins in dairy products can trigger an allergic reaction that leads to a headache.
People who are allergic to gluten often experience migraines after eating foods that contain gluten.
Gluten is a protein in wheat that is indigestible for some individuals. Undigested gluten can irritate the gut and be reactive to zonulin, the regulator of intestinal permeability.
Research has shown that in some individuals, gluten can increase intestinal permeability and trigger an immune response in the body.
The immune system reacts to substances it recognizes as harmful by causing inflammation.
Migraines, Headaches, and Foods to Avoid If You Suffer from Migraines
Migraines are a common type of headache that can precede or be accompanied by sensory disturbances such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, and nausea.
Food sensitivities and migraines are far more intense and longer-lasting than headaches and can lead to the aforementioned symptoms. Whereas a headache is shorter-lived and less intense and painful than a migraine.
While the cause of migraines is still unknown, triggers include foods, drinks, stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes.
If you suffer from migraines, you may want to avoid the following foods: aged cheese, processed meats, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, alcohol, and aspartame.
Also, all kinds of foods are high in tyramine. A naturally occurring compound found in some foods can be a trigger.
If you are someone who suffers from migraines. It is essential to be aware of the foods that can cause them so that you can avoid them.
If you would like to discover more about your body, HealthCodes DNA’s Nutritionists provide complementary health consultations along with DNA Health Test Results on which foods are best for you to eat. Many healthy and delicious foods can help you manage your migraines.
What is the Most Common Food Trigger for Migraines?
Food triggers are the most common cause of migraines. Triggers are different for everyone, but some of the most common include chocolate, dairy products, alcohol, red wine, and artificial sweeteners.
Learning what your triggers are is the key to avoiding migraines. However, any food can potentially be a trigger for someone.
12 Natural Ways to Reduce Migraine Symptoms Caused by Food Sensitivities
In this article, we have discussed migraines, food sensitivities, and the link between the two health phenomena. Below are twelve natural recommendations for reducing migraine symptoms potentially caused by sensitivities and allergies to specific foods.
– Try a natural over-the-counter supplement for migraine headaches.
– Drink less caffeine and alcohol.
– Exercise regularly.
– Eating multiple meals throughout the day rather than three larger meals.
– Taking magnesium supplements.
– Eat fewer processed carbohydrates.
– Drink plenty of water.
– Consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
– Avoid foods that trigger migraines, including caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, citrus fruits, nuts, and dairy products.
– Avoid foods high in histamines, like eggs, and sugar, like dried fruit.
– Take supplements with magnesium and vitamin B6.
– For a faster way to overcome your migraines caused by food sensitivities, better understand your body with a comprehensive genetic test for health from HealthCodes DNA.
Genetic Test For Health
As you can see, a decent percentage of us may indeed experience migraine headaches due to genetic factors, lifestyle, and/or stressful events. There are ways to overcome the hustle and bustle of life and the genetic cards we are dealt to better ourselves and reduce or eliminate migraines entirely.
If your goal is to become your optimal self, the work starts within yourself by addressing the issues affecting your health and building from there. To get a head start at unlocking your best self, visit the HealthCodes DNA home page and learn more about how HealthCodes DNA’s genetic health testing services can provide a means for understanding your body’s metabolism, ideal macronutrient, and micronutrient ratio, common genetic food sensitivities, and even have an ideal workout regimen designed for your body type.