It may seem odd how important of a role that diet plays in our everyday lives and overall health, but more and more links are being made between what we put in our mouths every day and the conditions and problems that plague our bodies. Interesting advancements have been made in studying the link between gluten and migraines, and you might be surprised to know that study facts are beginning to suggest that there may be more to the relationship between gluten and migraines than you may think.
For many people, the symptoms of a migraine headache are debilitating, and often not treatable by the same medications as regular headaches. This is because their source, the reason for migraine headaches, is fundamentally different. Migraines are essentially a neurological disorder, so understanding how gluten and migraines can be linked may seem a little far fetched, however Dr. Mercola, North America’s favored natural health doctor known for revealing controversial health study facts, offers some insight on the possibilities.
Gluten types contain components referred to as WGA lectins, which are extremely tiny and difficult to digest. Because of the way these act in the brain and blood, they are potentially capable of interfering with nerve growth and maintenance. Because migraines originate in this area, it’s not as unfeasible as previously thought for diets that are high in wheat, soy and dairy to be problematic if this is in fact occurring.
Original gluten and migraines study facts date back to the 1970’s when wheat was identified as the most allergenic food item that the highest number of individuals with migraines reacted to, followed by other well-known allergenic foods such as dairy and sugar.
It is logical then that sticking to a gluten intolerance diet, along with daily vitamin supplements and natural migraine relief alternatives, instead of taking prescribed or over the counter medications that have toxic long term side effects, can provide greater overall relief than just potentially harmful medication alone. Additionally, trigger avoidance (which could potentially mean gluten avoidance) is of utmost importance with migraine management.
Recent study facts have shown a higher incidence of migraine headaches in people with celiac disease. That same study also indicated the same elevated incidence in people with gluten sensitivity (also called “gluten intolerance”). According to New York City’s Neurological Institute at Columbia University Medical Center study, chronic headaches were reported in an overwhelming 56% percent of individuals with gluten intolerance!
Dr. Alessio Fasano of Baltimore’s University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research confirms that most individuals diagnosed with celiac disease report natural migraine relief after remaining on a gluten free diet for while. Introducing gluten back into the diet (which is particularly dangerous with celiac) shows a prompt return of headache occurrences.
It’s important to never begin a gluten sensitivity diet without first consulting your doctor even if you think that a link between gluten and migraines might be attributing to your symptoms. Doing so can interfere with testing necessary to determine if you are one of the millions of people who are sensitive to gluten. Discussing your symptoms with your doctor and keeping a journal are also helpful in determining if your diet may be causative to your condition.
