Migraines, a symptom of histamine intolerance

Causes of migraine attacks

1. Histamine-rich diet / DAO deficiency
Histamine -rich or histamine -free

Foods such as red wine, chocolate, cheese, bananas, strawberries, etc. can trigger migraine attacks. According to various studies, histamine represents a fairly secure trigger for migraine attacks. The seizures are triggered by an H1 receptor mechanism that is likely to have an extracerebral (outside the brain). (1) However, the research on this still has to be deepened in order to make more precise statements. Another study from Spain (2) has also shown that a strict histamine -poor diet in connection with the intake of the enzyme dao before a meal in around 80% of the study participants the migraines are significantly reduced could. The study manager Dr. Juan Izquierdo continued to find that chronic migraines often have a DAO deficiency. The enzyme dao is responsible for the breakdown of histamine in the small intestine. A lack of DAO can lead to histamine -related symptoms as well as migraines.

2. Serotonin deficiency

In the meantime it is considered to be certain that one Migraine attack on a serotonin deficiency comes. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the CNS and, among other things, affects the gastrointestinal activity, the cardiovascular system and also contributes to blood clotting. In a migraine attack, the nerve cells produce an overdose of messenger substances, including serotonin. An increased serotonin level now means that the veins in the brain narrow and inflammation processes are inhibited. In response to it, the body is now reducing serotonin in large quantities so that there is a deficiency. The brain skin vessels widen and thus become permeable to anti -tissue fabrics. This creates small inflammation in the brain that cause the typical throbbing headache in migraines. But the accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, irritability and an increased sensation of pain are also typical symptoms of a serotonin deficiency. Incidentally, you can also eat the happiness hormone serotonin (at least in its preliminary stage tryptophan): tryptophan is available in nuts, whole grain cereals and egg yolk. The supply of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B6 and B12 also ensure a balanced serotonin level. (3)

3. Lack of magnesium

A magnesium deficiency can also be a trigger for migraines. Studies showed that a Magnesium intake of 500-600 mg per day has a preventive effect. The migraine occurred less and the sensitivity to pain also decreased. (4) Especially in children between 5 and 16 years, the protective effect of magnesium was strongest. Magnesium can be taken as a dietary supplement or also be fed through food. It is mainly included in vegetables, fruits, fruits, nuts, seeds, pumpkin seeds, amaranth, quinoa, almonds and dried fruit.

4. Lack of Q10

Q10 also seems to play a leading role in the vascular activity and the energy supply of the cells in connection with a migraine. Affected people suffer more often from a Q10 deficiency. A gift of 200 mg Q10 daily has proven itself as positive in practice.

5. Excess of noradrenaline

Increased noradrenaline values ​​were found shortly before a migraine attack. Noradrenaline is also a neurotransmitter in the nervous system that stimulates the provision of energy in the body and controls the reaction chain of the stress hormones. (5) Noradrenaline is released in the body in the event of stress, lack of fluids and fluctuations in blood sugar levels. This means that migraine attacks can be triggered.

6. Hormonal disorders

Women often suffer from migraine from their period. The female hormones progesterone and estrogen play a crucial role here. It is interesting to know that the concentration of serotonin in the blood fluctuates with the female cycle because estrogen affects serotonin levels. If the estrogen level drops, the serotonin level also changes. Diese Schwankungen können auch zu Migräneanfällen führen. There are also indications that the female sex hormones influence the processing of painful stimuli in the brain. A special case provides the menstrual migraines. It occurs in about 7% of all migraine patients Between two days before two days after the menstrual bleeding is inserted. (6) In particular, a progesterone deficiency seems to favor a cycle -related migraine in the days before the use of the rule. It is best to carry out a saliva test here to determine hormonal dysbalances. In the same way, an underactive thyroid should be excluded. This can bring a headache in different forms.

7. Strong blood sugar swaying

Recent studies show that sugar metabolism can play a major role in the development of migraines. (7) In the studies, connections between insulin resistance, high blood sugar and insulin levels as well as the migraines were found. Particularly strong Blood sugar fluctuations after eating can therefore trigger migraine attacks. Any measures that stabilize blood sugar levels should therefore be taken into account in the therapy. Fixed meal times and regular food intake are therefore advisable. Another study has also shown that a low-glycemic diet can prevent migraine attacks. (8) The glycemic index / glycemic load both describe the effect of a carbohydrate -containing food on the blood sugar level. In contrast to the glycemic index, the water content of the food is still taken into account in the glycemic load, which is why the glycemic load for use in practice is more suitable.