If any of the following accompany the headache, see the doctor: blurred vision, sensitivity to light, pressure behind the eyes relieved by vomiting, food allergies, pressure in the facial sinuses, throbbing of head and temples, heart pounding, visual color changes, and feeling as though your head will explode.
Those with frequent headaches may have allergies to wheat, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sulfites (used in restaurants on salad bars), sugar, hot dogs, luncheon meats, citric acid, fermented foods (cheeses, sour cream, yogurt), alcohol, vinegar or marinated foods.
Other causes, stress, tension, anxiety, constipation, eye, nose and throat diseases, trauma to the head, pollution, sinusitis, drugs, tobacco, fever, perfume, after-shaves, food allergies. Possible causes: bowel problems, mold allergies, toxic overdoses of vitamin A, vitamin B deficiency, hypertension, grinding of the teeth, and coffee.
NUTRIENTS:
Calcium, 1,500 mg. per day.
Magnesium, 1,000 mg. per day.
Coenzyme Q10, 30 mg. twice daily, improves oxygenation.
Niacin, 300 mg. per day, doctors supervision is advised.
Potassium, 99 mg. per day, for the proper sodium/potassium balance, to reduce water retention.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), 50 mg. 3 times a day, plus B complex, 50 mg. 3 times a day.
Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2,000-8,000 mg in divided doses per day.
Vitamin E, 400 IU daily, improves circulation.
HERBS:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A West German publication reported that some foods contain the amino acid tyramine, a substance that causes the blood pressure to rise, resulting in a dull headache. These foods are referred to as containing tyramine: bananas, caffeine, alcohol, cheese and sour cream, chicken, chocolate, citrus fruits, cold cuts, smoked fish, herring, onions, peanut butter, pork, vinegar, wine, and fresh-baked yeast products. Try eliminating these and reintroducing them one at a time and see which ones produce the headache. Keep in a diary for reference.
Amino acids are also found in market brands: Equal, Accent, NutraSweet, and nitrites found as preservatives in hot dogs and luncheon meats.
SUGGESTIONS:
Half a grapefruit before bedtime will aid sleeping. Also taking inositol, tryptophan, and/or calcium will help. Do not eat sweet fruit or anything sweet after 5 p.m.
Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid chewing gum, ice cream, iced beverages, salt and excessive sunlight.
