Cyclical Migraines & Histamine Connection
Do you suffer from cyclical migraines or cluster headaches?
I remember being diagnosed with cluster headaches at a young age and it made no sense to me. The doctor did not explain the potential of this being a histamine problem but I think this is an underestimated cause for many people, especially women.
Histamine has been known to cause vascular headaches for a long time. Histamine is a major preformed mediator released by mast cells and it strongly increases vascular permeability.
This increase in vascular permeability is responsible for several features of acute allergic reactions including edema, urticaria, migraines, and anaphylactic shock in serious cases.
Common symptoms of cluster headaches
Pain on one side
Pain can occur on the opposite side with a new cycle
Pain is localized behind the eye or in the eye region and may radiate to the forehead, temple, nose, cheek or upper gum on the affected side
Eyelid can droop
The nostril on the affected side of the head is often congested
Nasal discharge and tearing of the eye is on the same side as the pain
Face may become flushed on the affected side
Histamine also rises when estrogen rises during the ovulatory phase and again slightly in the luteal phase so this is a time to be extra careful to eat low histamine, to consume supplements to support histamine clearance including DAO, bioavailable copper, activated B-vitamins and antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.
Another key nutrient for migraine support is MAGNESIUM, especially magnesium malate. Checking your levels is the best way to know but over 75% of people are deficient so more than likely your body needs some!
Taking NSAIDS and other OTC pain medication can also exacerbate the problem as it can trigger more histamine to be produced and you are not addressing the root cause.
As always, there are several underlying issues for histamine intolerance and headaches so working with a practitioner is key when trying to figure this out!
Have you considered this to be a problem for you?