Using Diet To Relieve Migraine & IBS Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and migraines are a cause of grief to many. It is estimated that a whopping 10 - 20% of the world's population suffer symptoms of IBS. Meanwhile, migraines are one of the top 20 causes of disability.

However, good news may be around the corner. A recent randomized controlled double-blind clinical trail in Turkey found that an elimination diet based on the blood's levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in reaction to 270 common food allergens, helped alleviate the frequency of both migraine attacks and IBS-related symptoms in people with both conditions. 

This is perhaps not all that surprising for those of us who are aware of the research suggesting that IBS might have an autoimmune origin. Similarly neurological disorders including migraines are known to be linked with autoimmune issues.

What Is An 'Autoimmune Disease'?

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body's immune system attacks its own tissue rather than a foreign antigen. Examples of such conditions include IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's. Many naturopaths believe that these are, at least, partially caused by foreign substances 'confusing' the immune system and point the finger at the enormous load of environmental toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis. I also believe that the highly inflammatory nature of the typical western diet plays a major role in the development and progression of such conditions.

Any Tips?

You're probably asking, 'what foods should I be avoiding if I have IBS or migraine symptoms?' The truth is that no two people with either condition will have the same list of foods that aggravate symptoms. However, the following are common irritants and are a great place to start your elimination diet:

• Gluten and grains

As many as 50% or more of IBS patients also have gluten intolerance. Gluten can cause headaches and migraines in individuals with gluten allergies.

• Dairy

Bloating and diarrhea can result from lactoe intolerance. In addition, processed dairy (unlike it's raw counterpart) is another example of an 'inflammatory food', high in estrogens, traces of antibiotics & other toxins, as well as Omega-6's which further contribute to the inflammation.

• Caffeine

Coffee and other caffeinated beverages can disturb the GI tract and blood vessels in the brain. Some individuals experience significant relief when caffeine is eliminated from the diet.

Additional tips for addressing autoimmune disease are to:


Immune Boosting Tip: Take immune balancing nutrients and supplements including Vitamin D, Essential Fatty Acids (EPA / DHA) and probiotics to further augment the power of your natural defences.

Reference:

Aydinlar, E.I., Dikmen, P.Y., Tifticki, A., Sarcuc, M., Aksu, M., Gunsoy, H.G., Tozun, N. (2012). Igg-based elimination diet in migrain plus irritable bowel syndrome. Headache, doi: 10.111/j.1526-4610.2012.02296.x. [Epub ahead of print].

BrindAmour, K. (2013). Immunoglobulin G-based elimination diets curb migraines and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. NaturalNews, http://www.naturalnews.com/038592_elimination_diet_migraines_IBS.html, viewed, 9 January 2013.

Miskiewicz, P., Kepczynska, N.A., Bednarczuk, T. (2012). Coeliac disease in endocrine diseases of autoimmune origin. Endokrynol Pol, 63(3), 240-9.

Shin, J.E. (2011). Does irritable bowel syndrome and dysmotility have an autoimmune origin? Neurogastroenterol Motil, 23, 1000-1006.



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