It could seem simplistic but before you can light upon a remedy for migraine you need to become a detective and ascertain what is at the root of it. Do you know what your migraine trigger is? Read on to discover an unusual one.
There are numerous possible causes of migraine, and sometimes they are dietary. But when asked which foods are most generally suspected of causing migraines, most people will confidently suggest "red wine, chocolate and cheese".
They may be surprised to learn that as long ago as 1979 in a study on migraine and food intolerances published in the famous Lancet, eggs were among the most common foods cited as problematic.
In fact, eggs are one of the most common allergens. They are also one of the most reliable to test for - unlike some foods.
Unfortunately, egg is in numerous food items, from baked goods to cake icing, and it is false that cooking renders it safe! Children with migraines are often intolerant of eggs plus at least two other trigger foods, and can gain relief simply by cutting out these foods from their diet. However, because eggs are an important source of protein, they should not be left out from your diet unless you are sure they're causing you difficulties. A food intolerance test or trial exclusion for three weeks can give you sufficient evidence to have a meaningful discussion with your qualified health professional as to whether exclusion will be helpful.
A more unexpected place where egg is found is in vaccines. Measures have been taken to combat exposure to egg by deriving the vaccines from embryos, but new developments appear to show that even minimal exposure to chicken produce of any variety could be hazardous.
For people who are very sensitive even inhalation could be a problem. Workers in a confectionery factory inhaling the powdered egg white used in the decorative icing suffered asthmatic attacks, so exposure to an egg allergen is probable even if you are avoiding eating eggs!
Egg white can even be found in vaginal suppositories or in nappy rash cream, and if an allergic reaction as severe as asthma or anaphylactic shock can happen, why not a migraine?
The sad thing about small children and food allergies is their inability to convey the point that there is a problem. Also, misdiagnosis is common, arising from the inability of parents or doctors to meticulously track symptoms.
A child who has eaten ice cream and repeatedly suffered a migraine afterwards could be allergic to the milk or the eggs in the product, and a definite determination is necessary to ascertain which it is.
Eggs are such a strong allergen that often doctors recommend not serving eggs to children under two, as once an allergen is triggered, the body can build up a memory of it and it may cause you more grief down the line.
There are several foods that if avoided or given very occasionally can prevent a red flag going up in a child's immune system. Eggs are a bit of a conundrum, what with the yolk and the white - recently, studies have shown that while the yolk of the egg is high in cholesterol, the white contains the means to combat it.
Normally, after 12 months with no adverse effects, you can try to reintroduce foods one at a time. If migraines restart, you will know you hit on a major trigger, and do your best to avoid it in the future.
Eggs are good for you - except when they're not!
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