Nutrition and Phytotherapy: A Winning Combination Against Headache

Abstract

Introduction Headache is a pathological form of endemic character that prevents the performance of normal activities, both working and relational. It is difficult to consider both the multiple causes and the various factors competing in this event, due to the lack of objective parameters that allow the clear classification of the various types of headache. 1 Migraine, the scientific term in which headache is indicated, is classified in many categories and sub-categories considering not only the quality, intensity, and cyclicity of pain, but also the way it manifests itself. A primary headache is generally distinguished from hormonal or environmental causes, including migraine, tension headache, and cluster headache; a secondary headache is the main symptom of other disorders, such as allergies, sinusitis, hypertension, osteoarthritis, digestive difficulties; pain that manifests itself following the excessive intake of some substances such as coffee, alcohol, and drugs; pain resulting from a lack of substances such as sugars, or in particular physical conditions, physical exertion, stress, or environmental, excessive cold or altitude. 2-4 The main manifestation is pain that can be localized to the occipital region or diffused to the whole skull, pulsating or strongly intensive, excruciating, monolateral with involvement of the ocular region and the occipital area. 5 Periodicity also represents a characteristic of the headache in addition to different durations of pain. Often, there are well-defined associated symptoms, such as lacrimation and irritation of the conjunctiva, nasal congestion, eye swelling, or pupil contraction, found especially in cluster headaches. The warning symptoms of pathological onset, like irritability, fatigue, and intolerance to noise, are characteristic of migraine that can degenerate even into blurred vision, alteration of sensitivity, and disorders of consciousness found in the most severe cases of migraine with aura. 6 The presence of attacks is variable depending on whether it is an episodic, chronic, or recurrent headache, and the duration may vary from half an hour to 1 hour, on two or three consecutive days. 7 Today there is no specific treatment for headaches, and sufferers often resort to empirical methods or self-medication. The agents available for the treatment of headaches are few and often have side effects such as sedation and nausea, which weaken, even if temporarily, so they cannot be used continuously. 8-10 Food-Headache Relationship The use of proper nutrition to prevent and alleviate the symptoms of headache is a practice the origins of which are very old. Hippocrates knew well the relationship between the ingestion of some substances and the onset of migraine for which many foods can be the main cause due to the

The correlation between the frequent intake of dietary migraine triggers and increased clinical features of migraine (analytical cross-sectional study from Egypt)

“…Ice cream consumption has been associated with (CM), which is in line with the findings of Ferrara 37 , who observed a correlation between ice cream consumption and cold stimulus headaches. However, it is possible that the association between eating ice cream and (CM) could be due to allergic reactions to specific components present in its composition.…”

Effects of curcumin supplementation on clinical features and inflammation, in migraine patients: A double-blind controlled, placebo randomized clinical trial

“…In addition, they were advised to avoid fasting and/or skipping meals to prevent migraine attacks. [ 27 ]…”

Can Myrrh Combat COVID-19?

“…Few drops on myrrh oil can be added to hot water and inhaled in the form of steam have been used traditionally. The analgesic effects of myrrh also help to reduce headache associated with nasal congestion [39].…”