If until today you were using the terms headache , headache and migraine with the same meaning, you are in the right place.
Headache and headache are used, in medical terms, with the same meaning and indicates a generic pain in the head.
Migraine , on the other hand, refers to a very specific headache that is characterized by frequent attacks that can be unilateral and can be accompanied by vomiting, nausea and photophobia .
In fact, the data says that over 8 million Italians suffer from headaches more or less frequently, especially women who are approximately three times more likely to experience migraines.
As anticipated, the frequency of this disorder is variable, but it is generally defined as chronic when it presents symptoms for at least 15 days a month for three subsequent months .
The aura
Aura is a symptom that precedes or is associated with a migraine attack and is characterized by sudden flashes of light (scintillating scotoma). It manifests itself in flashes of light, tingling in the limbs or stiffness in the neck . It is a disorder that precedes the actual headache and can last from 20 to 60 minutes
What are the causes?
Headaches are caused by a protein called calcitonin gene (CGRP) which has the task of dilating blood vessels and modulating pain, it is precisely the increase in its concentration that causes headaches. Unfortunately, to date, the causes that trigger headaches are not clear, they are often a combination of factors, including: hormonal factors, genetic predisposition, but also particular foods and drinks.
Foods friends and enemies
Among the foods that can favor this disorder we find:
- chocolate;
- dried fruit;
- mature cheeses;
- bananas;
- red and white wine;
- fried foods;
- sausages.
The foods to avoid are certainly those that are difficult to digest (e.g. fried foods) and above all alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer or cocktails. Nitrates should also be avoided, as they in fact cause vasodilation, laying the foundation for headaches, so pay attention to cured meats, marinated fish and canned meats).
Chocolate , although good and comforting in times of difficulty, should be limited: in fact, it contains tyramine which is an amine implicated in headaches.
Choose fruit and vegetables , especially those rich in Vitamin C and integrate all the active ingredients to promote physiological relaxation capable of calming headaches.
Consume carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, rice, white meat and fresh fish , preferring steam, oven or microwave cooking.
Take away headaches with the right active ingredients!
A healthy and balanced diet is certainly a fundamental basis for avoiding headaches, always accompanied by sporting activity that manages to ward off stress and tension and consequently prevent their onset.