In 1979, a study published in the respected Lancet listed
ten foods proven to be associated with migraines. They
range from wheat to milk to oranges to eggs, and have
varying effects on different people. Several, however, are
subtle enough to avoid detection for extended periods of
time, as they are hidden in other foods(1).
"Red wine headache", sometimes referred to as RWH, is
supposed to be caused by the yeast from the fermentation
process. This is one of the most common instances of yeast
related headaches. In 2007, Dr. Hennie van Vuuren, well
known for his studies at the University of British
Colombia's Wine Research Centre, published his work with
the genetically modified yeast known as ML01(2).
Van Vuuren initiated the work because of his own headaches
that he traced to red wine, and expended his efforts to
finding the cause and engineering a yeast to remove the
triggering compound. His efforts may take time to bear
fruit, as "Wineries are hesitant to disclose the use of
genetic enhancement due to public outcry", he said in an
interview(3).
The fear is that wineries would find their products
boycotted because of the genetic modification. The question
is why it should be acceptable for genetically modified
insulin to be used in the treatment of diabetes, yet
unacceptable for migraine sufferers to alleviate their
symptoms by drinking genetically modified wine.
A study conducted over a three year period questioned
migraine patients about triggers. 28% reported sensitivity
to beer, and another 11.8% to red wine (but not white wine,
a different type of fermentation being used in these than
in the red or in beer.) Nevertheless, anecdotally, when I
was tested for food sensitivity, white wine, rather than
red, was implicated as a slight problem for me.
Yeast is the culprit in many health problems, including
female complaints which are often linked to migraines as
well. Candida is the yeast in question, and a study done by
the Immogenics corporation (which offers full range allergy
testing called NOVO) found that the most common triggers
for migraine sufferers were sugar (68%) and yeast (65%) -
and that fully a third were sensitive to Candida(4).
Although wine is enjoyable, and red wine in moderation is
said to be beneficial for health, it's not an essential
dietary component, so well worth a trial exclusion period
to see if there is any change in your migraines.
References:
(1) Food, Allergies and Migraine. Grant ECG, Lancet, May 5,
1979;966-969. 37344
(2) Hennie J.J. van Vuuren , ML01, Am. J. Enol. Vitic.
58:1:42-52 (2007)
(3) ML01, Dr. Hennie van Vuuren Interview at
http://reignofterroir.com/2008/03/11/ml01-dr-hennie-van-vuur
en-interview/
(4) Migraines: NOVO has Food for Thought
----------------------------------------------------
Joy Healey qualified as a nutritionist in 2000, at the
prestigious Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London.
To read more articles on migraine and food intolerance,
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http://www.StopTheMigraineMadness.com
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