If you have a known allergy to green peppers and you experience migraine headaches often, your allergic reaction may be the cause of your migraines. Several studies performed in the United States and England found that nearly 75 percent of all migraines are directly linked to food allergies, according to "The New York Times." Any time you have a reoccurring symptom after eating a certain food you need to call your doctor. Migraine headaches caused by green bell peppers are treatable through avoidance.
Green Bell Pepper Allergy
If you're allergic to green bell peppers, your immune system is hypersensitive to the protein in the pepper. The introduction of these proteins causes the immune system to react as if the body were under attack. Within seconds, the body begins unleashing various chemicals to defend itself and attack the green pepper proteins. These chemicals are released into your blood stream and in soft tissues in the body, causing symptoms to develop in various places. Common symptoms of a green pepper allergy include nasal congestion, shortness of breath, skin reactions, digestive complications and asthma.
The Migraine Connection
According to "The New York Times," 10 to 20 million people in the US suffer from migraine headaches. Most people who develop migraines are allergic to five or more foods. During an allergic reaction, the chemicals released by the body can affect the soft tissue in and around the brain, which leads to a migraine. A migraine headache is commonly confused with a sinus headache because they feel similar. The main difference between the two is that a migraine causes nausea, vomiting and the desire to go into a dark, quiet room, whereas sinus headaches do not.
Elimination Diet
The most effective way to identify if an allergy to green bell peppers is the cause of your migraines, is to stop eating green peppers entirely for two weeks. Keep a detailed journal that lists what foods you eat and how they affect your body. Also document whenever you experience a migraine. At the completion of the two weeks, eat a green pepper and observe how your body reacts to the introduction of the pepper. Wait three days and eat another green pepper. Share your results with your doctor.
Treatment
If diagnosed with a green pepper allergy, avoid the consumption of green bell peppers to eliminate and prevent migraine headaches from developing. If you accidentally ingest green peppers your doctor may recommend that you take an antihistamine and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen.
