Wheat intolerance causes a complex range of symptoms and conditions due to its effects on the gastrointestinal system. When you think of a person being allergic to something, you may picture someone having hives or an itchy rash. In the case of wheat intolerance, the effects are more widespread and serious. Celiac disease is a condition in which an individual is hypersensitive to the presence of gluten found in wheat and other grains. It can cause a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms, including migraines, depression and other neurological issues.
Wheat and Gluten Intolerance
The primary trigger with wheat allergies is the presence of the protein gluten, which is also found in rye and barley. Its presence triggers an autoimmune response in the body. Typically, an immune response attempts to limit the effects of a foreign body or disease-causing micro-organism. In this case, the autoimmune response causes tissue damage in the small intestine that may lead to further health issues, including migraines. The cause lies in the effect of the damage on nutrient absorption.
Nutrient Malabsorption
With the health of the inner lining of the small intestine compromised, the body's ability to absorb nutrients is impaired. This is especially critical because most absorption occurs in this organ. Nutrient deficiencies explain the wide range of symptoms associated with gluten intolerance. Two specific nutrients have been identified as possible preventatives and treatments for migraines. A 2009 study by the New York Headache Center found that magnesium effectively prevented and treated migraines. The nutritional basis for migraine prevention is further supported by a 2009 study by the University of Bologna in Italy that identified riboflavin as an effective treatment. Malabsorption due to wheat tolerance may increase your risk of migraines.
Prevalence
To support the link between celiac disease and migraines, a look at the statistics provides compelling evidence. According to the National Headache Foundation, about 12 percent of Americans suffer from migraines. A comparison with figures from a 2009 study by the University of Marburg in Germany shows that confirmed celiac disease patients suffered a greater incidence of migraines, with 28 percent reporting a medical history of this neurological disorder.
Preventing Migraines
Prevention is the first step in dealing with migraines. By following a gluten-free diet, you can help prevent the nutrient deficiencies that can make you vulnerable to experiencing migraines. It can also allow you to maximize your absorption of these healthy foods for additional prevention measures. A migraine can last 4 to 72 hours. If you can prevent an occurrence, you can save yourself hours of discomfort. Adequate nutrient intake provides an effective and cost-efficient way to minimize your risk.
References
- Celiac Disease Foundation: Celiac Disease Symptoms
- Celiac Disease Foundation: What Happens with Celiac Disease
- "Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics"; Role of Magnesium in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Migraine; C. Sun-Edelstein and A. Mauskop; March 2009
- "Journal of Headache and Pain"; Riboflavin Prophylaxis in Pediatric and Adolescent Migraine; M. Condò, et al.; October 2009
- National Headache Foundation: American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study Fact Sheet
- "Movement Disorders"; Neurological Symptoms in Patients with Biopsy Proven Celiac Disease; K. Bürk, et al.; December 2009
