If someone were to have persistent dull headaches that seem to be
alleviated at times by eating, what types of nutrients may be lacking
in the system?  If the person is underweight by about 5-6 pounds,
could this be an issue?

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Clarification of Question by 8675309-ga on 17 Dec 2003 22:16 PST

By the way, I already know about lack of carbs and headaches.

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Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 18 Dec 2003 04:32 PST

Has the person in question been checked for hypoglycemia?

-- Missy

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Clarification of Question by 8675309-ga on 18 Dec 2003 11:40 PST

Missy -

No, the person has not been tested for that.

Thanks to the rest of you for the additional comments!

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Request for Question Clarification by missy-ga on 18 Dec 2003 12:33 PST

HG was the first thing that came to mind when I saw your question this
morning, as my husband and I are both hypoglycemic - he more so than
I.  If he's dumb about eating, he gets the headache, and if he ignores
it, he passes out.  It's fairly easy to manage (really just requires
some common sense about eating), but not something to self diagnose.

Your first step should be to get him/her in to see the doc and get
tested.  Typically, a glucose tolerance test is called for, which
requires that the patient drink a high glucose solution, then have
blood drawn at intervals.  If hypoglycemia is indicated, s/he will
probably have to get a few additional blood tests to screen for
pre-diabetic conditions.

These ought to help explain HG a bit:

HYPOGLYCEMIA
http://www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/hypoglycemia.html

Hypoglycemic Headache
http://www.emedmag.com/html/pre/tri/0502.asp

Low blood glucose (Hypoglycemia)
http://www.healthykhana.com/dcshortterm.htm

...and this discusses the glucose tolerance test:

Glucose tolerance test
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003466.htm

Hope that helps.  Please make sure your friend (or you!) gets in to
see the doc ASAP!

--Missy

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Clarification of Question by 8675309-ga on 22 Dec 2003 10:01 PST

Thanks for the info!

Hi there -

I just want to comment that headaches can be caused by lots of things.
 The relief tied to food consumption could point to low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia, as Missy noted), dehydration, low electrolytes (salts
like sodium and potassium), and so on.  It's unlikely that any of us
will be able to specifically diagnose which exact nutrient or other
quality in the food is relieving the headache - your best bet is to
talk it over with your doctor.

In the meantime, these links may help (gathered from MEDLINEplus.gov,
the US National Library of Medicine consumer health website at
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/headache.html):

FamilyDoctor.org Self-care Flowcharts: Headaches
http://familydoctor.org/502.xml

National Headache Foundation: Diet and Headache
http://www.headaches.org/consumer/topicsheets/diet_headache.html
This page is really about what foods can CAUSE a headache, rather than
why food might alleviate the symptoms of headache.

If you've done an internet search for "food and headache" you've
probably discovered that food can be a trigger for migraines, whether
because of allergy or some other sensitivity to an ingredient in the
food (MSG, nitrates, etc.).  However, I've had trouble finding
information on food solving a headache, other than the hypoglycemia
issue noted above.

Good luck!

- librariankt

I don't know if the following helps you but this is what I found
regarding Calcium supplements taken by PMS patients.

http://www.n2naturalhealth.com/migraine/resources/art_migraine_alive.php

"Calcium and Vitamin D 
Calcium levels fluctuate with hormonal changes during the menstrual
cycle, and absorption is enhanced by vitamin D. Investigators in
Belgium found that calcium supplements alleviated headache symptoms in
PMS. "

Hi,

Persistant dull headaches can be caused by so many things. Guessing
what the causes are won't help - it might be a food allergy, sinus
pressure - the chewing actually might help a little - some dietary
imbalance or so very many other things...

As Missy suggested, the best thing is to go see a doctor. There's no
need to suffer when there are so many good ways to make it better!

They're lucky to have a friend as concerned as you.

Regards,

bcguide-ga

Caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches too! Many post-surgical
headaches have now been attributed to the fact that patients have been
fasting-no coffee of colas! A dose of ACP (Aspirin, caffeine, and
phenacetin) cures the headache. Many patients who fast 10-12 hours for
blood tests get relief from a caffeine-withdrawal headache, upon
drinking a cup of coffee after having blood drawn.

8675309,

When I moved from Washington State to Las Vegas, Nevada, I got the
type of headaches you described daily, until I realized I needed one
simple nutrient: Water.  I doubt this is your problem, but it's easy
to find out.  Next time you have a headache like this, drink a couple
large glasses of water.  If it's a dehydration headache, you'll feel
better in less than 30 minutes.

~~Cynthia

could be your hormones, sometimes the hormones decide they are going
to raise causing migranes. Treatable with large doses of ibuprophen
800 MG usually for five days.
Spinnster