Headaches

Virtually everyone gets a headache at one time or another. Headaches are as common – and as difficult to cure – as the comon cold and flu. Common causes of headaches include stress; tension; anxiety; allergies; constipation; coffee consumption; eye strain; hunger; sinus pressure; muscle tension; hormonal imbalances; temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome; trauma to the head; nutritional deficiencies; the use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco; fever; and exposure to irritants such as pollution, perfume, or after-shave lotions. Headache experts estimate that about 90 percent of all headaches are tension headaches and 6 percent are migraines. Migraines result from a disturbance in the blood circulation in the head. Headaches can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. People who suffer from frequent headaches may be reacting to certain foods and food additives, such as wheat, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sulfites, sugar, hot dogs, lucheon meats, dairy products, nuts, citric acid, fermented foods (cheeses, sour cream, yoghurt), alcohol, vinegar, and/or marinated foods.