It is getting to be that time of the year when we enjoy more of our leisure time outdoors or at least we want others to think that we do. And what better way is there to let them know we appear to be having time to have fun in the sun, than a nice tan?
Many people today who don't have the time or inclination to actually get a tan in the sun turn to artificial methods to do the same thing in less time. Tanning beds, booths, and spray tan systems have been popular for quite some time. Another "tanning" way to get a tan is to use one of the sunless self-tanning products available for use in the privacy of your home.
Using a self-tanning lotion to get a tanned look is generally not a problem for most people. However, for those suffering from migraines, it can be a totally different experience – within 24 hours of use, these products can produce extreme headaches for migraineurs [name used to describe those who suffer from migraines].
"Because these headaches can start several hours after applying the self-tanning lotion, many migraineurs may not be making the association between the two events", says Lyle Henry, Research Director for the Prevention of Migraines at Tuliv Ltd. formally Christian Body Research Foundation.
"During this time of year, even our own migraine-free clients using our Migraine Defense product will call us complaining of what we call a "break-through headache". One of the first question we ask is whether or not they are using a self-tanning product. If so, we suggest they stop using it immediately and their headaches will stop. They call back in a couple of days to thank us as they are once again migraine-free."
"Our research to discover why some of these products can have this negative effect on migraineurs has shown that they contain specific amino acids that we have identified as problematic for migraines, two of which are L-tyrosine and L-arginine," adds Mr. Henry, in his explanation of the migraine syndrome. You can read more about the migraine syndrome on his blog at Tuliv.blogspot.com.
L-tyrosine is a nonessential (the body can produce it on its own) amino acid that is important to the structure of almost all proteins in the body. It is also the precursor of several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which, explains Mr. Henry, may be the reason it is also found in many protein drinks. However, when L-tyrosine is applied directly to the skin it is converted by the skin cells into melanin, the dark pigment that protects the body against the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, i.e. tanning of the skin is a natural way to protect us from the sun.
L-tyrosine and L-arginine both cause an increase in the production and levels of nitric oxide in the body which is the essential culprit that causes the pain in the headache during a migraine.
If you are a migraine sufferer, the next time you think about making your body look tanned ask yourself, is tanning the skin worth the pain in the head? It may be better to stay pale, than to have another migraine headache. Besides, the latest Hollywood fashion trend appears to be on the pale side.
Don't give up - your migraines can be prevented. Read More
No comments:
New comments are not allowed.