You would think by now that the migraine headache syndrome would be completely resolved since it has been studied throughout history and produced a long list of remedies and cures. Babylonian writings dating back to 3000 BC described migraines in detail as well as papyrus scrolls from around 1550 BC that gave detailed accounts that are remarkably similar to what modern migraine sufferers describe.
The Egyptians may have realized the mechanics of a migraine because they believed that relief could be provided to the headache sufferer by compressing the scalp and collapsing the blood vessels that were causing the pain. Aside from compressing the scalp, the idea of collapsing (constricting) blood vessels is the purpose of triptans (i.e. Imitrex, Relpax, Maxalt, etc.) used today to abort migraines.
Today there are still many different ideas about why some people get migraines. For thousands of years it has been known that there is a hereditary connection and within this decade much work has been done to identify and name the actual genes of the DNA that are attributed to migraines.
When we look at the chemical process involved in a migraine, we turn our attention to a substance called CGRP which oozes from the inner walls of the tiny blood vessels intertwined with the trigeminal nerve in the head. CGRP makes the vessels expand and puts pressure on the nerve endings, all of which is felt as the pain of a migraine headache.
It appears that when certain cells containing the migraine gene receive directives from what are called hormone messengers they somehow signal the production of CGRP. Since how the nucleus of a cell works is still unknown, understanding how this process works remains a mystery. Migraine Defense was developed as a way to lessen the negative effect of this process and therefore work to prevent migraines.
Outside forces called "migraine triggers" can also start the production of CGRP and cause migraines. This appears to happen most often when there is an increase in the level of nitric oxide and/or tyramine in the body. Therefore, whatever can be done to keep either of these from increasing can help to reduce the number of migraine occurrences.
Many of the products people use daily may be triggering migraines. These include medications, health products such as probiotics, dietary supplements, HRT, and even many of the products recommended by naturalists and homeopathics that do not understand migraines.
At Tuliv, we often ask our clients to provide us with the brand names of any products they take so that we can investigate and see if any contain substances that may cause the generation of CGRP. In doing so we are not only helping that individual but we are providing information that can help you and others.
Since it is the goal of Tuliv to help those who suffer from migraines have a better life, in the coming weeks Tuliv will introduce new "Migraine Safe" products.
