Could Eggs Be Causing Your Migraine?

Most migraine sufferers will
commonly identify "Cheese, red wine
and chocolate" as the most common
culprits to cause their problem. But in
1979 a surprising study on migraine
in the renowned Lancet journal
revealed that eggs are implicated as
triggers(1).

In reality, eggs are a very common
allergen. They are also one of the
most reliable to test for - unlike some
foods, an intolerant person will return
a positive test, just like an allergic
person, if a standard food skin test is
given. Home tests are becoming

popular despite the fact that they are not always reliable.

Unfortunately, egg is contained in many products from baked produce to cake icing,
the belief that cooking renders it harmless is untrue! Children with migraines are
commonly allergic to eggs and at least two other trigger foods, and can gain relief
simply by cutting these foods out of their diet. However, as eggs are an important
source protein, they should not be excluded from the diet unless you are sure they're
causing you a problem. A food intolerance test and trial exclusion for three weeks
should give you enough evidence to have a meaningful discussion with your qualified
health professional as to whether exclusion will be beneficial.

One surprising place where egg is common is in vaccines(2). Measures have been
taken to combat exposure to egg by deriving the vaccines from embryos, but recent
developments seem to show that even the slightest exposure to chicken products of
any kind could be dangerous.

For those who are highly sensitive even inhalation could be a problem. Workers in a
confectionery factory breathing the powdered egg white used in the decorative icing
suffered asthmatic attacks, so exposure to an egg allergen is possible even if you are
avoiding eggs like the plague(3)!

Egg white can even be found in vaginal suppositories or in nappy rash ointment, and
if an allergic reaction as severe as asthma or anaphylactic shock is possible, why not
a migraine?

The sad thing about small children and food allergies is their inability to get across the
point that something is wrong. Also, misdiagnosis is common, due to the inability of
parents or doctors to accurately track symptoms.

A child who has repeatedly suffered a migraine after eating ice cream, may be allergic
to the eggs or milk in the product, so, a process of elimination is necessary to define
which is the culprit.

Eggs are such a strong allergen that many doctors advocate not serving eggs to
children under two, as once an allergen is triggered, the body can build up a memory
around it and it may cause you more grief down the line.

There are several foods that if avoided or given very sparingly can prevent a red flag
going up in a child's immune system. Eggs are a bit of a conundrum, what with the
yolk and the white - recently, studies have shown that while the yolk of the egg is
high in cholesterol, the white contains the means to combat it.

With no adverse reaction after 12 months, foods can be introduced one at a time.
Should the migraines return, it will be an indication of a major trigger, which you
should then try to avoid.

Eggs are good for you - except when they're not!

References:
(1) Grant ECG, "Food, Allergies and Migraine"; Lancet, May 5 1979;966-969
(2) Pediatrics in Review; 2006;27:118-119; © 2006 American Academy of
Pediatrics
(3) Blanco Carmona JG, Juste Picon S, Garces Sotillos M, Rodriguez Gaston P;
Occupational asthma in the confectionery industry caused by sensitivity to egg.
Allergy 1992;47(2 Pt 2):190-191
Research by Grace Alexander

About The Author

Joy Healey qualified as a nutritionist in 2000, at the prestigious Institute for Optimum
Nutrition in London. For immediate delivery of an ebook full of further
recommendations for natural, alternatives approaches to treat and prevent migraine
visit:

Could Eggs Be Causing Your Migraine?
by Joy Healey

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.