One major class of migraine medications, called triptans, are believed to work by mimicking serotonin in the body, effectively binding with the serotonin receptors of the blood vessels and sensory nerves feeding the brain which can calm the symptoms of a migraine headache. However, this effect is short-lived, as this class of mediation – which includes drugs like Imitrex/sumatriptan, Maxalt/rizatritan, Amerge/naratriptan, Zomig/zolmitriptan and Axert/almotriptan – only tricks the brain into thinking there is more serotonin than there actually is for a short period of time, setting a person up for rebound headaches and/or other migraines in the future.
The real solution to eliminating migraine headaches is to provide the body with the proper blend of amino acids and cofactors to optimize neurotransmitter function. Doing so eliminates the neurotransmitter imbalance(s) that can cause migraines, providing an effective alternative to triptan medications.
This brings up an interesting question on whether amino acids can cause headaches/migraines to begin with. It is true that neurotransmitter imbalance(s) can cause migraines/headaches (as well as a whole host of other disorders); it is also true that taking amino acids in the improper proportions can cause or exacerbate neurotransmitter imbalance(s), so it is conceivable that amino acids can cause migraines/headaches if taken improperly. This is one of the reasons why working with a health care provider trained in the proper use of amino acid therapy is so important – so you can achieve the exact-right blend of amino acids and cofactors needed to achieve proper neurotransmitter function as quickly, and as safely as possible.
I have been grasping at straws for years, trying to narrow the triggers for headaches. I just started taking a complete amino, but had to half it – as a whole one was causing headaches. I am still getting them, but I think I am very, very sensitive to additives, preservatives, chemicals, etc; & have to read labels constantly, weeding out any suspect ingredients. I’m hoping that eventually with balancing out my nutrients and in the right amount(s) will smooth everything over & I can stop migraine/aspirin all together. Am also weening myself off of Sumatriptan because I don’t want to live on pain pills forever, if I don’t have to. Thank you for any response.
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for your comment; there is a very high likelihood that you can significantly improve and/or eliminate your migraines using properly balanced amino acid therapy. To learn more, please visit: http://naturalsolutionsformigraines.com/ –
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
I have always had same problem. My recent peptide purchase which has amino acids set off a 4 day migraine experience. I’ve all but given up on using any thing with amino acids which really is detrimental to my training
HI Eddie,
Thanks for sharing your experience. If you are prone to migraines, it is possible that a neurotransmitter imbalance exists. However, it also sounds like the products/formulations you have used in the past have not provided you the proper balance of amino acids (and/or cofactors) to optimize neurotransmitter function. Many people need a very specific amount of individual amino acids to achieve optimal neurotransmitter function. Luckily, there is testing available to provide guidance. For more information, please see: http://www.amino-acid-therapy.com and/or http://www.naturalsolutionsformigraines.com.
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
I’ve had head-aches as long as I can remember, usually not localized, sometimes with fever. Only strong Aspirin (2*2 500 mg) could suppress it. I tried to identify food allergies but never found a cause, until I heard from my brother that his MD had told him to quit cheese but not for 2 weeks like with allergies, but at least 6 weeks as this was an accumulation of an amino that is normally used by our bodies, but cheese (the fungus ) produces way to much for us. Most individuals don’t have problems with the access, but I do. It takes a lot longer then 2 weeks to use up the excess, before symptoms fade away. I had to turn 50 (2002) to find it out…. I never ever get these type of head-aches, I never need Aspirin again.
I tried to see if my Ketogenic life-style had resolved this accumulation but after about eight months the symptoms slowly returned. I always loved cheese so I really miss it and I can still handle an occasional portion when not eating at home, but I really cherish never having pain anymore so it is a small price to pay for that.
Hi Herman – thanks for sharing your experience! Have you found any other foods that seem to cause you distress?
Sincerely,
Dr Chad