Joel Fuhrman - Eat To Live

168 Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

Headache Sufferers Rejoice

Recurrent headaches are not much different. They are almost always

the result of nutritional folly and. like other reasons that keep doc-

tors' offices busy, are completely avoidable.

The relationship between food triggers and migraines has been

the subject of much debate, with varying results from medical re-

searchers. Headache specialists such as Seymour Diamond, director

of the Diamond Headache Clinic of Columbus Hospital, report that

about 30 percent of patients can identify food triggers.^59

My experience in treating migraine and severe-headache pa-

tients with a more comprehensive nutritional approach has shown

that 90 to 95 percent of patients are able to remain headache-free af-

ter the first three-month period. These patients avoid common mi

graine triggers, but also in the healing phase they adhere to a strict

natural-food vegan diet of primarily fruits and vegetables rich in nat-

ural starches like potatoes and brown rice. These patients must avoi

ail packaged and processed foods, which are notorious for containing

hidden food additives, even though they are not disclosed on the la-

bels. They also avoid all added salt.

I believe I obtain such impressive results not merely because of

avoiding triggers but because the patient becomes healthier and is

able to process toxins more effectively. Additionally, when animal-

product consumption is significantly lowered or removed from the

diet, the liver is not faced with breaking down this heavy toxic load

and can perform its normal detoxification function more effectively.

Very often in the initial phase of my program, when patients are

on a diet with a lower level of tissue irritants, a headache will be pre-

cipitated. In other words, it is possible that the patient will initially

feel worse, not better. I encourage such patients not to take medica-

tion during this initial phase, if at all possible. Instead, use a cold

washcloth draped over the forehead and lie down in a dark room

and rest. The prescribed diet, very low in sodium and animal protein,

resolves the headaches in the large majority of patients. If it does not,

not all is lost, because some fasting usually clears up the problem in

most of the remaining headache sufferers.^4 "

My patients begin by following a diet along the lines of the one

described on page 170. They are instructed not to take any medica-

tion after the first week; after that time they are encouraged to con-

trol their pain with ice, hot showers, and pressure bands. They will