Val_ wrote on Nov 16th, 2009 at 7:32pm:interesting discussion on food triggers.
One thing that I might add - just because you haven't read an article doesn't makes mean something does not exist, the same as experiencing something once doesn't make a trigger the new
"rule"...
on that note, however, I knew I had a few articles that broached the subject when I was reading this post. I do have the peer-reviewed article written in a journal on CH.
"...cluster headache is reliably triggered by alcohol, histamine, and nitrates" and it goes on to talk about the fact that nitroglycerin triggers as well, the fact that we don't know about the correlation of the great number of smokers that have CH, or why O2 works. The article discusses the fact that there are so many unknowns. They Can't say why or what about so many things!!! So few tests done, so little money put into it. It is just so harsh to say if it isn't written up, it isn't!!
An example - they are now coming out with articles that state that migraine triggers aren't the chocolates, caffeine, and stress that people once thought - but the Change in the amount that people get from one day to the next. And this is being realized after Many more studies into migraines than will ever be done on CH!!
Anyway, here is the info for the article that touches on food trigger (nitrates) and CH.
Val
Cluster headache: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and managementArne May
Lancet 2005; 366: 843–55
The blurb I quoted referenced this at the bottom in case you'd rather look up the source than read an overview of CH to get to the source:
8) Sjaastad O, ed. Cluster headache syndrome. London:WB Saunders, 1992.
I read the overview first, and I must say it was quite good. I found it very informative. I've tried location Ottar Sjaastad's text, but it seems to be a book and therefore not available without purchase.
In any case I noted the distinction you pointed out. In earlier texts I've read they have tended to just say nitroglycerine, and not nitrates. Now, nitrates are available in some foods so in that I stand corrected. I would really like to read the article, because it's not really clear what amounts they are talking about. Are they talking about amounts small enough that you could get a response from for example bacon.
Still, it does seem that I could be wrong about the nitrates. Good stuff this overview. I didn't like the section where it almost sounded like a degenerative condition. Last section on p846 and continued to the end on 847, before the section "Diagnosis".
About your comment on the requirement of some scientific results indicating one way or another:
It is extremely important for me with the studies. (I think it should be for all.) If you open the door to snakeoil, the snakeoil will be produced - and in quantities. However, this should of course be combined with an open mind and openness to new ideas/research.
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