Despite the negative responses of some in the medical profession, those of us who suffer from both migraine headaches and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are beginning to believe these ailments may be connected. There are several reasons for this suspicion. Migraines and IBS share common symptoms and activators. The nervous systems governing the locations of symptoms are physically connected. Even the approach to relief of one ailment leads to relief of the other.
The first clue that migraines and IBS are related is that migraine headaches also usually present themselves with abdominal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is often accompanied by a headache and/or mild depression. Children who experience migraine seldom present headaches but colic and other abdominal disorders. Despite all this, migraines are often treated as vascular occurrences in the head and most medications for migraines focus on the headache aspects of the ailment. Similarly, IBS medications tend to focus on the abdominal complaints of sufferers, not the other symptoms.
The things which activate migraines also activate IBS symptoms. For example stress, certain foods like chocolate, and beverages like caffeine or alcohol can all activate or exacerbate symptoms of both migraines and IBS. Doctors have been recommending a diet free of tannin containing foods like chocolate and red wine for years for migraine sufferers. If migraines are all in the head, then why this food connection? Likewise, if IBS is all in the gut, then why should stress, a mental condition, affect it? Food allergens have also been noted to cause attacks of either condition.
We have a nervous system in our gut or abdomen – also known as the Enteric Nervous System or ENS – that has as many nerves and neurotransmitting chemicals as the brain in our head – also known as the Central Nervous System or CNS. In fact, 95% of our body’s serotonin is produced in the gut! Serotonin is the neurotransmitting chemical that makes us feel good. Perhaps IBS is accompanied by headache and depression because the manufacture of serotonin is upset during an attack of IBS. A lack of serotonin has also been implicated in migraine by some researchers.
The ENS developed early in man’s evolution because the gut needed to act independently from the brain in times of emergency - like attack from wild animals or hostile tribes. The CNS would be occupied with the necessary strategy and let the rest of the body take care of itself. The ENS would often eliminate undigested food, freeing energy needed by the parasympathetic nervous system (the fight or flight system) so it could act accordingly. As mankind evolved nerves connected the ENS to the CNS. Researchers have found that one of these connecting nerves, the trigeminal (or fifth cranial nerve) is irritated by food allergens.
Historically, migraine was always treated with diet in mind. A connection between the ENS and the CNS was noted in the early 1900’s by the scientist Johannes Langley. In the 1940’s, Edgar Cayce – considered by some to be the father of holistic medicine – advocated a clean colon in the relief of migraine. Mainstream medicine agreed. A study printed in the 16th edition of Hughes Practice of Medicine in the 1940’s showed that 30 per cent of migraine sufferers experienced total relief of symptoms after eliminating food allergens. 45 per cent showed partial relief of symptoms by avoiding food allergens. Migraine and IBS relief may be as simple as adding more fibre to the diet and avoiding food allergens.
The first thing needed to relieve oneself of the dreaded migraine or IBS attack is to cleanse the colon as much as possible. A clean colon prevents any possible impacted fecal matter from interrupting the natural muscle movements (peristalsis) of the gut wall or the gut’s production of serotonin. Increasing your fibre intake with more fresh vegetables and fruit, and whole grains cooked in their whole state is a good start in the cleansing process. Nuts and seeds are also good cleansers as are legumes. Experiment with psyllium husk – a natural bowel tonifier and cleanser. Start with a small amount and increase it gradually. Plenty of clean, fresh water and exercise will also help the cleansing process. Get a colonic if you are comfortable with the procedure.
Avoid food allergens. You will be stopping the irritation of the trigeminal nerve that leads to migraine. You will also allow the gut to eliminate waste and assimilate nutrients in an uninhibited manner, lessening the chance of an IBS attack. Wheat, corn, eggs, and dairy are the most common allergens but for some shellfish and citrus fruits should also be avoided. Testing is the best option. I find elimination diets take too long and if you have a migraine every 3-4 weeks or suffer from frequent attacks of IBS you probably want to start your program of relief sooner rather than later. Unusual allergens like onions or tomatoes often aren’t covered in an elimination diet. An Interro or Vega test gives you instant results and will help to point you in the right direction.
You might also wish to avoid stimulant foods like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, salt, and sugar as they might interfere with the workings of the muscles in your gut, leading to a minor spasm and IBS symptoms or migraine.
As more is learned about the connection between migraine and IBS I expect that the treatment of these ailments will change. I also expect that a lot of that research will stem from further studies of the ENS. Hopefully, these two ailments will be treated as one. In fact, as research becomes more specific and the causes of disease become more complex, modern medicine will begin to recognize what some of us have known all along: the body is a whole unit and works as one.
Copyright 2002, Kelly Reith BA RHN
First appeared in Vitality Magazine, April 2002.