What Causes Cluster Headache

What it is

What Causes Cluster Headaches

This is where the discussion on Cluster Headaches gets the most controversial. Cluster Headache Syndrome is indeed a Hypothalamus issue. BUT, my personal findings are that it has less to do with our Circadian Rhythm versus our Endocrine System. Not only is the Hyopthalamus an integral part of the Central Nervous System, but it also regulates processes of the Endocrine System and is also regarded as an organ of the Limbic System. THIS is the key to what I find as the most successful treatment options.

A healthy brain and hypothalamus requires B vitamins, Magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, iodine, selenium, manganese, and potassium to function properly. Some research studies show that iron and vitamin D are the most common deficiencies in the United States, followed by calcium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin C, and folic acid. However, other research says in fact, nearly 98% of all adults in the US are not meeting the daily intake recommendations for potassium. You can see the conflict in studies here, the first set of studies do not even mention Potassium(see FAQ). Also, please note that your brain is composed of 60% cholesterol, it is a very necessary part of your diet. Another issue to consider is the actual absorption of the Vitamins and Minerals you consume and WHAT may be affecting this(see FAQ). The final pieces of the puzzle are Salt and WATER! Proper hydration of the body is the most important part, so as to allow your hypothalamus to regulate your endrocrine system and mineral balance properly.

When the above needs are met, your blood is thin and oxygenated allowing your body to function efficiently. BUT, when not operating correctly, your blood carries less oxygen in it, your brain and body screams for more blood and vasodilation occurs. BINGO, we have found the problem. When vasodilation occurs, it affects blood pressure as well as heart rate, and this is not even the big problem. It also places great pressure on the Trigeminal nerve, Occipital nerve and other areas in your head and face cauing the intense pain known as a Cluster Headache!!

It is my personal belief that the Circadian Rhythm issue appears AFTER the malnutrition of our hypothalmus and mineral imbalance. This will require more and larger studies to investigate as to whether this is a Cause or Symptom of the problem. Studies have shown that vitamin D levels lag the solar cycle, peaking in August and troughing in February, which could easily explain the cyclical nature of CH. The d3 levels combined with dietary changes that naturally occur in a similar pattern could provide insight on this as well. When d3 falls, your absorption of Calcuim also falls, which affects your body's ability to utilize magnesium, which in turn hampers the ability to use the salt and water you consume. Do you see a pattern yet? The vasodilation commonly occurs at the REM sleep cycle when brain activity is heightened and the need for oxygen increases. Ever heard of a tension headache occurring when thinking or working intensely, we MAY have found the answer to this as well.

I feel now is a good time to mention merely taking high doses of the minerals I have outlined is NOT a solution, mineral balance is what is needed here. Having greater than necessary levels of certian nutrients affects how other nutrients may be absorbed or utilized. Zinc is a great example, while it is a very necessary mineral for your immune system to function, taking more than 40 mg a day actually begins to lessen your immune system. Another example would be Calcium. Calcium and Magnesium intakes influence each other's absorption; a high calcium intake may decrease magnesium absorption, and a low magnesium intake may increase calcium absorption. Another concern I have is chemicals and preservatives in our diet affecting our body and it's ability to regulate itself properly. Again, BALANCE is the key to our health problems so prevalent today.

A number of recent studies have found that Gluten is linked to celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. All of these conditions affect your ability to absorb nutrients in general. I am not saying you need a gluten free diet, but the conditions I have mentioned have been found in up to 10% of the population at large. Other studies have hinted at up to 30%, I have chosen to let you do your own research on this topic, the water is very "muddy".

"YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT"

The above are my personal findings, for other opinions, please follow links below.

Links

Medical News Today article Cluster Headache cause.

Healthline article on Cluster Headache cause.

Medline Plus (NIH) article Cluster Headache.

Mayo Clinic about Causes and Treatment Cluster Headache.

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