Monday, March 21, 2011

Carnitine and Migraines.

I've had a history of migraines since third grade, but with good eating, exercise, meditation and wariness, i've got a pretty good routine to prevent them without medicine (though i keep Imitrex injections for when they do happen.) However, since "going vegan" (a phrase i find myself uncomfortable with, as well as being told i "am" vegan. I'm just a person experimenting with nutrition.) i've had a growing, dull headache that i can usually dispel with a good meal and/or a nap.
At the moment, though, this headache is turning into something of a migraine. I feel like i might be nutritionally deprived. So, i've done some digging, and have found this page (and blog:)
http://www.vegan-supplement-checklist.com/2008/10/l-carnitine.html
It seems that carnitine (an amino acid) deficiency can cause low blood sugar, which can then cause a migraine (at least for me.) This is because it is directly involved in the use of dietary fats and proteins to make energy, and build lean muscle. So, though my new whole proteins contain good amounts of amino acids (the nutritional yeast most notably has a list of how much of each per serving) and the ones synthesized into L-Carnitine, they don't contain notable amounts of carnitine itself. Though i eat plenty of proteins now, (beans, soy, peanuts, hemp seed, lentils, etc) and avocado (loves me avocado on a sandwich) they don't contain nearly the same amounts of carnitine that a steak would (or the lunch meant turkey i was previously addicted to.)
So, i suppose i am going to go get some carnitine supplements at the store tomorrow, and see if it helps my headache and energy levels. On that note, i truly should begin taking down a food diary, to less blindly evaluate what my body needs more of.
Anyway, to my newer followers, thanks for finding an interest in my prattling! I know I enjoy yours (just kidding, you don't prattle.)

24 comments:

  1. I also often had headaches, for me it helped to drink lots of water and lay down for an hour.

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  2. I'm experimenting with nutrition too but i won't give up my meat :P

    got another follower :)

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  3. migraines are the worse- do you build up tolerance since you get them regularly?

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  4. tolerance? are you kidding?
    Well... i suppose you might, as you know what the feeling is like, but that doesn't make them any less painful. I also get confused, delirious, and see things, so they're not really easy to deal with.

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  5. Interesting. My ex-gf suffered from migraines for a long time too. I don't remember how she got them to go away. Good luck with your new found solution, let us know how it goes!

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  6. The few headaches that I get (from sleep deprivation) usually put me down for the whole day. I can't imagine what frequent migraines must be like; you must have a pretty high pain threshold.

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  7. Gosh, I hate migraines. Keep us updated on everything! Good luck!

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  8. Interesting post mate, I've suffered from migraines since childhood exercise helps but unfortunately I think we are just going to have to suffer through

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  9. man, seriously try it out with the pills. I have almost the exact same problem as you and I've been wondering what it is for years. It's been getting worse lately too so I've been debating going to a doctors but if it's a nice simple fix like you've found that that could be the easier option, and cheaper :P

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  10. Caffeine is my headache fix, works better then any over the counter drug for me anyways

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  11. Ahh migraines suck! I hate them worst type of pain!

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  12. i solve headaches by napping, usually a good reset button

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  13. I'm thankful I've never be afflicted with migraines. What are other causes for them besides dietary deficiency?

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  14. I could never not have meat in my diet. I'm also a "Caffeine fixes everything" promoter.

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  15. I'm interested in at least eating vegetarian if not vegan, as well. I haven't started and I'm actually underweight so I don't have a serious health need to do it but I've heard people just generally feel better.

    you should make a post about some of your favorite recipes to give me an idea of where to start. the only pure vegan stuff I do now are usually Amy's indian food (which I love!)

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  16. Aspirin plus coke. thats what I take often

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  17. Fucking gate migraine -.-

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  18. Hmm ive had some terrible migraines this year, interesting stuff!

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  19. Very interesting. I find that I can't explain my headaches either. It might be along these lines. Good info!

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  20. Im pretty sure the headaches is you gaining some of you Vegan psychic powers.

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  21. Shit, I thought the migraines I used to get were bad, but if you're seeing things/become delirious, holy shit.

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  22. warlockparty's comment made me actually laugh out loud.

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