Sep 9 2010 --- Identifying a food intolerance may help combat the symptoms of migraine according to new research by YorkTest to coincide with Migraine Awareness Week (5th – 11th September 2010).

The latest findings offer hope to the six million people in the UK thought to be affected by migraines a condition that is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined. Presently, many sufferers rely on strong painkilling medication to enable them to continue with their everyday lives, when in fact eliminating problem foods from the diet could hold the key to managing their migraine symptoms.

According to new findings from York University and YorkTest, leaders in food allergy research, the removal of culprit foods as identified by food intolerance testing was found to significantly improve the symptoms of migraines and headaches.

In a sample of 5,000 food intolerance sufferers the following results were reported within three months, once participants had eliminated the problem foods from their diet. These foods were identified by the YorkTest an IgG antibodies test, commonly used by many health professionals to identify food intolerances.

*76% showed moderate to high improvement in migraine symptoms
*86% showed moderate to high improvement in headaches

Geoffrey Hardman of the University of York, co-author of the study commented: “This robust survey, the largest of its kind, gives a clear indication of the benefits that dietary change can make on some of the most common health conditions such as migraine.”

Ms Lee Tomkins, Director of national charity Migraine Action says: “As an organisation we welcome any research that may help improve the quality of life for people affected by migraine. We know from our own members that diet and certain foods can be a factor in triggering attacks and exacerbating symptoms for many. As there is no known cure for migraine, migraineurs are often looking for new ways to manage both the severity and frequency of their attacks. YorkTest may offer a new avenue for them to try, particularly for those who believe that diet is implicated in their attacks.”

TV doctor, Dr Hilary Jones says:
“For years the orthodox medical profession has neglected the role of food intolerance in ill health, this includes a range of symptoms including eczema, IBS, bloating, fatigue, migraine and many others. Science has now moved on and laboratory tests such as those provided by YorkTest Laboratories can help identify foods to which people may be sensitive.”

Food intolerance is a delayed response to certain foods and can be a debilitating condition that affects long term health and quality of life with symptoms such as IBS, bloating, tiredness, migraines and digestive complaints. It is estimated that 12 million people are living with a food intolerance, which equates to 45% of the UK population.

Sufferers often react to more than one food, which means it can be a timely process identifying which foods are causing the problems. Combating food intolerance is about identifying the foods that are making you ill and subsequently eliminating them from your diet. Currently the NHS advocates an arduous process in treating food intolerance involving an elimination diet and food diary which often proves a lengthy process.

The YorkTest is a simple finger-prick home-to-lab service, which offers a simple solution to identifying up to 113 problem ‘trigger foods’. As part of the service, the YorkTest also includes two telephone consultations with a registered nutritionist from the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy who will offer specific individual advice and help on how to incorporate the recommended diet changes. A 12 week food diary with diet tips will also be provided to help sufferers keep track of the changes they are making to their diet.