Chronic migraine sufferer reveals swapping the type of white wine she drinks has CURED her – after discovering she had an intolerance to Chardonnay grapes
- Alex Deliou, 31, began experiencing debilitating cluster headaches 8 years ago
- Retail manager from Leeds said strong painkillers failed to reduce her agony
- Food intolerance test she discovered she has sensitivity to Chardonnay grapes
- Since swapping to different white wine, symptoms have completely disappeared
- Biochemist Dr Gill Hart warns food intolerances can trigger piercing migraines
A woman who suffered debilitating migraines has revealed how switching the type of wine she drinks cured her headaches – as she discovered she had a intolerence to Chardonnay grapes.
Alex Deliou, 31, from Leeds, began experiencing chronic cluster headaches eight years ago, with even the strongest painkillers failing to reduce her agony.
The retail manager said they were brought on when she drank just one glass of wine and were often so acute she struggled to see clearly or speak.
But after a food intolerance test, she discovered she has a sensitivity to Chardonnay grapes – the fruit used in her favourite tipple.
Alex Deliou, 31, from Leeds, began experiencing debilitating cluster headaches eight years ago, with even the strongest painkillers failing to reduce her agony
After swapping to a different white wine, her symptoms have since completely disappeared.
She told FEMAIL: ‘At no point did I suspect wine was the cause of my awful migraines because I was never drinking to excess.
‘The pain was often so severe I’d be unable to see clearly or speak coherently. I was obviously getting worried something more serious was at play, like anyone would be.
‘I never put two and two together that Chardonnay grapes were the issue.
‘It’s definitely something other migraine sufferers need to be aware of.’
Retail manager Alex said her migraines were often so acute she struggled to see clearly or speak
The test also revealed Alex has a mild intolerance to yeast, so she usually sticks to gin these days if she goes out – and claims she feels absolutely fine afterwards.
It’s thought around six million people in the UK suffer migraines – a severe headache felt as a throbbing pain in the side of the head.
The condition made headlines earlier this week after the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said a revolutionary new migraine drug – Erenumab – would not be made available to NHS patients outside Scotland.
That decision has been roundly attacked by charities, with The Migraine Trust labelling it a ‘very bad day for chronic migraine patients’.
But identifying hidden food sensitivities could be an alternative method of battling migraines, according to biochemist Dr Gill Hart.
A food intolerance test discovered Alex has a sensitivity to Chardonnay grapes – the fruit used in her favourite tipple
Dr Hart, scientific director with food intolerance testing firm YorkTest Laboratories, says bad reactions to certain ingredients typically manifest as bloating, diarrhoea or constipation.
Yet intolerances can also cause fatigue, anxiety, skin problems – and migraines.
She explains: ‘When food particles enter the bloodstream, the immune system can sometimes identify these food protein particles as foreign invaders.
‘Your body produces antibodies to attack this problem food, which in turn causes inflammation.
After swapping to a different white wine, Alex’s migraines have since completely disappeared
‘The most common reactions caused by this inflammation include things such as irritable bowel syndrome or constipation.
‘But for a large number of people it may also manifest as headaches and migraines.
‘And we’ve seen many long term migraine sufferers who’ve been able to ease their symptoms by identifying their “trigger” foods and changing their diets accordingly.
More than just a headache…
According to charity The Migraine Trust, migraine is the most common and disabling neurological disorder in the UK.
It affects one in seven people, and is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined.
A migraine – which is thought to be an inherited ailment – is more than just a headache.
Frightening symptoms can also include disturbed vision, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, feeling sick and vomiting.
‘The prevention of migraines can be problematic. It’s important sufferers realise how diet can play a role, particularly for those where medicines are not eliminating the issue.’
Dr Hart and the YorkTest Laboratories team uses a blood test to identify what’s known as ‘IgG antibodies’, which are produced in response to a problem food.
She adds: ‘Food intolerance test results shouldn’t be seen as a ‘diagnosis’, but simply a “food road map”, giving you an accurate guide to your optimal diet.
‘It overrides the guesswork on what works for and against your body.
‘Research has shown that when people who suffer with migraines follow tailored diets to eliminate trigger foods, their symptoms significantly improve.
‘However, migraine trigger foods aren’t a “one size fits all” situation. Each person needs to establish their own specific combination of triggers.
‘You should always seek a programme that includes nutritional support that includes personalised guidance on replacing eliminated foods with nutritious alternatives.
‘This is especially important for children.’
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