People’s Pharmacy: Diet change stopped headaches

Two years ago, I was getting headaches every day for several months. I visited five different doctors, but none had a clue as to the reason, and they weren’t any help.

I then read about a lady who had written to you. She said her headaches stopped when she stopped eating wheat, oats, barley and rye. The next day I quit, and so did the headaches. Other readers with chronic headaches should try not eating gluten and see if it helps.

Migraine headaches are an often-unrecognized symptom of celiac disease. People with this condition cannot tolerate the protein gluten that is found in the grains wheat, barley and rye. Because celiac disease damages the intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption, it puts people at higher risk for osteoporosis, dementia and some cancers. Other symptoms can include digestive difficulties, itchy skin rashes, neuropathies, anemia and fatigue. If you think you may have celiac disease, you should ask your doctor about a test.

As a 63-year-old female, I have to eat lots of fruits, vegetables and grains to stay regular. When I travel, I have a problem with constipation. What is the easiest and best way to stay regular when your schedule and diet are disrupted?

Getting enough fresh fruit and vegetables to stay regular can be a challenge while traveling, especially if you are in a part of the world where gastrointestinal infections are common. We suggest taking your fiber with you, in Metamucil packets or something similar. Sugarless gum also is easy to pack and is surprisingly effective.

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon is an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition. https://www.peoplespharmacy.com.