Head

HEADACHE

The term HEADACHE refers to any localized pain in the head, which can be of varying intensity and origin.

It represents the MOST COMMON PROBLEM OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, but at the same time it is ignored, under-recognized, and above all UNDERESTIMATED worldwide. It is considered to be among the top 20 health issues that can significantly worsen the quality of life.

The WHO has estimated that more than half of the adult population suffers from it at least once a year. At the global level, only a small fraction of the population receives a correct diagnosis.

DIFFERENT FORMS

DIFFERENT CAUSES

STRESS

Performance anxiety,
nerve-racking situations,
depression, difficulty concentrating.

IMPROPER NUTRITION

Preserved meats, fried foods, pre-packaged and fermented foods, foods rich in histamine and glutamate, difficult digestion.

CERVICAL

Prolonged incorrect postures, whiplash, stiffness of the muscles and joints of the head and neck.

DEHYDRATION

Hydro-saline imbalances due to insufficient water intake or excessive sweating

ABUSE OF MEDICATIONS

Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs (due to the habituation effect).

FOOD INTOLERANCES

Gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.

HORMONAL ALTERATIONS

Hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle or due to the use of oral contraceptives.

COLD

Humidity, temperature changes, exposure to air conditioning, consumption of cold substances.

SINUSITIS

Obstruction and excessive mucus secretion in the nasal cavities.

DEFICIENCIES IN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

Deficiency in particular minerals (e.g. Magnesium) or vitamins, such as vitamin D.

SLEEP

Alterations in the circadian sleep-wake rhythms.

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

Spending a long time in enclosed spaces.

3 COMBINATIONS IN SYNERGY WITH EACH OTHER

BIOSTERINE^®

The beneficial effects of Biosterine® are due to the ANTI-INFLAMMATORY and ANTIOXIDANT action of Holy Basil and Sage, which, thanks to their high rosmarinic acid content, are able to modulate the activity of cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), with an inhibitory effect as strong as that of common NSAIDs, all without causing side effects.
In addition, Holy Basil exerts a strong ANALGESIC action due to the combined peripheral inhibition of prostaglandins, histamine and acetylcholine (chemical mediators of pain).
The rosmarinic acid in the phytocomplex also has ANTI-STRESS and ADAPTOGENIC properties. It is thus useful in treating one of the most frequent causes of headaches and alleviating irritability and intolerance (to light, noise, smells, etc.) that often accompany headache episodes.

_{Kelm MA, et al. Antioxidant and cyclooxygenase inhibitory phenolic compounds from Ocimum sanctum Linn. Phytomedicine. 2000; 7:7-13}_{Lu Y & Yeap Foo L. Antioxidant activities of polyphenols from sage (Salvia officinalis). Food Chemistry 2001; 75:197-202}_{Monokesh KS, et al. Ethnomedicobotanical study on Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi) a review. MJPMS 2013; 2:37-42}_{Singh N & Abbas SS. Effect of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) in sex-related chronic fatigue syndrome (SRCFS) in young Indians J Bio Chem Sci 1995; 14:184-187}

DOLOCUR^®

DOLOCUR® is an innovative combination created by Prodeco Pharma, composed of powder and dry extract of Turmeric (Curcuma longa), which makes it possible to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of Turmeric by exploiting the synergy of the different components that make up the phytocomplex. This innovative extraction method makes it possible to preserve the INTEGRITY OF THE PHYTOCOMPLEX and at the same time to ensure 10 TIMES HIGHER BIOAVAILABILITY than the traditional extraction method.

The benefits of Turmeric are due to the presence of curcuminoids, of which curcumin is the most prevalent (90%), but also to the polysaccharides, proteins, soluble fibers and essential oil. In particular, curcumin acts on the body's NF-kB signaling pathway, and is able to inhibit the activity of the transcriptional factor NF-kB, which is the main "switch" that turns on the inflammatory process.

The ANTI-INFLAMMATORY action of curcuminoids is associated with their ANTIOXIDANT action, which takes place through several mechanisms such as the inhibition of free-radical-generating enzymes, the modulation of the enzymes tasked with neutralizing them and radical scavenger activity.
Clinical studies in healthy people have also shown that taking Turmeric has an ADAPTOGENIC effect, as it has a positive influence on a number of stress-related factors.

_{Hewlings SJ & Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health. Foods 2017; 6:92}_{Mathy-Hartert M, et al. Curcumin inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators and metalloproteinase-3 production by chondrocytes. Inflamm Res. 2009; 58:899-908}

LENIZEM®

LENIZEM® is a combination created by Prodeco Pharma, based on Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) powder and an innovative Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) gum resin extract, obtained by a patented extraction method that guarantees a high concentration of the functional ingredients it contains.

In this way, the two plant phytocomplexes in LENIZEM®, acting in synergy with different and complementary mechanisms of action, make it possible to enhance the properties of each of them.
Ginger and Myrrh are two plants known since ancient times for their ANTI-INFLAMMATORY action, thanks to the presence of the gingerols and shogaols contained in Ginger root and the furanodienes present in Myrrh gum resin, which can inhibit the release of prostaglandins.

The anti-inflammatory action is associated with the PAIN-RELIEVING effect: Ginger and Myrrh are two medicinal plants traditionally used as analgesics in the treatment of headaches.

Finally, the ANTI-NAUSEA/ANTIEMETIC properties of this phytocomplex are notable, which can be attributed to the gingerols and shogaols contained in the Ginger rhizome. This effect, which occurs through acting on the serotonergic receptors and other peripheral receptors located in the gastrointestinal tract, makes LENIZEM® a useful phytocomplex which is also able to treat forms of headache and migraine that are accompanied by episodes of nausea and vomiting.

_{MMarx W, et al. Is ginger beneficial for nausea and vomiting? An update of the literature. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2015; 9:189-95Terry R, et al. The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for the treatment of pain: a systematic review of clinical trials. Pain Med. 2011; 12:1808-18 Maghbooli M, et al. Comparison between the efficacy of ginger and sumatriptan in the ablative treatment of the common migraine. Phytother Res.; 28:412-5}

LIFESTYLE - NUTRITION AND HEADACHES

When dealing with headaches, lifestyle plays a key role. On a positive note, there are dietary habits that can be adopted to prevent and limit the intensity of the pain symptom as much as possible.

For your full awareness, here is a short list of foods whose excessive consumption over a long period of time increases oxidative stress, inflammation and pain, according to the anti-inflammatory dietary approach:

refined carbohydrates, such as the overconsumption of white bread, white pasta, white rice, refined flours and foods containing them (sweets, bakery products, etc.)
fried foods
very sugary drinks such as Coke, fruit juices, etc.
pork fat, lard
red meats (steaks, hamburgers, etc.) and processed meats (sausage, hot dogs, etc.)

Knowing the foods that can worsen headaches, we will now propose some "friendly" foods with valuable anti-inflammatory and rebalancing properties.

THE ADVANTAGES OF

HEMP OIL, FLAXSEED OIL AND BLUE FISH. These are valuable sources of omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory action
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. These contribute valuable elements such as antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, whose deficiency can increase inflammation and symptomatic pain. Guidelines suggest consuming 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, an amount that is enough for the body to compensate for deficiencies
EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL. This is a valuable source of vitamin E with marked antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective actions.

pouring olive oil into spoon on green park garden background

In addition to food, there are behaviors that have a particularly prominent role in the occurrence of headaches, the main ones being: prolonged fasting; stress; fatigue; dehydration; intense and prolonged physical exertion; exposure to sudden weather changes; constipation; exposure to pungent odors; irregular rest (excessive or insufficient); indigestion; and, last but not least, eating large quantities at lunch and/or dinner can trigger headaches regardless of the food consumed.

choosing foods of organic and/or 0-km origin
following a varied diet, favoring the consumption of fruits and vegetables, preferably in season, easily digestible proteins (fresh small fish, white meat, eggs), legumes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower, flax, chia, etc., walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, etc.
consuming cereals, preferably whole grain but not only, because in some cases fiber prevents the absorption of minerals and other nutrients, semi-wholegrain cereals and pseudocereals (quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth)
preferring foods that are sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax oil, hemp oil, oily fish (mackerel, sardines, sardines etc.), chia seeds, flax seeds, etc.
istaying adequately hydrated. Water requirements vary from individual to individual and change according to different lifestyles, the type of activity and the diet. An adult should generally drink 2 liters of water per day for maintaining their health. Water is an essential element for the body because it regulates various biological functions. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper hydration, especially during the summer season, during sports activities and in all situations where a lot of fluids are lost.
avoiding abuse of gluten-containing foods, packaged foods and fried foods
limiting sugar, sugary drinks, refined grains (white bread, white pasta, white rice, etc.)
avoiding hydrogenated fats, limiting red meat, milk and its derivatives, and salt. When consuming them, prefer those of high quality

_{The notions and advice offered herein are for educational purposes only and cannot under any circumstances replace medical advice. For a complete diet, it is necessary to consult a nutritionist, who, after appropriate clinical and instrumental examination, will be able to identify the needs of the person concerned and put together a personalized diet plan..}