When I finally was referred to a migraine specialist, I was told by this specialist to avoid processed foods. Which is easier said than done in our culture. Salads has been something that I no longer order at restaurants mainly because of the salad dressing but also because of ingredients in the salad themselves (no onion, no cheese, no tomatoes for me). But I can have salad at home when I can control all ingredients including the dressing ingredients. I took a photo of the ingredient list of a bottle of typical store bought Italian salad dressing to better explain why as a migraineur I avoid these dressings. Try not to hurt your eyes trying to focus in on these ingredients in my photo! Besides the fact that I can't do parmesan or Romano cheese or onion as a migraineur, its the last few ingredients that make my brow furrow. Propylene Glycol Alginate? Potassium Sorbate? and Calcium Disodium EDTA?
Propylene Glycol Alginate is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies propylene glycol as “generally recognized as safe” for use in food. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture.
Postassium Sorbate is mainly used as a preservative to prevent mold, fungi and yeast growth that can cause foods to spoil. This chemical can easily be produced and is cheap which makes it an ideal choice for many industrial applications as well. While the material is generally considered safe for consumption, it can be harmful if it is used excessively.
Calcium Disodium EDTA is used as a preservative. It prevents air from spoiling food. It is known to cause skin reactions and GI upset. It may have mutagenic or reproductive effects. EDTA is a chemical that binds minerals and metals such as chromium, iron, lead, mercury, copper, aluminum, nickel, zinc, calcium, cobalt, manganese, and magnesium. When they are bound and removed from the body. I find this one particularly interesting as a migraineurr because of the effects of mineral removal, especially magnesium removal. Magnesium is low in many migraineurs and many Dr.'s recommend migraineurs to take a magnesium supplement.
I guess my point is that probably no one should be consuming these chemicals especially in large amounts or on a regular basis. As a migraineur, I am learning for some reason the effects that these chemicals have on my body seems to have more apparent effects than my family and friends that don't have migraines. However, I do wonder if there may be hidden effects on them that just don't happen to manifest as migraines?
Propylene Glycol Alginate is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies propylene glycol as “generally recognized as safe” for use in food. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture.
Postassium Sorbate is mainly used as a preservative to prevent mold, fungi and yeast growth that can cause foods to spoil. This chemical can easily be produced and is cheap which makes it an ideal choice for many industrial applications as well. While the material is generally considered safe for consumption, it can be harmful if it is used excessively.
Calcium Disodium EDTA is used as a preservative. It prevents air from spoiling food. It is known to cause skin reactions and GI upset. It may have mutagenic or reproductive effects. EDTA is a chemical that binds minerals and metals such as chromium, iron, lead, mercury, copper, aluminum, nickel, zinc, calcium, cobalt, manganese, and magnesium. When they are bound and removed from the body. I find this one particularly interesting as a migraineurr because of the effects of mineral removal, especially magnesium removal. Magnesium is low in many migraineurs and many Dr.'s recommend migraineurs to take a magnesium supplement.
I guess my point is that probably no one should be consuming these chemicals especially in large amounts or on a regular basis. As a migraineur, I am learning for some reason the effects that these chemicals have on my body seems to have more apparent effects than my family and friends that don't have migraines. However, I do wonder if there may be hidden effects on them that just don't happen to manifest as migraines?
Italian Salad Dressing for Migrainuers
1 Cup Canola Oil
1/4 Cup White Distilled Vinegar
A few shakes of Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 Teaspoon Honey
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Oregano
1/4 Teaspoon Parsley
Dash of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Ground Black Pepper
1 Pressed Garlic Clove
2 Tablespoons Chopped Shallots (I use my food processer)
2 Tablespoons Chopped Red Bell Pepper (I use my food processer for this one too)
**This will need to be stirred well or shaken before using.
1 Cup Canola Oil
1/4 Cup White Distilled Vinegar
A few shakes of Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 Teaspoon Honey
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Oregano
1/4 Teaspoon Parsley
Dash of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Ground Black Pepper
1 Pressed Garlic Clove
2 Tablespoons Chopped Shallots (I use my food processer)
2 Tablespoons Chopped Red Bell Pepper (I use my food processer for this one too)
**This will need to be stirred well or shaken before using.
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