Migraine

[REvans]

Ok, I am getting desparate. I have been plagued with crippling migraines lately, and after I thought that I had figured out the cause and cut out the source, they have come back.

I sifted through my diet and found that cutting Moutain Dew out of my daily routine eliminated my migraines completely. I researched the various ingredients and took a close look at "brominated vegetable oil" which seemed to be a likely suspect. To confirm this, I went to the store and found another soda that contained BVO and tried it and ended up with a migraine. So I cut out anything that contained BVO and was blissfully migraine free.

However, I have found myself plagued with new migraines lately, and took a look at my diet again. I have recently started to drink Sunkist orange soda in an attempt to cut back on colas, and while Sunkist does not contain BVO, it is a citrus based soda none-the-less.

So I cut out Sunkist and the migraines went away.

I have been digging through all of the information I can dig up on the various chemicals found in citrus sodas that aren't found in non-citrus sodas, and the only thing I can find is a long-shot connection between ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate.

I have seen very limited research into a chemical reaction between ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate possibly forming benzene in sodas, and have been able to flimsily put together the presence of benzene and migraines - which gets me thinking that maybe somebody who is sensitive to benzene can be struck with crippling migraines when they drink citrus soda that contains ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate. I know it's a stretch, but I'm getting desparate.

Has anybody else had experiences like this, heard anything about this or have any other ideas that perhaps I'm overlooking?

Thanks!!

[Candeepal]

I don't have any info for you. Only that I was addicted to Mountain Dew and was getting migraines, what seemed like all the time. About 2 weeks ago I switched to Coke and I have been migraine free.

I'm hoping someone else might have some info, but it sounds like you may be onto something.

[Candeepal]

Okay you have me researching brominated vegetable oil and this stuff is dangerous. Here is some of what I found from a couple of sites:

Brominated vegetable oil. These are added to carbonated beverages, especially citrus-based sodas, like orange soda. Bromine is added to oil, which offers a thicker appearance to many sodas. Bromine cannot be easily expelled from the body and accumulates in fat cells. It has been shown to cause thyroid, kidney, and liver dysfunction in rats

9. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is used to keep flavor oils in soft drinks in suspension. Bromate, the main ingredient of BVO, is a poison. Just two ounces of a 2% solution of BVO can severely poison a child. In adults, this additive reduces immune defenses and depletes histamine, which can lead to allergic reactions. It has been linked to major organ system damage, birth defects, and growth problems, and is considered unsafe by the FDA. The FDA has not taken action regarding BVO, however, thus it is still lawfully used, and worst of all, manufacturers are not required to list BVO on food labels.

Bromide: Brominated vegetable oil (BVO): Used as an emulsifier in some foods and a clouding agent in many popular drinks. Bromate is the main ingredient which can poison a child. From fumigated grain products. Will replace chloride and accumulate, will also be taken up by thyroid gland instead of iodine, adverse effects on brain and thyroid function

Candee