Migraines Linked to Use of Plastic Cups and Bottles

Migraines may be directly linked to the frequent use of plastic cups and bottles, a new study finds.

The new study shows that a controversial 'gender-bending' chemical found in synthetic packaging may indeed trigger migraines. Bisphenol A (BPA) has already been linked to various types of health conditions including obesity, infertility and heart attacks but this latest study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences points to BPA for causing migraines. In the United Kingdom, one in every seven adults suffer from debilitating headaches.

Researchers involved in the study urged sufferers to get rid of potential sources of contamination from their daily diet, which includes products that make use of plastic materials. They stated in their report: "A previously performed study using 'fresh foods' dietary invention demonstrated a significant decrease in urinary BPA with a 66 percent reduction among patients after just three days. These findings combined with our results suggest that a clinical trial to decrease BPA exposure and levels in migraine sufferers may reduce headache frequency and/or severity, revealing strategies that may increase the quality of life of people suffering the said condition."

In their study, the researchers observed the behavior of rats, half of whom were administered the chemical once every three days. Within 30 minutes, those exposed to BPA became less active, steered clear of loud noises and strong light, were easily startled and showed signs of tenderness to the head. The researchers reported: "The behavioral measures used were designed to model many of the symptoms humans experience during a migraine attack. Rats exposed to BPA demonstrated significantly augmented migraine-like behaviors. These results imply that BPA has the ability to amplify symptoms that are used to diagnose the disorder in human patients, suggesting that exposure to BPA would increase both the incidence and prevalence of the disorder."