Dear Dr. Sears:
Q: I have tried nutraceutical oils ever since I read “The OmegaRx Zone” several years ago. I tolerate GLA and DHA; however, whenever I attempt to use an oil with EPA in it, a pretty severe migraine occurs. I have asked other sites, but you are the expert in this. I have not received any real answers to this question. I am also asking as a practitioner. I recently found the Anti-Inflammation Diet and will be recommending this in my practice. Thank you for your continuing research and writing.
Angela A., CFNP
Dear Angela,
A: A potential explanation of your migraines with EPA is an increase in vasodilatation of the cerebral arteries increasing blood flow. About 80 percent of migraines arise from a vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries, so for those individuals high-dose EPA is extremely important. In your case, it may mean that you need only small amounts of EPA to improve blood flow to the brain without increasing it too much. You might consider starting with a very low dose of OmegaRx and then very gradually increasing it to know exactly where your threshold level is.