Case Study: Headaches & Nausea

He had been experiencing these symptoms for the last 5-6 years with increasing severity over time. His sensitivity to strong smells was severe enough that he had asked his partner not to wear perfume around him. He had recently reduced fatty foods, as he had ascertained that high-fat meals seemed to exacerbate his nausea. The patient also consumed 2-4 beers every night for relaxation.

The patient’s overall symptoms implied sub-optimum hepatic function, due to a suspected inability to efficiently breakdown and eliminate chemical compounds from alcohol, food and the surrounding environment.

As such, the patient was prescribed a compound mixture of 1500mg of Taurine (to assist with breaking down of fats and reduce the impact of oxidative damage caused by chemicals) and 200mg of Magnesium (to further support the nervous system) daily.

The patient was also advised to significantly reduce his alcohol intake, with at least 4 ‘beer-free’ days a week, replacing the habit with an evening walk.

After 3 weeks of treatment, the patient noticed a complete alleviation of sensitivity to smells and nausea, and his headaches had reduced significantly, although were still present.

Although he had reduced the amount of alcohol consumed overall, he was still drinking beer every night, due to difficulty in breaking the habit.

Future treatment goals for this patient would therefore include additional liver support, toxicity testing, further assistance in alcohol reduction, and continued nervous system support.

Taurine is a well-established nutrient for enhancing bile production. To emulsify fats, bile acids must first be conjugated to either glycine or taurine. Therefore taurine supplementation results in an increased digestive capacity, especially of dietary fats, supporting detoxification. (See following page for further information.)

Taurine also supports the hepatic system by reducing the oxidative damage caused by various harmful compounds.

Magnesium works to increase cerebral arterial vasoconstriction, as well as increase cortical brain flow to the various regions of the brain.

Furthermore, the presence of Taurine can result in increased intracellular availability of Magnesium, due to effects of Taurine on transportation of electrolyte minerals.