Foods that could be headache and migraine trigger

by | Jan 15, 2016 | general, Health, Migraine | 0 comments

 Your headache can go worse to become a migraine. Believe it or not, there are some foods that could prove to be headache and migraine triggers. So, recognize those food items and discipline your food habit to avoid any such traumatic condition.

 Migraines are often prompted by some triggers, including emotional stress, insomnia, diet, illness and medicinal side-effects. The state of severe or chronic headache can happen to anyone, whether he or she is normal or suffering from any health conditions. Your worst headache could possibly lead to migraine and some food triggers simply intensify the condition like no other.

Foods that could be headache and migraine trigger

It’s not that you are restricted to eating in restaurants or attend your party, but you have to be careful in your food selection to avoid diet causing migraines. Some foods are notorious for causing severe headache, but again, it’s not applicable to all.

Probable food triggers for migraines:

The scientific studies have proved that few foods and/or some particular food substances and beverages can cause severe headache. Some of those drinks and foods that fuel migraine headaches can be included as:

 Caffeine:

The consumption of too little or too much amount of caffeine could prove to be a headache and a migraine trigger. It’s a double-edged sword for headaches as ideal amount can ease the pain while excess amount can pinch your head. Reduction in caffeinated beverages may help you ease headache and you can also take some decaffeinated items as good options.

Foods that could be headache and migraine trigger

It’s better to limit the intake of caffeine and withdraw the demand of sodas and coffee for reducing migraine wave.

Also Read;Anti-migraine treatment

Chocolate:

Chocolate is a possible trigger food because it contains amino acid tyramine. Those women who tend to eat more chocolate during hormonal changes and from stress can witness the wave of severe headaches. Its amino acid can augment blood vessel the activity, resulting headache that’s also known as phenyl ethylamine. Research studies say you can take a small but satisfying amount of chocolate and it’s good for health. But, if you are already experiencing diet-causing migraines, then it’s better to avoid chocolate and any other food triggers.

Alcohol and red wine:

Alcohol triggers headache that it’s very obvious to see the next day of booze. Your hangover brings some sort of migraine that may linger for the day. The new research study claims that phytochemicals called phenols found in red wine can bring on severe headache.

Foods that could be headache and migraine trigger

 There are some compounds in whiskey, beer and other forms of alcohol that reduce the levels of serotonin, also called happy hormone, in the brain can create a condition that allows migraine attack. Alcohol is a very common agent among the headache and migraine triggers, so you are recommended to drink its heavy amount.

 Food additives and artificial sweeteners:

The artificial sweeteners like aspartame can cause migraine, while food additives like junk foods, processed meats, monosodium glutamate, and packaged fried products are some possible foods that fuel migraine headaches. You have to curb your appetite for fast foods to avoid the headache.

Processed meats that have tyramine and preservatives are linked to triggering migraines. Hot dogs are also included in the list. Nitrites that are used for food coloring or add a flavor have the capacity to arouse headache, whereas food items like salami, luncheon meat, pepperoni, and sausage can trigger short-time migraine.

Also Read: Migraine awareness is as important as treatment

Monosodium glutamate:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) has the capacity to trigger migraines. This substance is probably used in the Chinese foods to offer better taste and as a meat tenderizer. The ingredients of MSG such as sodium or calcium caseinate, autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, hydrolyzed oat flour, and texturized protein have to be avoided. These ingredients are mixed in the foods that fuel migraine headaches, so check them if they are served on your platter.

You can experience some signs of MSG-related headaches, such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache that grips both sides
  • Pulsing pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Flushing in your face
  • Burn in chest and neck

Aged cheeses:

You are not requested to leave all cheeses, but try to resist aged-cheeses only as they have tyramine, a potential agent to trigger migraines. As cheeses age, it accumulates the amount of tyramine. Avoid the intake of aged cheeses like Provolone, Cheddar, Blue and Brie.

Ice cream:

Your favorite ice cream could raise temporary headache that, in some cases, leads to migraine. Extremely cold ice cream can stimulate nerves and ripple vessels leading to the brain, so you may feel headache.

 Foods that could be headache and migraine trigger

Recommended foods to migraine patients:

If you are looking for the absolutely pain-safe foods, then you can try some conventional combinations that include:

  • Rice and cooked green vegetables like broccoli and spinach
  • Orange vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, papaya, mangoes, oranges etc.
  • Cooked or dried, non-citrus fruits, such as cherries, cranberries, pears, etc.
  • Herbal and fruit beverages

Conclusion:

It seems a bit strange that your diet can cause migraine, but it’s true. Some people feel upheavals of headaches after eating some particular food items. It’s not too hard to avoid headache and migraine triggers rendered by the diet, as you can take expert guidance and make some lifestyle changes to deal with the condition efficiently.

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Amelia Smith

Nutritionist, herbalist, health and medicine writer and yoga enthusiast, Amelia Smith, is a professional in the health, nutrition and diet industry.

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