Your headache can get worse and become a migraine. Believe it or not, some foods could prove to be headache and migraine triggers. So, recognize those food items and discipline your food habits to avoid any such traumatic condition.
Triggers, including emotional stress, insomnia, diet, illness, and medicinal side effects, often prompt migraines. A severe or chronic headache can happen to anyone, whether normal or suffering from any health condition. Your worst headache could lead to a migraine, and some food triggers intensify the condition like no other.
You are not restricted to eating in restaurants or attending parties, but you have to be careful in your food selection to avoid diets that cause migraines. Some foods are notorious for causing severe headaches, but this does not apply to all.
Probable food triggers for migraines:
Scientific studies have proved that a few foods and some particular food substances and beverages can cause severe headaches. Some of those drinks and foods that fuel migraine headaches can be included:
Caffeine:
Consuming too little or too much caffeine could trigger headaches and migraines. It’s a double-edged sword for headaches, as the ideal amount can ease the pain, while an excess amount can pinch your head. Reducing your intake of caffeinated beverages may help ease headaches, and you can also consider some decaffeinated items as good options.
It’s better to limit the intake of caffeine and withdraw the demand for sodas and coffee to reduce migraine waves.
Chocolate:
Chocolate is a possible trigger food because it contains the amino acid tyramine. Those women who tend to eat more chocolate during hormonal changes and from stress can witness a wave of severe headaches. Its amino acid can augment blood vessel activity, resulting in headaches known as phenylethylamine. Research studies say you can take a small but satisfying amount of chocolate, which is good for your 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 headaches that it’s very obvious to see the next day of booze. Your hangover brings some migraine that may linger for the day. The new research study claims that phytochemicals called phenols found in red wine can bring on severe headaches.
There are some compounds in whiskey, beer, and other forms of alcohol that reduce the levels of serotonin, also called the happy hormone, in the brain, which can create a condition that allows migraine attacks. 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:
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 adding a flavor can arouse headaches, whereas food items like salami, luncheon meat, pepperoni, and sausage can trigger short-term migraine.
Monosodium glutamate:
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can trigger migraines. This substance is probably used in Chinese foods to improve taste and tenderize meat. MSG-containing ingredients such as sodium or calcium caseinate, autolyzed yeast, yeast extract, hydrolyzed oat flour, and texturized protein must be avoided. These ingredients are mixed in 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, they accumulate the amount of tyramine. Avoid the intake of aged cheeses like Provolone, Cheddar, Blue and Brie.
Ice cream:
Your favorite ice cream could cause a temporary headache that, in some cases, leads to migraine. Extremely ice cream can stimulate nerves and ripple vessels leading to the brain so that you may feel a headache.
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Recommended foods for migraine patients:
If you are looking for 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 headaches and migraine triggers caused by the diet, as you can take expert guidance and make some lifestyle changes to deal with the condition efficiently.
Amelia Smith
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