Migraine is a common health condition that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of headache, pounding pain that begins in the forehead that can last from 2 to 72 hours. There are wide variety of symptoms associated with this condition. Though the underlying cause of migraine is not known, there are a number of factors that can trigger migraines. One factor that can trigger migraine is food. If you are prone to migraines it is best to know what kind of food to eat to prevent or lessen future migraines. Here are the ten food triggers you should avoid eating.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contain several ingredients that can trigger migraines, one of this is phenylethylamine that can alter blood flow and cause headaches. It also contains caffeine. Though caffeine can help relieve headaches, when taken in excess through a combination of other additional sources such as coffee, it can aggravate headaches. So if you are prone to migraines you should have a minimal intake of beverages or food that contains caffeine.
2. Processed Meats
Processed meats like bacon and sausages contain nitrates that maybe are helpful for chest pain or can reduce heart failures, but too much intake of these foods can lead to migraines. Nitrates from these processed food can be broken down into certain types of bacteria. Raised levels of these bacteria found in the mouth and gut can turn into nitric oxide and can spread in the bloodstream. Avoid too much cured, smoked or processed meat as much as possible. Fresh meat is always the best choice.
3. Yeast Bread
Freshly made yeast bread can also trigger migraine. Try yeast free and gluten free diet to prevent future migraine problems. But if you want, minimize intake as much as possible. Yeast extracts also contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) which can also trigger migraines.
4. Overripe Fruits
Tyramine is an amino acid that can contribute to headache pain. Unfortunately a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and meat contain tyramine. Overly ripe fruits have higher tyramine content. It is also best to avoid eating canned fruits with preservatives.
5. Aged Cheese and Sour Cream
Aged cheese and Sour Cream are high in tyramine. Any fermented dairy products like these have high percentage of tyramine, histamine and MSG. Not eating dairy products can be a challenge but there are healthier alternatives as a substitute.
6. Beans
Soybeans and all soy products, fava beans, red lentils, snow peas are examples of beans that you might want to avoid. Beans like these contains histamine, tyramine and sulfites (another preservative) that can trigger headaches. Black beans, Pinto beans and Chickpeas can be good alternatives.
7. Tomatoes
Avoid foods that are high in histamine like tomatoes and tomato based products. Histamine can trigger migraine even if you have no allergies.
8. Olives
Olives contains tyramine and histamine that can be a cause of terrible headaches. Any pickled items, including dill pickles, peppers, watermelon rinds contains these chemicals too.
9. Alcohol
Alcohol and even red wine can cause dehydration and can lead to headaches. They contain tyramine, phenylethylamine, histamine and sulfites, chemicals that can cause migraines. Alcohol also contains other substances like tannis (extracted from grape skins) and nitrates.
10. MSG and Artificial Sweeteners/Flavors
Anything artificial that enters the body can be a bit harmful. MSG (Monosodium glutamate) is often used in cooking as a flavouring and naturally present in food like scallops and mushroom. Though it is not the cause of migraine but it can certainly trigger some people who are highly sensitive to this. Unfortunately, MSG hides under 40 different names and can be in basic ingredients you can find in the kitchen. Artificial Sweeteners, Flavor or Coloring contains aspartame that can affect serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that may play a role in causing migraines.
But since we eat most of the food listed here on our everyday life and cannot avoid it completely, it is best to find alternatives or have minimal intake. It is also best to seek out a doctor for a migraine diet plan if you really want to eliminate food that causes migraines.
