People who suffer from migraine headaches often have very specific factors that "trigger" an attack. What's difficult for both scientists and physicians trying to solve the migraine mystery is that different people have different triggers.
If you suffer from migraine headaches, you are not alone. It's estimated that there are over 28 million who experience the same excruciating pain that you do. I know that fact doesn't make your pain lessen. Although the exact cause is still not exactly known, doctors do know that a migraine headache is a form of vascular (related to blood vessels) headache.
Migraine Treatment Information
Something "triggers" the blood vessels in your head to become enlarged. This enlargement releases chemicals that cause inflammation, and pain, which further enlarges the brain's large arteries. The increasing enlargement of these arteries magnifies the pain. It's a vicious cycle.
What is it in Food that Causes Migraines?
Food, or rather chemical compounds found in certain foods, seem to be a major factor in "triggering" a migraine. The chemical compounds found in MSG (monosodium glutamate), tyramine, sodium nitrates and nitrites, caffeine, and aspartame are all known to cause migraines.
6 Foods to Avoid
Hot Dogs - are full of chemical nitrates and nitrites (preservatives). Other processed meats to avoid include salami, pepperoni, bologna, ham, bacon and SPAM all normally contain sodium nitrate as one of the ingredients.
Cheese - Contains the chemical tyramine, used for aging and fermenting foods. Other foods high in tyramine include dried or aged meats, fish or poultry.
Wine and Beer - Also contains tyramine in the fermenting process. Studies show dark beer and red wine are the worst culprits. Any highly fermented alcohol is also on this list. Vodka seems to be the least likely trigger.
Chinese Food - Uses high doses of monosodium glutamate (MSG). A double whammy...miso, soy sauce and teriyaki sauce also contain tyramine.
Chocolate - The link between chocolate and migraines is still unclear. The culprit may be the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA may cause blood vessels to expand and contract. However, chocolate is a good source of folic acid, copper, and magnesium. Magnesium is beneficial for migraines.
Coffee and Soda - You got it! Caffeine. Excessive caffeine consumption (or withdrawal from caffeine) can cause headaches. Note: For some people, once a migraine attack occurs a dose of caffeine is actually helpful in treating the attack.
I know what you are saying. "Oh my gosh, that just about eliminates everything I eat!" That's what I thought to. But remember, everyone is different. Not all these things will be a "trigger" for you. The best thing to do is start keeping a diary of what you eat, when, and how you feel afterwards (or even the next day or two).
Once you learn what to avoid, it's just a matter of being sensible. Basically, a healthy lifestyle, with adequate fluid intake, good nutrition, enough sleep and enough exercise are good preventive measures to avoid the occurrence of a migraine.
6 Foods Migraine Headache Sufferers Should Avoid Migraine Treatment Information
