How Our Diet Affects Migraine Triggers
Many things can trigger a migraine incursion, including eating and drinking.
The Migraine Research Foundation indicates that food sources that trigger migraines can be combined with other triggers.
However, this combination, and all the triggers in general, is deeply individualized, making research difficult.
There is no general trigger for migraines. However, some standard triggers can cause or increase migraine episodes in some people.
1. Caffeine
Excessive amounts of caffeine and caffeine withdrawal can cause migraines or headaches.
However, as the American Migraine Foundation points out, caffeine can help stop getting closer to migraine attacks and relieve migraines with intermittent use.
Varieties of caffeinated foods and drinks include:
- coffee,
- tea,
- chocolate
2. Artificial Sweeteners
Many manipulated food sources contain artificial sugars, and these are sugar options added to a variety of foods and drinks to add fun.
However, these sugars can trigger migraines. Aspartame, in particular, is believed to trigger migraine episodes.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the more familiar elements believed to trigger migraines. Simultaneously with a study, over 35% of members with migraines announced that liquor was one of their usual triggers.
Red wine was explicitly considered a trigger in over 77% of members who revealed liquor to be a trigger.
Liquor can cause a lack of hydration, which is a vital aid in treating migraines.
4. Chocolate
As pointed out by the American Migraine Foundation, chocolate is believed to be the second most common trigger for post-alcoholic migraine attacks.
They say it affects the expected 22% of migraine sufferers.
Chocolate contains caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which can trigger migraines in some people.
5. Foods that contain MSG
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a corrosive sodium salt of glutamic acid, generally in our body.
Monosodium glutamate is found in some foods and is present in many food sources as an added substance.
It is considered safe to eat, but some scientists link it to migraine attacks.
The American Migraine Foundation notes that it could trigger severe migraine episodes in 10-15 per cent of people with migraines. Additionally, various additives can be a trigger in some people.
6. Cured meat
Including cured meats, ham, sausages and hot dogs, contain nitrates, which protect their tone and flavour.
These food sources can carry nitric oxide into the bloodstream, which is believed to expand the veins of the mind.
There is some proof that nitric oxide can cause or increase migraines.
7. Aged cheeses
Aged cheeses contain a substance called tyramine, and it is structured when the maturation of food causes the breakdown of proteins.
The more processed the aged cheddar cheese, the higher the tyramine content.
Tyramine is another compound that is said to trigger headaches and migraines. Regular cheeses high in tyramine include:
- feta cheese
- blue
- Parmesan
Pickled and fermented foods
Like aged cheeses, pickled and fermented foods contain high amounts of tyramine. These foods include:
- brine
- kimchi
- kombucha in (which may also have an alcohol content)
- okra
- pickled jalapeños
9. Froozen foods
Eating various frozen foods and drinks such as frozen yoghurt or slushes can trigger solid and distressing sensations in the head.
You will likely find brain pains that will turn into migraine attacks assuming you are gulping cold foods, after exercise or when you are overheated.
10. Pungent food varieties
Pungent food varieties — particularly pungent handled food varieties that might contain nasty additives — may trigger migraine in specific individuals.
Devouring significant sodium degrees can expand circulatory strain, causing cerebral pains of migraine assaults.
Treatment of migraine
Treatment includes a combination of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and elective treatments.
For periodic brain pain or migraines, you can take over-the-counter prescriptions such as Excedrin Migraine for pain relief.
Your primary care physician may also recommend triptan medications for pain relief.
Your PCP will likely recommend preventive prescriptions if you have common migraine episodes.
These can incorporate beta-blockers, reducing circulatory tension and decreasing migraine attacks.
Antidepressants are sometimes recommended to prevent migraine side effects, even those without sadness.
There is evidence that some elective treatments can help treat migraines. These include:
- massage therapy, which may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks,
- biofeedback, which teaches how to handle physical reactions to stress, such as muscle tension,
- vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which can help prevent migraine episodes
- magnesium supplements
Prevention
Migraine episodes can be excruciating and intrude on your life. Fortunately, you can make some lifestyle transformations and propensities to adopt that can help you prevent them.
These include:
- eating regularly and never skipping meals
- limit your caffeine intake
- get enough sleep
- reduce the pressure in your life by attempting yoga, mindfulness or meditation
- limit the amount of time you are staring at bright or dim lights direct sunlight, which can cause sensory migraines
- frequent “screen interruptions” from televisions, computers, and other displays
- try an elimination diet to help you identify any food allergies or intolerances that may be triggers for headaches