Trigger Foods for Migraines and Headaches

Trigger Foods for Migraines and Headaches

Migraine refers to a headache of varying intensity that is often accompanied by sensitivity to light and nausea. At times, Migraines are preceded by warning symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and dizziness. It is usually triggered by exercise, stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods and drinks. Sometimes, migraine headaches can cause throbbing on a particular part at varying intensity.

Here is a list of migraine triggering foods:

1. Dairy products
Milk contains a protein known as casein, which is the main protein component in milk. It is thought to be the main trigger of migraines and other kinds of headaches. If you suffer migraines for consuming dairy products, then it would be advisable to eliminate them in your diet.

2. Wheat
Can wheat trigger headaches? There are a number of people who suffer from migraines related to the consumption of wheat products. Wheat is thought to cause celiac disease. Patients suffering from celiac disease have high chances of experiencing migraines.

3. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are known to contain high acids. At times, the high level of acids causes gastric irritation that, in turn, triggers migraines.

4. Alcohol
The alcohol itself is not much associated with migraines. Instead, it is the withdrawal from it that affects the individual. Research shows that red wine is a great trigger, unlike alcohol beverages. It is speculated that sulfite preservatives, tannins, and contaminants play a role in individuals.

5. Nitrates
Nitrates in aged meat and salami are believed to bring migraine. These foods are very salty; therefore, they end up dehydrating you. Also, aged cheeses are known to contain a substance known as tyramine. It forms when the food ages causing a breakdown of proteins. Tyramine content increases with the age of cheese. Tyramine is associated with migraines. Aged cheese forms part of the inflammatory foods that can launch a migraine.

6. Caffeine
If you get used to too much coffee, then withdrawal or failure to get enough of it will lead to migraines. On the other hand, caffeine can also prevent migraines. Using it occasionally will help relieve headaches. Caffeine is found in foods such as chocolate, tea, and coffee.

7. Chocolate
Chocolate is also a significant cause of migraines besides alcohol, affecting a substantial portion of those experiencing migraines. It has a caffeine component that might trigger headaches in some people.

8. High salt foods
Salty foods, mainly processed ones, may sometimes contain harmful preservatives that can trigger migraines in some people. Also, high sodium consumption can lead to an increase in blood pressure resulting in migraines or headaches.

9. Food spices
Chili pepper is one of the leading causes of trigger migraines than any other kind of spicy food. They are thought to react with given pain receptors in the brain, bringing about a lower threshold for developing a migraine.

There is no cure for migraines; the varying kind of pain that is sometimes accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and dizziness. However, keeping off some of your triggers could reduce the chances of the attacks. The diet alone can’t be a cause of headaches, but it may trigger migraines. However, if you notice particular food to be a trigger, it is worth making an effort to eliminate it from your diet.