Avoid These Migraine-Triggering Foods
A person might experience a migraine attack because of various reasons. In many people, migraines have a trigger. If there is a trigger, which is causing a migraine attack in you, the best way to prevent it is by avoiding it. For a few people, that would mean cutting out a few food items from their diet. So, here we have come with the common foods that trigger migraines.
Caffeine
When you consume a lot of caffeine or experience caffeine withdrawal, it can lead to headaches or migraines. In a lot of people, caffeine can also cease an ongoing migraine attack. Moreover, the occasional consumption of caffeine can cause relief from migraines.
Some of the foods which have caffeine in them are:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Tea
Red wine
Red wine, as well as the other alcoholic beverages, also trigger a migraine attack. Approximately 35% of people who experience a migraine attack reported that alcohol is a trigger. Surprisingly, in about 77% of those people, red wine led to migraines. Alcohol has histamine and tyramine, which induce a migraine attack. Moreover, histamine is found in large quantities in red wine. Alcohol leads to dehydration, which is another cause of migraines.
Artificial sweeteners
Several processed foods have artificial sweeteners in them. These are sugar replacements, which are found in drinks and foods to make them taste sweeter. However, these sweeteners can lead to migraines. It is because of the presence of aspartame in processed foods, which causes a migraine attack. You can find aspartame in beverages, such as zero-calorie drinks and diet cokes.
Chocolate
We hate to break it to you, but chocolate is the second most c ommon food that triggers migraines , only after alcohol. Approximately 22% of all people who experience migraine attacks believe that chocolate is their big trigger. Chocolate has beta-phenylethylamine and caffeine content in it, which can cause headaches in a few people.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
MSG is a sodium salt of glutamic acid. It is a commonly used flavor enhancer found in a good variety of processed foods, such as soups, snacks, canned foods, frozen foods, and a lot of other things. Ideally, it is considered safe for consumption; some people experience a migraine attack after consuming MSG containing products. In about 10-15% percent of people, MSG is a common migraine trigger. There are a few other additives that may trigger an attack.
Cured or processed meat
Cured meat, such as sausages, hot dogs, ham, and deli meats, all have nitrates that preserve the flavor and color. These meats release nitric oxide in the blood that dilates the blood vessels in the brain. However, it causes attacks in only about 5 percent of the total migraine patients. So, you must avoid consuming these meats.