Top 5 Foods That Trigger Migraines

Top 5 Foods That Trigger Migraines

Migraine causes pain and pulsing sensation in one or both sides of the head. This pain can occur for hours or a period of two or more days, resulting in dizziness, vision issues, nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound for the patient. Chronic migraines can disrupt your day-in-day-out activities. Migraine attacks come in four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and postdrome. However, not all patients undergo all four stages.

Most migraine attacks are left untreated and undisguised. Nevertheless, if you have frequent attacks, it’s advisable to visit your doctor. While a doctor may prescribe over the counter or prescription medication to treat migraines, he or she may also recommend avoiding certain migraine trigger foods, such as:

1. Alcohol
If you enjoy wine or beer, you may encounter head pains after drinking these beverages. Migraine is also a common hangover symptom for many folks. If you do suffer from migraines when drinking, withdrawing from alcohol may make a big difference. Most people encounter regular migraines after drinking beer and red wine because these beverages contain sulfates, preservatives, and tannins that play a role in triggering migraines. Furthermore, alcohol dehydrates the body, increasing the chances of a headache.

2. Dairy products
Dairy products, such as aged cheeses, contain tyramine, which forms after the breakdown of proteins. Hence, the older the cheese; the higher the level of tyramine within. Migraines have been long liked to tyramine.. Furthermore, cheese often contains nitrates, which are also linked to causing migraines.

3. Citrus fruits
There is still no proof that citrus fruits cause migraines. However, some medical experts claim that citrus fruits trigger a headache in some patients. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, contain tyramine, which acts as a migraine trigger.

4. Nitrate containing foods
Sometimes migraines in patients are triggered by vasodilation of blood vessels. The validation is commonly caused by exposure or consumption of nitrate containing foods. Excess use of nitrites can lead to painful headaches. Nitrites are often found in processed and cured meats such as bacon, ham, and hot dogs.

5. Wheat
The processed wheat of today differs a lot from that in our grandparent’s era. Today, wheat farmers often spray their products with pesticides, such as glyphosate. Such products may have a negative effect on our brains and guts. Hence if you have problems with indigestion, the toxins may attach themselves to the stomach, causing a migraine effect. Wheat, rye, or barley all contain a protein substance known as gluten. In some people, gluten acts as a trigger for migraines.