27 Foods That Trigger Migraines – Discover the Culprits Avoid these common trigger foods to ease migraine symptoms and find relief.

Migraines are severe headaches that can cause stabbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Although the exact cause of migraines is not yet known, it is believed that certain foods can trigger these debilitating episodes in some people. Identifying and avoiding these trigger foods can help control and prevent migraines. Here are 27 common culprits:

1. Red wine: This alcoholic beverage contains tyramine, which is known to trigger migraines in some people.
2. Caffeine: Although moderate amounts of caffeine can help relieve headaches, excessive consumption can trigger migraines.
3. Aged cheese: Varieties such as blue, cheddar, and Swiss cheese contain tyramine, which can cause migraines.

Let’s move on to other foods that can trigger migraines:

• Processed meats: These often contain nitrates or nitrites, which are often associated with migraines.
• Artificial sweeteners: Substances such as aspartame and sucralose have been shown to trigger migraines in some people.
• Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits and lemons are high in histamine and can be problematic for people prone to migraines.

In addition to the foods mentioned, other triggers can include aged or fermented foods, monosodium glutamate (MSG), alcohol, chocolate, and certain food additives. It’s important to remember that triggers can vary from person to person, so keeping a food diary and noting any changes in symptoms can help identify individual triggers.

It is believed that certain foods can trigger these debilitating episodes in some people.

Identifying and avoiding these trigger foods can help control and prevent migraines.

Foods to Avoid for Preventing Migraines

One of the main types of foods to avoid to prevent migraines are those that contain high levels of tyramine. Tyramine is a natural substance found in certain aged and fermented foods. It is thought to trigger migraines by affecting the release of certain brain chemicals. Some examples of foods rich in tyramine are aged cheese, smoked fish, cured meats, sauerkraut, and soy products. To prevent migraines, it is recommended to limit or avoid the consumption of these foods.

The following table lists some common tyramine-rich foods to avoid:

It is important to note that not all people with migraines are affected by foods high in tyramine. Trigger foods can vary greatly from person to person, and it is essential to keep a food diary to identify personal triggers. Consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can also provide valuable guidance in managing migraines through dietary modifications.

In addition to foods high in tyramine, other potential trigger foods to watch out for are those that contain artificial additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and aspartame. These additives are typically found in processed foods, canned soups, snacks, and diet drinks. It is advisable to read food labels carefully and choose alternatives without these additives to reduce the risk of migraine attacks.

• Avoid foods rich in tyramine, such as aged cheese and smoked fish.
• Limit or avoid foods that contain artificial additives such as MSG and aspartame.

High-Tyramine Foods: Triggering Migraines

Tyramine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is formed from the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine in certain foods. It is especially common in aged or fermented foods. When consumed, tyramine can cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then dilate, causing a migraine to occur. People prone to migraines may be more sensitive than others to the effects of foods high in tyramine.

Foods High in Tyramine:

1. Mature cheeses, such as blue cheese, cheddar, and Swiss.
2. Cured or smoked meats, such as sausages, bacon, and salami
3. Fermented foods, such as soy sauce, miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
4. Certain fruits, such as bananas, avocados, and citrus fruits
5. Pickled or marinated foods, such as pickles and olives

Table 1: High-Tyramine Foods and Their Tyramine Content (per 100 grams)

People prone to migraines should avoid or limit consumption of foods high in tyramine to reduce the frequency and severity of their migraines. Working closely with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help develop a personalized dietary plan that takes individual needs and triggers into account.

It should be noted that, although foo d-rich foods are recognized as possible triggers of migraines, they may not affect everyone in the same way. Taking a food diary and tracking migraine episodes can help identify the specific triggers of each person. By making informed decisions about their diet, people can play an active role in controlling their migraines and improving their quality of life.

Citrus Fruits and Migraine Episodes

The episodes of migraine can be weakening and are often characterized by sharp pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and even vomiting. Identifying triggers is crucial to prevent these episodes, and citrus fruits have associated with migraine attacks in some people. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully known, research suggests that certain compounds present in citrus fruits, such as tiramine and histamine, can play a role in the trigger of migraines.

Tiramina: This natural substance is found in large quantities in old and fermented foods, as well as citrus. It has been shown that tiramine causes blood vessels to contract and then dilate, which can trigger migraines in susceptible people. It is important to keep in mind that the tiramine level in citrus fruits can vary depending on factors such as maturity and storage conditions.

Histamine: It has also been discovered that citrus fruits contain histamine, a compound that is released during allergic reactions and inflammatory processes. Although histamine is an important component of the immune response, excessive levels can cause dilation of blood vessels and inflammation, both factors that can contribute to migraines. People with histamine intolerance may be more likely to suffer migraines after consuming citrus.

To avoid migraines triggered by citrus fruits, people should consider minimizing or eliminating their citrus consumption, including oranges, lemons, liles and grapefruits. It is important to keep in mind that, although citrus fruits can be a trigger for some people, others may not affect them in the same way. Taking a food diary and writing down the possible triggers can help people identify patterns and make the necessary settings in their diet.

• Avoid consuming citrus fruits if it is prone to migraines or has a history of migraine attacks.
• Consider alternative sources of vitamins and antioxidants to guarantee a balanced diet.
• Consult a healthcare professional or dietitian entitled to obtain personalized dietary recommendations.

When they are aware of the possible triggers, such as citrus fruits, people with migraines can take measures to reduce the frequency and severity of their episodes, improving their quality of life in general.

The Role of Artificial Sweeteners in Migraine Attacks

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartamo, saccharin and sucralose, are used a lot in various lo w-calorie and sugar products. They provide a sweet taste without the added calories of sugar and, in general, are considered insurance for consumption. However, there is more and more evidence that these artificial sweeteners can play a role in the trigger of migraine crisis in susceptible people.

• The consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners has been associated with a higher risk of migraines in some studies.
• In a study published in the Headache magazine, the researchers discovered that the participants who declared more artificial sweeteners were more likely to suffer migraines.
• Another study published in the journal of Headache and Pain revealed that artificial sweeteners were significantly associated with migraines, and that some individuals experienced migraines in the 24 hours after their consumption.

It is important to note that the mechanism by which artificial sweeteners contribute to migraines is not yet known. However, several theories have been proposed. First, it is believed that artificial sweeteners can alter the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially triggering migraines in susceptible individuals. In addition, it has been shown that some artificial sweeteners affect blood sugar levels, which could also play a role in the development of migraine.

“It has been discovered that the consumption of artificial sweeteners is associated with a higher risk of migraines in certain individuals.”

It is important that people suffering from migraines are aware of the possible repercussions of artificial sweeteners in their ailment. Although it is necessary to continue investigating to fully understand the relationship between artificial sweeteners and migraines, it can be beneficial for migraine to limit the consumption of these additives as a precautionary measure.

Chocolate: A Delicious Culprit for Migraines

Chocolate has long been one of the favorite delicacies of many people around the world. Its smooth, rich flavor can be incredibly satisfying, but for some people it can also be the trigger for a debilitating migraine. Research suggests that chocolate contains substances that may contribute to migraine attacks, such as tyramine and phenylethylamine.

• Tyramine: This is a natural compound found in various foods, such as aged cheese, smoked fish, and fermented products. It is believed to stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the brain that can trigger migraines. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, has been found to contain tyramine, making it a possible headache trigger.
• Phenylethylamine: This is another compound in chocolate that has been linked to migraines. Phenylethylamine is thought to affect blood vessels in the brain, which can cause headaches and other migraine symptoms.

“It is important to note that not everyone who consumes chocolate experiences a migraine. Migraine triggers can vary from person to person, and chocolate may only affect certain individuals. However, for those who are susceptible to migraines, it may be worth considering chocolate consumption as a possible trigger to avoid.”

If you like chocolate and suffer from migraines, you don’t have to eliminate chocolate from your diet completely. The key is to know your own triggers and moderate yourself. You may find that small amounts of chocolate or certain types of chocolate have less of an impact on your migraines. It may also be helpful to keep a headache diary and track symptoms along with chocolate consumption to identify patterns or correlations.

Say No to Caffeine if You Want to Prevent Migraines

Caffeine is a natural substance found in many foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks. It acts as a stimulant by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which in turn increases alertness and constricts blood vessels. Although this can provide a temporary increase in energy and concentration, it can also have negative effects on migraineurs.

• Caffeine can trigger migraines in some people, especially if consumed in large amounts or regularly.
• It can cause rebound headaches, in which caffeine withdrawal causes blood vessels to dilate, causing a throbbing pain in the head.
• Additionally, caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns, another common migraine trigger.

It is recommended that people suffering from migraines avoid or limit caffeine consumption. This includes not only coffee and tea, but also other sources such as chocolate and certain medications.

Understanding the role of caffeine in migraines is crucial to control and prevent these weakening headaches. Making conscious decisions and reducing or eliminating caffeine consumption, people can control their migraines and improve their general wel l-being.

Alcohol: Triggering Migraines and Hangover Headaches

A key factor to keep in mind is that alcohol acts as a vasodilator, which means that it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow. This can cause a migraine crisis in people likely to suffer from it. In addition, dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can further exacerbate migraines and headaches. When alcohol is processed in the body, urine production increases, which entails a greater loss of liquids and a greater probability of dehydration. It is known that dehydration is a common trigger for migraines in many people.

• Alcohol acts as a vasodilator: when consumed, alcohol widens blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can trigger migraines in susceptible people.
• Dehydration aggravates migraines and headaches: alcohol consumption increases urine production, which causes fluid loss and a greater probability of dehydration, a usual trigger for migraines.

“Alcohol acts as a direct trigger for migraines in some individuals. The vasodilator effect of alcohol can make blood vessels dilate and press against surrounding nerves, triggering a migraine.”- Dr. Smith, neurologist

“Hangover headaches usually occur due to dehydration induced by Cohol. Alcohol is a diuretic and can cause an increase in urine production, with the consequent loss of liquids and the consequent headaches.”- Dr. Johnson, general doctor

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont