Migraine headaches are a common health problem that affects many people globally. Migraines can come with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound symptoms. If you suffer from migraines, it is essential to monitor your diet for foods that trigger them.
In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 worst food triggers for migraines, so you know what to avoid!
Caffeine is a stimulant that is found in many beverages and foods. Sometimes caffeine can be helpful and give you a boost of energy when you need it, but if you suffer from migraines, you should avoid this food trigger altogether! Caffeine can also cause dehydration which will only make your headaches worse.
Alcohol is a depressant, and because of this, it can make your migraine worse. Alcohol also contains sulfites which can cause headaches when consumed in large amounts. Alcohol consumption can trigger migraines for two main reasons: dehydration and vasodilation. If you do drink alcohol, drink in moderation and try to avoid drinking around your typical migraine “triggers.”
Chocolate is a delicious treat that can also be a migraine trigger. Chocolate can contain tyramine, a vasodilator that will cause blood vessels to expand. When chocolate is consumed in large amounts, the blood vessels in your brain will expand, causing the pain and experience of migraines. If you love chocolate, it is best to limit your intake to one serving or less each day.
Cheese contains tyramine which is a vasodilator just like chocolate does. If you love your cheese, limit yourself to one serving per day. When it comes to cheese, it is best when consumed with fruits or vegetables, which can help offset the tyramine.
Soy products like tofu and soy sauce contain chemicals that can trigger migraines in some people. You may not be allergic to soy, but you could be sensitive to it, so make sure to monitor your migraine symptoms when consuming soy products and see if they are related!
Acesulfame-K and aspartame are artificial sweeteners that can trigger migraines when consumed in large amounts. These food additives are found in many different products, including gum and diet soda, so if you suffer from migraines, it is best to avoid them!
Monosodium Glutamate is a flavor enhancer commonly added to food and packaged meals. MSG is a food additive that can trigger migraines and headaches in people who are sensitive to it. When purchasing packaged foods, look at the ingredients list to see if “MSG” is listed and avoid those products!
Nitrates are preservatives found in many different types of processed meat, including bacon, hot dogs, and sausage. Nitrates may cause your blood vessels to dilate and increase the flow of blood, which can trigger migraines. It is especially important to avoid processed meats if you suffer from migraines or if temperature changes trigger your headaches.
Pickled and fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, and vinegar are common for many people. These foods can contain nitrates which can cause migraines in some susceptible people. If you have ever experienced a migraine when eating pickled or fermented foods, it is best to avoid them as they may be one of the top ten worst migraines triggers.
Salty foods, like bacon and seafood, can trigger migraines. The sodium found in these foods increases the wideness of the blood vessels, which makes your migraines worse. Salty foods are great in moderation, but if you have a particularly bad migraine, it is best to avoid eating these types of food as they can trigger more migraines.
Hopefully, this list of the ten worst foods that trigger migraines will help you determine which foods you need to avoid. The most important thing is to avoid all your food triggers, including these top 10, when you have a migraine. If at all possible, it is best to completely avoid all the foods listed when you are experiencing a headache or if you are going to be exposed to the food outside of a migraine episode.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.