FOODS THAT TRIGGER MIGRAINE HEADACHE

Migraine headache is a classic condition that can send a normal individual into a state of agonizing physical headache pain along with other symptoms like sensitivity to light, smells, and noises. This condition can last anywhere from 3-48 hours. Many have the added effect of aura which can involve sensory and visual abnormalities.
There are many causes for migraine headache, one of which can be food. Certain foods have been indicated as triggers for migraine headache and should be avoided if you are prone to this condition. Women, especially, seem to be more prone than men. Let’s look at some of the culprits for migraine.

AGED CHEESE
Aged cheese is high in tyramine, a substance that forms from the breakdown of certain foods. The longer the food ages, the greater the amount of tyramine. For those who have sensitivity to tyramine, here are some cheeses to watch out for:
 Blue cheeses
 Brie
 Cheddar
 Stilton
 Feta
 Gorgonzola
 Mozzarella
 Muenster
 Parmesan
 Swiss
 Processed cheese
Other foods high in tyramine include processed meats, pickles, onions, olives, certain types of beans, raisins, nuts, avocados, canned soups, and red wine. However, it is hard to avoid all of these foods. Many patients prefer to take their chances than have to live without the enjoyment of some of these triggers. For example, some don’t want to give up having a glass of red wine. One such an occasion, perhaps taking some medication before consuming the wine may help reduce the migraine. As always, consult your doctor before trying anything.

ADDITIVES
Certain food additives, including nitrates and food colorings, are known migraine triggers. Like other triggers, these additives may increase blood flow to the brain, causing migraines in certain people. Unlike the usual headache on one side of the head, headaches caused by additives happen on both sides of the head and may have these characteristics:
 They occur within a specific time after the substance has been taken
 They disappear when a substance is eliminated from the diet or within a specific time thereafter
Monosodium glutamate headache, better known as Chinese restaurant syndrome, occurs one hour after ingestion of MSG and can cause at least two of the following:
 Pressure in the chest or face
 Burning sensation in the chest, neck, or shoulders
 Dizziness
 Abdominal discomfort
Although MSG is found in many foods like soy sauce, Chines food, and other packaged foods, it really is not a common trigger.
BRAIN FREEZE
Most of us have experienced a short-lived severe headache pain after eating something too cold. Many people call these 5 minute headaches ice cream headaches or brain freezes. However, for migraine sufferers, a brain freeze affects areas of the brain that are affected during a migraine attack. Those who get migraines need to avoid brain freezes, since the 5-minute headache has the potential to grow into a 3-72 hour migraine attack.

SKIPPED MEALS
While many people have sensitivities to certain foods, others have migraines because they don’t eat. Anything that disrupts the body’s normal stability can cause a migraine headache. That can include oversleeping and skipping meals. It is important to also eat the right foods at the right time. That means making sure that protein is included for breakfast and having lunch on time. If skipped meals are the cause for your headache, then usually they disappear once you eat. By eating, you will treat the cause rather than the symptoms.

INDENTIFYING YOUR TRIGGERS
If your migraine is caused by skipped meals, then that is an easy fix. However, if your migraines start after you eat, the culprit food may be a bit more difficult to determine. Some people experiment and eat one type of suspect food and sit back and wait for any headache effects. Others keep a headache diary. If you prefer this method, keep records of when the headache started and what foods you ate the day of the migraine and the day before it occurred. Also, be sure to include all the foods you eat. Here are some of the most common culprits for food sensitivity migraines:
• Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, foods with meat tenderizers, yeasts, or yeast extracts
• Caffeine in even small amounts can trigger migraines in some people
• Chocolate, cocoa, and foods containing nuts
• Alcoholic beverages especially wine, beer, and sherry
• Aged, canned, and processed meat, fish, and poultry. Also foods that contain tyramine and nitrates.
• Cultured dairy products such as sour cream and buttermilk
• Dried fruits including figs, raisins, and dates
• Breads and crackers containing cheese including pizza
• Cheeses
• Smoked or dried fish
• Canned soups or soups made from bouillon or based with MSG
Knowing what triggers your headaches is a key factor to improving the frequency and severity of your migraine headaches. Foods, along with other triggers, can play a major role in controlling this condition. While you may control your headaches with this method, it is good to see a doctor to know of all the options so that you will have many treatments available for your use.

Tags: blurred vision, dizziness, head pain, lightheadedness, migraine symptoms, nausea, vomiting