Trigger Foods To Avoid For Migraine Patients
Migraines are the most severe type of headache out there. They are also recurrent, meaning they come back for those who suffer from them. They’re not one and done! In addition to the pain migraines cause, other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, as well as increased sensitivity to sound, light, even touch. Most of the time, migraines cause pain on one side of the head. This pain is throbbing and it can last for a few hours, even for a whole day or two!
Many people experience migraines due to stress, genetics, and even an imbalance in brain chemicals. However, certain foods also trigger migraines! Many take pain medications to treat their condition and consider this the best treatment for a migraine. There are other options too! Natural remedies for migraines are quite popular as well. What’s more? Knowing the food triggers for migraines offers instant migraine relief!
Caffeine
Caffeine in food and beverages is a major trigger for migraines. This is because caffeine also produces withdrawal symptoms. People become reliant on it, and when they don’t drink it, their head hurts! Many are also sensitive to caffeine and drinking any of it also triggers a migraine. Thus, the best bet is to eliminate caffeine from the diet.
Of course, those who drink a lot shouldn’t do this overnight. Lessening the intake of caffeine over time prevents withdrawal symptoms. The process for each patient will vary, so they should consult their doctor to develop a plan. Of course, a good tip is switching to drinks with less caffeine during this process, such as from black tea to green tea!
Chocolate
Yes, chocolate is another food trigger for migraines! There are several reasons why chocolate causes this kind of pain. One is many types of chocolate contain caffeine, which is the most popular migraine trigger when it comes to food and drink. Thus, eating lots of chocolate means eating lots of caffeine. Certain types of chocolate also contain certain ingredients. Specifically, chocolate contains an amino acid called tyramine, which lowers serotonin and affects the dilation of blood vessels. While this acid’s connection to migraines is limited, there is still one there.
Most suspect, however, the reason chocolate is a migraine trigger is that it’s a common craving people have when they’re stressed or due to hormone changes. These two factors are serious triggers! Eating chocolate whenever they occur can result in an eventual connection between chocolate and migraines, even when these factors aren’t present.
Alcohol
Alcohol is another trigger for migraines. For many who deal with headaches, alcohol consumption in excess is the problem, both while they’re drinking and the morning after. A glass of wine with dinner doesn’t usually affect them. That said, those who deal with migraines must be much more careful about their alcohol consumption. They may even want to cut it out completely!
A major contributor to migraines is dehydration, and alcohol speeds up this process than if someone simply isn’t drinking enough water. Additionally, certain types of alcohol trigger migraines more than others. This means the type of alcohol matters too! The most common example is people who find red wine gives them a migraine, but white wine doesn’t. Thus, when these people do wish to drink a glass of wine with dinner, white wine is the safer choice.
Salty Foods
Everyone needs salt in their diet, but too much salt causes many issues, such as high blood pressure. For migraine patients, salty foods are major triggers. This is for several reasons! Those who eat lots of salty foods, such as potato chips, will notice they feel thirsty after doing so. Feeling thirsty means they are dehydrated. Higher blood pressure also causes more migraines, and remember, consuming lots of sodium does increase blood pressure!
In addition to the sodium in salty foods, it’s also worth noting many salty foods are also highly processed. Processed food contains harmful preservatives! Nitrates are one of these preservatives and they can release nitric oxide into the bloodstream. Nitric oxide has been connected to migraines in several studies. Thus, staying away from salty, processed foods such as cured meats is key.
Artificial Sweeteners
Many people turn to artificial sweeteners so they can avoid sugar and the extra calories it contains. Certain diets also require artificial sweeteners because of the carbohydrates they have! However, the American Migraine Association, along with other credible sources, have linked artificial sweeteners to increased migraines. The most common artificial sweetener to cause migraines is aspartame. Diet sodas, those without sugar, typically contain aspartame! Many people drink too much diet soda, and the quantity is a serious contributing factor here. One soda is often tolerable, but drinking 5 or 6 in one day isn’t.
It’s also important to note aspartame has been linked to reduced dopamine and serotonin in the brain, both of which cause more migraines. Dopamine, in particular, is included in many migraine medications, showing it reduces migraines. So it stands to reason low dopamine increases them!