An Overview of Foods That Trigger Migraines
There are several types of foods that can trigger a
migraine headache. Of course, everyone is different, so what causes
migraines in one person may not affect another person.
The goal for anyone with
migraines is to first be able to identify possible
migraine triggers. The next step is to avoid or limit these triggers as much as you can. However, there is a right and a wrong way to do this. The wrong way is to avoid all foods listed in this article as possible "migraine food triggers." This is because there are only a small number of people who have migraines that are triggered solely by food. Furthermore, avoiding food groups can lead to an unbalanced, unhealthy diet.
The right way to figure out your migraine triggers is to keep a
migraine diary. This will allow you to document, in a systematic manner, a number of factors that could play a role in triggering your migraine attacks -- including psychological, physical, and chemical factors.
Possible Migraine Food Triggers
Some migraine food triggers include:
- Cheeses that contain tyramine. This includes aged cheeses, such as:
- Blue cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Mozzarella.
- Meats with nitrate preservatives, such as hot dogs or bacon.
- Cured or smoked meats, such as salami, cured cold cuts, pepperoni, or liverwurst.
- Foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), a commonly used flavor enhancer found in Asian cuisine and snack foods.
- Certain dairy foods, including sour cream, yogurt, and buttermilk.
- All nuts, including peanut butter.
- Chocolate.
- Certain vegetables, such as snow peas, fava beans, lima beans, or other broad beans.
- Certain fruits, such as bananas, avocados, figs, raisins, and dried fruit.
- Fermented foods, such as:
- Sour cream and yogurt
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Fermented soy products (such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and miso).
- Freshly baked yeast breads and cakes.
- Red wine and beer.
- Garlic.
- Onions.
HealthSavvy Sign In
|
