Do you suffer from frequent migraines? You may need to take a second look at your diet. Yup, what you eat can trigger the frequent migraines you’ve been experiencing. Understanding these potential culprits can help you make changes to your diet. Take out your list, as today, we’re bringing you 10 foods that can trigger your migraines. Note that each food actually depends on a person’s sensitivity levels.
10. Caffeine
Surprise, surprise, your power drink might trigger your migraines that you’ve been experiencing. Yup, we’re talking about coffee, soda, and some teas. While small amounts may actually help treat migraine problems, too much or sudden caffeine can trigger those migraines. Why? The fluctuations in caffeine levels may affect the dilation of your blood vessels, which is the cause of headaches.
9. Fermented Foods
When we say fermented foods, we’re talking about pickled vegetables, kimchi, miso, and soy sauce. They help trigger migraines due to their tyramine content, which is a fermentation process. The longer the fermentation period of a food, the higher the concentration. True enough, they also help offer health benefits and create probiotics, but certain compounds such as histamines can be sensitive for certain people.
8. Chocolate
According to a study published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, chocolate is responsible for 20% of people who suffer from migraines. This is because of the presence of beta-phenylethylamine, which is an organic compound found in chocolate. It stimulates the central nervous system of the brain, which triggers the migraines that some people may feel.
7. Foods with MSG
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a kind of sodium salt found in glutamic acid that exists in our bodies. MSG is a flavor enhancer present in many processed foods. Some suggest that they increase glutamate levels in our brain, which overstimulates the neurons. However, this could be the case only for sensitive individuals, as more research is needed to prove that this is the case for everyone.
6. Citrus Fruits
We’ve grown knowing that fruits are a better snack option, but it could also lead to migraine issues. Citrus fruits contain tyramine and other compounds that could potentially affect your blood vessels and hormone levels. While they’re not actually a universal trigger for everyone, those who are sensitive could experience migraines when they consume oranges.
5. Aged Cheeses
Who knew aged cheeses could be a migraine trigger? They’re found to have a substance called tyramine, which forms when the bacteria break down proteins from food. The longer the cheese ages, the higher the chance of higher tyramine contents. Note that typical aged cheeses containing this substance are feta, blue cheese, and Parmesan.
4. Processed Meats
Processed meats refer to hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats, usually meat that’s been processed. They can trigger migraines due to the presence of nitrites and nitrates that are used as preservatives. They cause the blood vessels in your brain to dilate, leading to migraines. Another trigger is also the tyramine that is present in some processed meats.
3. Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame is found in artificial sweeteners, which are present in sodas, sugar-free gum, and other products that are labeled as “diet” or “light.” Artificial sweeteners are suggested to disrupt the neurotransmitter balance and alter the blood flow. All of these contribute to the presence of migraines. While they’re presented as “sugar-free,” artificial sweeteners still do the trick.
2. Nuts
Certain nuts, such as walnuts, peanuts, and other tree nuts, are potential triggers linked to migraine. Why? They contain tyramine and are also common allergens that could manifest through migraines for some people. Some nuts also contain phenylalanine, an amino acid that can affect vascular tone, potentially contributing to migraines.
1. Yeast
Foods containing yeast, such as sourdough bread and fresh-baked goods, trigger migraine attacks. The sneaky ingredient that points to its trigger is tyramine, much like any other food in our list. Again, tyramine has an impact on our blood vessels and neurotransmitters found in our brains that cause migraine pain.