Migraines are a neurological condition that can affect people of all ages, and lead to multiple symptoms. Typically, the condition is characterized by intense and debilitating headaches, and other symptoms of migraine include vomiting, nausea, numbness or tingling, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to sound and light. There is no cure available for the condition, but you can prevent the symptoms and the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks by avoiding certain trigger foods for migraines.
It is usually difficult to figure out or pinpoint the specific triggers, but the following is a list of some common trigger foods for migraines that you should watch out for:
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is the primary ingredient in a regular cup of coffee. In certain cases, caffeine helps in getting relief from the symptoms of a headache, but reducing caffeine consumption can act as a trigger for migraines and headaches.
2. Aged meat and cheese
The nitrates in some foods like salami and other similar aged meats are likely to work as triggers for migraines, and the same holds for cheese. This is because these aged foods contain tyramine, which acts as a trigger, and it can also aggravate any existing symptoms of migraines.
3. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to the symptoms of migraine within hours or days. It is better to limit the consumption of alcohol as dehydration caused by alcohol consumption leads to migraines and headaches.
4. MSG or monosodium glutamate
Monosodium Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and can trigger migraine-like symptoms in many people. MSG or monosodium glutamate is usually present in fast and processed foods. Salad dressings and sauces also contain monosodium glutamate, so it is important to be mindful of what is consumed.
5. Citrus fruits
All kinds of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in fatty acids, and the consumption of such fruits can lead to gastric irritations. In some cases, this can also result in the symptoms of headaches and migraines.
6. Chocolate
Chocolate may not be a trigger, but it has been found that excessive consumption of chocolate leads to the symptoms of headaches and migraines in many cases. This is usually the case with the darker varieties of chocolates as they have high caffeine content, and chocolate also has a small amount of tyramine content.
7. Spicy foods
It has been found that spicy foods are also responsible for triggering the symptoms of headaches and migraines in many cases. Additionally, it has been observed that the major contributor is the chili pepper and other similar spices.
8. Foods and drinks that contain aspartame
It has also been observed that food and drinks that have aspartame also trigger the symptoms of headaches and migraines, so try to avoid them. Some foods that commonly contain aspartame are diet soda, sugar-free ice cream, low-calorie fruit juices, gum, yogurt, and sugarless candies.
