Stop Eating These Foods If You Get Migraine Attacks

Foods Can Cause Migraine

Migraine attacks can be triggered by many factors and what you eat is a big one. Read on to discover what NOT to have during a migraine and get ready to be surprised > >

1. Caffeine Helps And Hurts

Caffeine (found in tea, coffee, colas) causes dehydration which impacts the intensity of headaches. Ironically, it can also provide relief but better to avoid and find other pain relieving options. An American Migraine Foundation research found chocolate to be the second most common trigger for migraines.

2. Alcohol Will Not Calm You

Avoid taking a glass of wine or a chilled pint. Like caffeine but more intense, alcohol dehydrates, causing your brain to temporarily shrink and therefore, worsen the pain.

3. High Salt, Higher Pain

Big bad boy of cardiac problems strikes here too. High levels of sodium temporarily spike blood volume, expanding the blood vessels. This expansion and contraction can make the headache unbearable. Say NO to canned foods, french fries, processed foods, salted nuts and reduce it in your homemade meals.

4. 'No' To Aged Cheeses And Cured Meats

Not a significant part of the average Indian diet but nevertheless, Tyramine in cheeses and Nitrates + Nitrites in cured meats are aggressive migraine triggers. Not everyone might react to them but nevertheless avoidable.

5. Avoid Citrus Fruits

As Indians, we love to have sweet lime juice or even fresh lime water, when unwell. Choose other fruit juices because all citrus foods contain Tyramine too.

6. Stop Artificial Sweeteners / Aspartame

Aspartame is not your brain’s friend on a normal day and definitely not during migraines, as it inhibits serotonin and dopamine. Avoid all products with artificial sweeteners - sugar substitutes, diet colas, candy, jams, baked goods and many more.

7. No Chemical Additives, Especially MSG

All artificial preservatives and additives, can significantly aggravate your headache. For a few people, MSG containing foods can also hurt, though not conclusively proven.

8. Nuts And Nut Butters

Comes as a surprise but certain nuts and their derivatives like nut-based butters (peanut butter) or nut-milks (like almond milk) can cause painful episodes of migraine. It is specific to each individual so observe for yourself.

What You Can Enjoy

Opt for pain-safe foods like whole grains, vegetables, non-citrus fruits and seafood. Keep sipping water all day - sometimes like a herbal tea using ginger, tulsi, turmeric and other anti-inflammatory condiments.

Medanta Editorial Team

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