A large number of people suffer from migraines, and some wouldn’t have to just by avoiding the worst foods for migraines. Though migraines aren’t uncommon, they are easy to prevent in your diet. Unfortunately, some of my favorite foods are migraine triggers, so I’m glad I’m not a chronic sufferer! If you suffer migraines on a regular basis, make sure your diet is contributing to the issue by reading up on the worst foods for migraines. This doesn’t mean they’ll completely go away, but at least you can reduce your probability of getting more migraines than you have to.
Quiz: Discover Your Food Triggers
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Which of the following dairy products do you consume regularly?
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1. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the worst foods for migraines because it contains an amino acid known as tyramine, which is found in many aged or other high protein foods. Peanut butter is also a common allergen that goes undetected, and food allergies also tend to cause headaches so get tested to rule this out.
Tyramine is an amino acid found in many aged or high protein foods, and is known to be a trigger for migraines. Peanut butter is one of the worst foods for migraines due to its high levels of tyramine, and is also a common allergen. It is important to get tested for food allergies as they can also cause headaches. Additionally, tyramine can also be found in foods such as aged cheeses, cured meats, smoked fish, and fermented soy products. Consuming these foods should be avoided, especially by those who are prone to migraines.
2. Chocolate
Oh, I’m so sorry to tell you this, but chocolate is one of the worst foods for headaches for people sensitive to tyramines. However, it's an actual headache reliever for other people, due to its high amount of magnesium, which reduces stress and relaxes the blood vessels to eliminate migraines. Chocolate is also a natural source of caffeine, which triggers migraines, so avoid it if you suffer and pop a magnesium supplement to relieve your headache instead.
Chocolate can be a tricky treat when it comes to migraines. For some, the sweet delight acts as a comfort food, thanks to its serotonin-boosting properties. Serotonin is known to alleviate pain and improve mood, which might indirectly help with headache symptoms. But, alas, for those sensitive to tyramines—natural compounds found in certain foods and aged or fermented products—chocolate might just be your nemesis. If you fall into this category, listen to your body and opt for a migraine-safe snack that won’t leave you in agony. Consider indulging in fruits or non-caffeinated treats to keep your head clear.
3. Beer
Beer is rich in tyramine and alochol, which are both migraine triggers found in foods. Since beer is aged and fermented, it naturally produces tyramines and can cause headaches pretty fast, much faster than that hangover you might think is the culprit!
Additionally, the alcoholic content in beer can lead to dehydration, another common trigger for migraines. Dehydration* can affect the balance of electrolytes in your system, potentially worsening the headache. Furthermore, the carbonation in beer can cause bloating and discomfort, which can contribute to the overall feeling of unease and headache. It's also important to remember* that different types of beer have varying levels of tyramine and other compounds that may affect individuals differently. **Limiting your intake or avoiding beer altogether might be a wise choice for those prone to migraines.
4. Wine
Another form of alcohol (along with all types of alcohol) that is quick to trigger a migraine is wine. Wine is one of the most frequent causes of migraines that women suffer from, but can also be a culprit for men. The fermentation of the grapes that produces wine also produces tyramines that cause the problem.
Red wine often gets the most attention for causing headaches due to another constituent called histamines, which are known to provoke migraine symptoms. Moreover, the tannins found in the skins of grapes used to make red wine can contribute to the problem. It is advisable to be mindful of your wine intake and opt for types with lower histamine levels if you're prone to migraines. As everyone's triggers vary, keeping a food diary can help identify if wine is a personal trigger.
5. Cheese
Cheese is another fermented food rich in tyramine and all forms of it can contribute to migraines. Avoid it and try nutritional yeast instead. It has a cheesy flavor and is not a known cause of headaches.
6. High Tannin Fruits
I’ve grouped all these together because they are all fruits and all include one ingredient that makes them a common trigger. Tannins are substances found in certain fruits, due to their biological makeup. These fruits include lemons, limes, grapefruit, cantaloupe, guava, honeydew melon, green pears, oranges, pineapples, blackberries and apricots. Most all forms of citrus included here can be potential triggers on their own, since citrus can contribute to migraines as well.
Migraines can be triggered by many different foods and substances, including high tannin fruits. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in certain fruits, and are known to trigger migraines in some individuals. Common high tannin fruits include lemons, limes, grapefruit, cantaloupe, guava, honeydew melon, green pears, oranges, pineapples, blackberries and apricots. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, are particularly likely to cause migraines.
Tannins can also be found in other foods, such as tea and wine. Tea, in particular, is known to contain high levels of tannins, and can be a trigger for migraines in some people. Red wine is also known to contain tannins, and can be a trigger for migraines.
It is important to note that not everyone who consumes these high tannin fruits will experience a migraine. The severity of the migraine, if experienced, can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience a mild headache, while others may experience a severe migraine.
7. Coffee
Coffee is rich in caffeine, as you know, which is a natural trigger for migraine sufferers. You can switch to decaf to see if that helps, but be aware if you’re especially sensitive. Even decaf has a little bit of caffeine, though the amounts are much less.
Given that even a small amount of caffeine can act as a stimulant, individuals with migraines may want to monitor their reaction to decaf closely. It's also worth considering that certain coffee additives, such as artificial sweeteners or dairy products, could be potential migraine triggers in their own right. To play it safe, explore other comforting warm beverages, like caffeine-free herbal teas or hot water with lemon, which are gentle on the system and hydrate the body without the risk of inducing a migraine.
8. Pizza
Pizza contains cheese, which makes it a natural migraine trigger. It also contains yeast in the crust, which is fermented and an active yeast, unlike nutritional yeast, which is not. Yeast is rich in tyramine and known to cause headaches. Some people even find that the olives cause headaches, as they are a fruit that often contributes to headaches as well. Olive oil is fine, but avoid olives and pizza if you’re a frequent sufferer.
9. Gluten
If you have a food intolerance, your body may send out responses that trigger a migraine. Gluten is one of the worst food intolerance offenders for many people, so be aware if you get migraines after eating foods that contain gluten. Gluten is found in all wheat, barley, rye, oats, and all forms of wheat such as whole grain breads (unless gluten-free), crackers, cookies and even soy sauce. Be aware when you consume a food if it has gluten so you can stay away.
If you have migraines on a regular basis, try downloading an app that will help you track your food and migraines, known as My Migraine Triggers. It's free and might be able to help you track what your problem foods are. If you get migraines, do certain foods act as triggers for you?
Sources: health.usnews.com, voices.yahoo.com
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