Headaches and migraines can be caused by a variety of factors, including the foods we eat. Depending on the ingredients used, even seemingly healthy foods can trigger migraines. Migraines are generally difficult to avoid, but knowing the types of trigger foods for migraines is a good starting point in preventing migraine attacks. Diet tweaks can help reduce the side-effects and prevent migraine attacks, and these changes can also aid in reducing the frequency of migraines.
Listed here are five trigger foods for migraines and headaches that should be avoided by people at risk for developing a migraine:
1. Red wine and alcohol
Research suggests that alcohol is linked to migraines. Some people have reported headaches within 30 minutes to almost 3 hours of consuming alcohol, and others are sensitive to even small amounts. The common type of alcohol that happens to be the cause is dark liquor, but red wine can also trigger migraines. Since alcohol contains an amino acid called tyramine, it causes headaches, and alcohol is also known to cause dehydration, so drinking water along with alcohol can prevent a hangover. You can also lower the risk of getting a migraine by eating food along with alcohol.
2. Caffeine
While it may vary from person to person, caffeine is also a trigger food for migraines and headaches. Even though a little bit of caffeine can stop the generation of migraines, the effect differs from one person to another. If you feel that you’re experiencing the symptoms of migraines and headaches after the consumption of caffeine in any form, you can slowly bring down your caffeine intake and gradually reintroduce it in small amounts.
3. Chocolate
The International Headache Society has suggested that cocoa has a healing effect on the nerve cells that cause migraines and headaches and can relieve inflammation. However, almost 22% of people who suffer from headaches have stated that chocolate is one of the major trigger foods for migraines.
4. Fast food
There’s no doubt that everyone loves to eat French fries and burgers from the nearest fast-food restaurant, but these trigger foods for migraines contain nitrates, MSG, and sulfites, which are all used to increase the food’s shelf life and also make it taste delicious. There are also different types of seasoning, which contain high levels of the same additives, so you need to be careful about where you obtain your quick meals from.
5. Ice-cream
The last trigger food for migraines and headaches on this list is ice-cream. A headache experienced due to ice-cream consumption usually lasts for around 30 to 60 seconds, and the effect is more prominent if the body is overheated. However, the issue can be prolonged when you are at the risk of developing a migraine. For people suffering from a migraine, it is helpful to eat cold foods, drinks, and ice-creams slowly.