Migraines are chronic headaches characterized by sensitivity to light and sound, throbbing pain and nausea. Vomiting can sometimes occur with a migraine headache. These headaches occur with or without an aura which causes flashes of light, different colors or lines in the vision field. Classic migraines exhibit auras, while common migraines do not. Other migraines include menstrual migraines and ocular migraines. Recognizing migraine triggers help to prevent these painful headaches. Once triggered, migraines can last an hour to three or four days.
Foods Containing Monosodium Gluconate
The food additive, monosodium gluconate enhances flavor. MSG is an excitotoxin, that over-stimulates neurons and can eventually cause cell damage and death. Excitotoxins not only causes migraines, but may also cause brain damage associated with strokes, according to Drugs.com. Despite popular belief, several other foods contain MSG besides Chinese food. Avoid any flavored potato chips, even if they are all natural. Many times MSG has other names such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein or yeast extract. Frozen dinners, soups and crackers are also culprits. Many people find by eating more fresh food, they can easily avoid MSG and their migraines disappear.
Chocolate
Unfortunately, chocolate can trigger for migraines in some people. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine. According to the National Pain Foundation, this substance may trigger headaches in some migraine sufferers by changing the size of the blood vessels. Chocolate can be difficult to avoid because it tastes so good. However, since proof exists that chocolate can trigger a migraine, avoiding it may be well worth it.
Foods Containing Nitrites
Hot dogs, deli meats and pepperoni all contain nitrites. The Mayo Clinic says that nitrites,a food preservative, has been recognized as a migraine trigger. Nitrites inhibit hemoglobin from transporting oxygen through the body. Hemoglobin is a substance found in the blood that carries oxygen to tissues. Nitrites convert hemoglobin to a substance called methemoglobin. According to Medline Plus, methemoglobin does not allow oxygen to be moved properly through the body. The decrease in oxygen levels is thought to cause migraines. Avoiding nitrites is not as difficult as avoiding MSG. They do not have hidden names like MSG. Avoiding any processed meats should ensure that migraine sufferers don't consume any nitrites
Cheese
Cheese can trigger migraines because it contains tyramine. According to Headaches.org, foods that contain tyramine may trigger headaches in migraineurs by facilitating a chain reaction, which results in selective cerebral vasoconstriction followed by rebound dilation of the cranial vessels. This means that the blood vessels in the brain constrict or get smaller, then immediately dilate or get bigger. This action can cause throbbing pain of a migraine headache. Beer, wine, nuts and pickles all contain tyramine, so migraine sufferers should avoid them.
