Migraines are chronic headaches that can cause debilitating pain for hours or even days, according to the MayoClinic.com. The pain may be so severe that all sufferers can do is find a dark, quiet place to lie down. Migraines can occur due to stress, hormonal changes, sensory stimulation, sleeping problems, physical exertion, weather changes, specific foods and/or medications. While certain foods can aggravate migraine symptoms, the actual trigger depends on the individual. Recognizing the foods that trigger your migraines can help you reduce their frequency and intensity.
Chocolate
If you eat a lot of chocolate, it may aggravate your migraine. According to the website Relieve-Migraine-Headache.com, chocolate contains phenylethylamine or PEA, a chemical naturally found in chocolate. PEA can cause blood vessels to expand and contract, which may worsen migraine attacks. It is important to note that while chocolate may aggravate migraines in some people, it may not affect you in the same way. The connection between chocolate and migraines is unclear at this time. Chocolate food sources that may worsen a migraine include chocolate candy bars, hot cocoa, chocolate cookies and chocolate cakes and cupcakes.
Parmesan Cheese
A food source that can aggravate your migraine is Parmesan cheese, according to the website NPR. Aged cheeses such Parmesan cheese contain tyramine, a natural amino acid that occurs when protein deteriorates in aging foods. Tyramine narrows and dilates blood vessels, which can trigger a migraine attack, in some people. Other foods that are loaded with tyramine are blue cheese, cheddar, avocados, bananas, soy products, eggplant, figs, grapes, oranges, pineapples, raisins, plums and prunes.
Hot Dogs
Consuming hot dogs may intensify your migraine, according to the website Medline Plus. Processed meats like hot dogs usually contain nitrites or nitrates, preservatives that can increase blood flow to your brain and worsen your migraine. Other processed meats that contain nitrites or nitrates are bologna, cured meats, deli meats and pepperoni.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages may aggravate your migraine headache. According to the American Headache Society, some alcoholic beverages contain a combination of the naturally occurring amino acids: tyramine, phenylethylamine, histamines, sulphites and flavonoid phenols, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to rapidly contract and dilate. The contraction and dilation of blood vessels can increase migraine pain, in some people. In addition, drinking large amounts of alcohol can dehydrate you and trigger a delayed hangover headache. Alcoholic beverages that increase migraines are red wine, brandy and beer.
Coffee
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee can increase your migraine headache, according to the National Headache Foundation. Caffeine is a stimulant and vasoconstrictor, which narrows blood vessels in the body. In some cases, caffeine can actually relieve migraine pain, but in other cases it tends to worsen the pain. In addition, small amounts of caffeine may help alleviate a migraine attack, while moderate to large amounts may cause or exacerbate one. Caffeine-based products include non-herbal tea, cola, chocolate and energy bars.
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