1. The Chemistry Behind Migraine Headaches
While doctors are still trying to determine what migraines are and how to treat them, they have identified migraine triggers, many of them foods. Migraines are likely caused by a disruption in the trigeminal nerve system, a pain pathway, and by imbalances in brain chemicals. These factors dilate your blood vessels, and a migraine headache results. Luckily, we've found that when serotonin levels drop, migraine headaches occur. Many foods reduce serotonin levels, and these foods can trigger migraines.
2. Caffeine: Your Worst Enemy
Caffeine is one the biggest culprits of migraine headaches. In mild doses, caffeine may actually treat headaches (it's an ingredient in Excedrin Migraine). In addition, a low level of caffeine can enhance alertness. But high levels can actually cause headaches. While experts don't understand why, the side effects of caffeine may be the cause. Side effects of high levels of caffeine include insomnia, irritability and jitteriness. In addition, the sudden withdrawal of caffeine can also cause migraines.
3. Food Preservatives are Migraine Triggers
Many foods contain preservatives to make them last a little longer. But many of these preservatives, including MSG (monosodium glutamate) are migraine triggers. Often used in Chinese foods, MSG may be present in salad dressings, soups, chips and soy sauce. Other names for MSG include sodium caseinate, hydrolyzed proteins or autolyzed yeast, so check labels of preserved foods carefully. Nitrates and nitrites, chemicals in processed meats, such as hotdogs, bacon and salami, may also cause migraines.
4. Red Wine and Migraine Headaches
Alcohol, particularly red wine, may be a migraine trigger and a drink to stay away from if you suffer from migraines. A chemical in red wine called Tyramine may be the cause of this. Red wine also contains phenolic flavanoids. These chemicals give red wine its color and aren't present in high amounts in white wine, which may explain why white wine doesn't seem to cause migraine headaches.
5. Other Migraine Triggers
Chocolate is a popular migraine trigger, though researchers still don't understand this. It may have something to do with the caffeine in chocolate. Cheeses and pickled foods with tyramine may also be migraine triggers. Some people also blame citrus fruits for their migraines. Citrus fruits may contain histamine, which may trigger migraines.
