Unlike classic migraines, which cause intense headaches, abdominal migraines present as a moderate to severe pain felt in the abdomen. The pain is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This condition is a neurological disease that is often hereditary and generally affects children between the ages of 5 and 9. It can occur in adults as well, although this is rare. The same foods that can trigger a classic migraine can also trigger an abdominal migraine and should be avoided.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a common ingredient in several medications prescribed to treat various headaches, including migraines. For this reason, it may be surprising to learn that caffeine itself may also be the root of those same migraines it is prescribed to prevent. Food triggers for abdominal migraines vary by individuals, and not everybody who drinks caffeine will be affected in the same way. If you suffer from abdominal migraines and you consume caffeine on a daily basis, try eliminating it from your diet to see if your condition improves.
Nitrates
Nitrates are nitrogen-based compounds that are added to processed foods to preserve color and prevent the growth of bacteria. According to the National Pain Foundation, the association between nitrates and migraines is likely related to the dilating effect nitrates have on blood vessels in the brain. Nitrates are found in abundance in most lunch meats, including bologna, salami and pepperoni. All cured meats such as hot dogs and bacon contain high levels of nitrates, unless the label states that they are nitrate-free.
Monosodium Glutamate
Food additives, made up of chemicals and preservatives, are found in abundance in packaged foods. These additives may trigger abdominal migraines in sensitive individuals. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a common additive that is associated with migraines and should be avoided by abdominal migraine sufferers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, MSG may be the underlying cause for 30 percent of migraines. MSG can be found in bouillon cubes and packaged seasonings, salad dressings, condiments, canned foods, snack foods and Chinese food.
Chocolate
Migraine sufferers often identify chocolate as a food trigger. Many sufferers believe that the sugar in chocolate is responsible for migraine occurrence, however, there is no empirical evidence to support this claim. The onset of abdominal migraines after consuming chocolate may be due to the tyramine that is present in chocolate. Tyramine forms in foods when the naturally occurring amino acid tyrosine breaks down. The National Headache Foundation states, "Tyramine levels increase in foods when they are aged, fermented, stored for long periods of time or are not fresh." In sensitive individuals, abdominal migraines may occur in as little as 20 minutes after consuming chocolate.
References
- Health Central; What Triggers Abdominal Migraines?
- Cleveland Clinic: Migraine Headaches
- Today Health; Prevent the Pounding! Diet Tips to Stop Headaches; Joy Bauer
- National Pain Foundation; Migraine Headache; Christina Sun-Edelstein, MD and Alexander Mauskop, MD
- National Headache Foundation: Diet Can Influence Headache
