Migraines can be debilitating and difficult to treat. While there are medications that can help, it also is important to determine your personal triggers, which for some include soy. However, migraines also can be a symptom of a serious underlying disease, so before making any changes, talk to your doctor about the best treatment approach.
Migraines
While the exact cause of all migraines is not well understood, they might be triggered in part by a change in the level of the hormone serotonin. When your serotonin level falls, blood vessels within the brain might swell and create pressure, causing a migraine, says FamilyDoctor.org. There are many other factors that can trigger migraines, including changes in weather, fluctuating hormone levels and certain foods. Since each case is unique, you will need to keep a food and symptom diary to find your personal trigger foods.
Tyramine and Headaches
One substance found in various foods that can trigger migraines is tyramine. For some, consuming tyramine causes a chain reaction that makes the blood vessels constrict and then dilate, which can trigger a headache or migraine, reports the National Headache Foundation. Tyramine is not added to foods but rather produced in foods from the natural breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine tends to be highest in foods that are aged, fermented, stored for long periods, or not fresh.
Soy and Migraines
Since fermented soybeans and products made with them are high in tyramine, soy might be a trigger food for you, notes the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This includes products such as temph, miso, some types of tofu and tamari. You also might find that sauerkraut, pea pods, fermented pickles, olives, aged cheeses, processed meats and alcohol are off limits as well. You will need to experiment with your diet, as you might be able to consume a small amount of some of these foods while others need to be eliminated altogether.
Lifestyle Changes
You might find that eliminating or cutting back on soy alone might not be enough to control your migraines. When it comes to managing migraines, you are better off preventing them from occurring than trying to treat then once they have started, according to the Harvard Medical School. Along with dietary changes, you need to make sure you are getting enough sleep but not too much. Practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress and avoiding bright lights and loud noises whenever possible also might help.
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