Food additives are used to protect and enhance food's freshness, color, taste and safety. The Food and Drug Administration, FDA, considers the food additives used in the United States generally safe for consumption. However, some people have sensitivities to certain additives, resulting in migraines. If you suspect food additives are to blame for your migraines, you should consider substituting several common triggers for additive-free alternatives.
Nitrites and Nitrates
Nitrites and nitrates are added to many processed meat products, like bacon and hot dogs, as a preservative, anti-bacterial and color enhancer. They also occur in many vegetables as the result of the pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture. If you have a family history of migraines, nitrates can cause a release of glutamate, which causes severe migraine pain several hours after eating nitrates, according to a study published in the May 2010 issue of the "British Journal of Pharmacology." Researchers also report that a less severe headache, appearing immediately following the consumption of nitrates, may result from a release of nitric oxide.
Monosodium Glutamate
Monosodium glutamate, more commonly known as MSG, is a flavor enhancer. It is often found in canned vegetables, processed meats and Chinese restaurant food. MSG has been shown to cause an increase in headaches, muscle tightness, numbness, skin flushing and general weakness, according to a study that appeared in the June 1997 issue of "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology."
Caffeine
While caffeine does appear naturally in coffee, tea and chocolate, it is becoming an increasingly popular food additive. Caffeine is used to improve alertness and energy level. However, high amounts of caffeine, more than 200 mg daily, can raise your blood pressure, make you jittery, prevent you from sleeping and cause a migraine. The FDA warns that extremely high amounts of caffeine can even cause death in people of all ages. Furthermore, habitual caffeine consumption can lead to a caffeine addiction and subsequent withdrawal headaches if you go too long without caffeine. Other withdrawal symptoms include depression, irritability and muscle aches.
Aspartame
Aspartame is a popular sugar replacement used in many foods and beverages to reduce calories without compromising the sugary taste. In a double-blind study published in the October 1994 issue of "Neurology," researchers found that some people are susceptible to headaches due to aspartame. While aspartame appears to have no effect on most people, if you enjoy diet colas or other "sugar-free" foods, you should consider cutting back on your consumption to see if aspartame may be to blame.
References
- "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; The Monosodium Glutamate Symptom Complex: Assessment in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study; W.H. Yang, et al.; June 1997
- "MayoClinic.com"; Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Is it Harmful?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.; January 2010
- "Neurology"; Aspartame ingestion and headaches: a randomized crossover trial; S.K. Van den Eeden, et al.; October 1994
- "Argonne National Laboratory"; Nitrate and Nitrite; August 2005
- "Food and Drug Administration"; Medicines in my Home: Caffeine and Your Body; 2007
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