If you have ever had a migraine headache you know how horrible they can be. The treatment is usually cold air, no light and quite. But did you know that certain foods can contribute to these headaches? Also one other thing that your must avoid is skipping meals or fasting as this can trigger a migraine too. Here are some foods to avoid:

 

Aged Cheese and other foods with tyramine – The first group includes aged cheeses, red wine, alcoholic beverages, and some processed meats. Why, because these things can contain tyramine. Tyramine is formed with the breakdown of proteins. These foods can trigger high blood pressure.

 

Alcohol– can cause blood flow to increase to the brain. Red wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne are the most commonly identified headache triggers.”[1]

 

Food Additives such as nitrates– nitrates dilate blood vessels causing headaches. (Examples: bacon, sausage, hot dogs, luncheon meats, pepperoni, MSG

 

Cold Foods– over 90% of people who have migraines report sensitivity to cold foods such as ice cream. The most likely cause would be from being overheated and then eating a cold food.[2]

 

Tannins– This is found in tea, red skinned apples and pears, apple juice and cider, and red wine.

 

Sulfites– This is commonly found in white wine, most dried fruits, canned vegetables, and processed foods.

 

Caffeine –People sensitive to caffeine can develop migraines from drinking coffee, black tea, green tea, and soft drinks. You should monitor if you are sensitive to caffeine.[3]

 

Other possible triggers:

 

Peanuts, peanut butter, nuts and seeds

Pizza

Potato Chips

Organ meat

Smoked or dried fish

Sourdough Bread

Bread, crackers and desserts containing cheese

Certain fresh fruits including bananas, citrus fruit, papaya, red plums, raspberries, kiwi, pineapple

Dried Fruits

Soups made from meat extracts or bullion

Sour Cream, buttermilk, yogurt

Caffeine found in chocolate and cocoa

Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners

There are some recommended supplements to help fight migraines. They include the following:

• · Riboflavin (skim milk, asparagus, kale, mushrooms, both portabella and white)
• · Magnesium (beans, Swiss chard, spinach, potatoes; sweet and white
• · Omega 3 fats (wild salmon, sardines, omega-3-fortified eggs)

 

The best way to identify what foods are causing your migraines is to keep a daily diary. Write down what you are eating and look for common foods that can be the culprit.