Experienced migraineurs will tell you that they can identify migraine food triggers that cause headaches. Alcohol is my favorite. Alcohol is the winner in all forms, including beer, wine, and mixed drinks. The good news is that I will never become an alcoholic. It’s just not worth the pain!
Normal?
Funny thing is, I used to think that a severe headache with nausea and vomiting after drinking a few beers was normal. Red wine is the most common culprit for alcohol. The risk of a migraine attack is generally higher if the wine is redder and more dry. This is due to the high level of tannins found in red wine.
Let’s discuss the MYTH THAT CHOCOLATE causes headaches. It’s not true. Nope. Nada. Zip. A recent study found that chocolate may trigger migraines by increasing copper levels. To cause a headache, you must eat a lot of it and not just a few. Why is it that you get migraines after eating chocolate? The pro-dromal phase of migraines is when you “feel” that something is coming soon.
Let’s Understand It
During this period, certain brain parts are firing off which can stimulate food cravings, especially sugar or sweets. We all love chocolate, right? After eating it, the headache follows. This is why chocolate causes headaches. Next time, be aware that it could be the start of a migraine phase. It doesn’t mean you or I can eat a pound, but you get the idea.
What about caffeine? Caffeine by itself won’t cause migraines. But if you have severe migraines that are chronic, it can make them worse. It can cause nerve tissue irritation (that would be your brain). It can cause headaches and worsen over time. Nuts, aged cheeses and foods containing nitrates (bacon, lunch meats), smoked, or pickled food are all triggers.
Conclusion
I have heard from patients that onions and packaged foods containing lots of chemicals are triggers. Recent studies have focused on the relationship between migraine and gluten-free diets. Also known to trigger migraines is artificial sweetener aspartame. Keep a diary for at most 90 days to identify trigger foods. Then, avoid them. It’s like the old saying, “If it hurts when I do that..don’t do that.”
