Migraine is a common condition that affects millions of people. Migraine symptoms can be extremely distressing and debilitating. However, the exact cause of migraines has remained a mystery until recently. Many studies have been done over the years to shed light on migraines. Certain foods are believed to be the main cause. There are many foods that can trigger migraines.
Triggers
People suffering from migraines seem to have a common problem: they are unable to tolerate foods like cheese, chocolate, and citrus fruits. An attack of migraine can also be triggered by caffeine-based foods and coffee. A migraine attack can be caused by Chinese food. It contains monosodium glutamate as well as the artificial sweetener Aspartame.
Your headache can be caused by stress. A migraine can be caused by long hours at work, especially if you are working at a computer. Many people who suffer from migraines find that their migraines occur on weekends. This is where relaxation is key to preventing migraines.
Hormonal Factor
Fluctuations in hormones can cause migraines in women. These hormone fluctuations are more common in women than in men. Many migraines that women experience are usually experienced just before or after their monthly periods. A migraine can be caused by a decrease in estrogen levels. These severe headaches can also be experienced by women who are going through menopause or have low estrogen levels.
Migraine sufferers are often linked to their genes. Many migraine sufferers have a history of migraines in their family. Most migraine sufferers are young. This problem is more common in young adults and teens. This could also be due to hormone fluctuations.
Sensory Trigger
A sensory trigger, such as sight or smell, can also cause migraines. This could be caused by bright or flickering lights or the sun’s glare. Common triggers include strong odors such as smoke, perfume, and citrus fruits.
Migraine headaches can be caused by changes in sleep patterns. Patients suffering from severe migraine headaches have reported that sudden changes in their sleep patterns can cause severe headaches. Many sufferers report that migraine attacks occur after a prolonged period of sleep, such a weekend lie-in. Some sufferers find that it is triggered by insufficient sleep.
Research
Migraines can also be caused by medication. A migraine attack can be caused by long-term use of headache medications. A migraine can be caused by oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and drugs that dilate blood vessels. Recent research has linked migraines to magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency or reduction can cause brain nerves to malfunction, which can lead to visual changes and migraines.
Magnesium supplements can be used in food or as a supplement to treat migraines. According to some studies, between 50-60% of migraines can be attributed to a lack of magnesium. Other than the above, migraines can also be caused by low magnesium, high altitude, motion sickness, and abrupt weather changes.
Conclusion
It is possible to list many other factors that can cause migraine. This is why it is so important to keep track of migraine attacks on a regular basis. A food diary can be helpful in identifying the triggers that lead to migraine. Each migraine sufferer experiences different symptoms, triggers, and it can be difficult to treat.
