Having a migraine can be extremely debilitating, and certain foods may be the reason. Avoiding these foods may help you avoid headaches altogether. The following foods are a few of the most common triggers of migraines. Caffeinated beverages, fried foods, processed meats, and soy sauce are just a few examples.
Caffeinated beverages
A new study has uncovered that caffeinated beverages can trigger migraines in approximately ten percent of migraineurs. The study involved 98 adults with frequent episodic migraine. The participants filled out electronic diaries about their daily caffeine and energy drink intake. They also reported when their migraines began, how long they lasted, and how severe they were. The researchers also recorded how many migraine medications they had taken in the previous week.
Although caffeine is considered a migraine trigger and aid, it is important to monitor the amount consumed. According to the American Migraine Foundation, three or more servings of caffeinated beverages within 24 hours can trigger a migraine.
Artificial sweeteners
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, has been linked to migraines in some people. It is a common ingredient in foods and beverages. While it is not known if aspartame causes migraines, the National Headache Foundation recommends you avoid the sweetener if you’re prone to headaches.
To make sure you don’t eat too many artificial sweeteners, make sure to read the ingredients on the back of food labels. Many of these sweeteners are toxic chemicals. They are also known to increase migraine symptoms, so it’s important to read food labels carefully. If you’re concerned, you can take one of many over-the-counter medications that claim to relieve migraine symptoms.
One of the best ways to avoid artificial sweeteners is to cut back on sugar. Artificial sweeteners, which are typically used for low-calorie diets or to follow a ketogenic diet, have been linked to migraines. Some of the most common ones include aspartame, sucralose, and stevia. However, not all sugar alcohols are created equal.
Processed meats
Consuming processed meats, especially those containing MSG (monosodium glutamate), can trigger migraine attacks. This ingredient, commonly found in soy sauce and meat tenderizers, triggers migraines by increasing blood pressure and dilating blood vessels. It is also known to cause dehydration, which can lead to migraine and cluster headaches. Processed meats are also high in nitrates and nitrites, chemicals that cause blood vessels to swell and cause headaches.
If you suffer from frequent migraine headaches, you need to avoid these foods or modify your diet to avoid them. It is not necessary to completely eliminate any food from your diet, but you should try to limit them as much as possible. It is also important to keep a headache diary to determine which foods trigger a migraine. This way, you can identify food items that trigger a migraine by tracking your consumption and avoiding them as much as possible.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a common food additive that has been linked to migraine headaches. It contains high levels of tyramine, a chemical that causes cramps and headaches. The high salt content can also dehydrate you, further exacerbating the problem. Migraine sufferers should avoid eating soy sauce altogether.
The best way to avoid soy sauce and other foods that trigger migraines is to limit the amount you consume. These foods are not harmful when consumed in small amounts, but too much can trigger a migraine. To avoid such migraines, you must understand the current migraine trends. It is also important to keep a headache diary, as it can help you determine if a particular food trigger is the cause of your headaches.
Studies suggest that 20 percent of headache sufferers are food sensitive. Other common offenders are alcohol, pickled foods, chocolate, and aged cheese.
Processed vegetables
It is important for you to understand what foods trigger migraines. A food diary can be useful for identifying the triggers of your migraines. You can also perform an elimination diet. In this diet, you remove certain food groups from your diet for a few weeks. While on the diet, you will note how you feel on a daily basis, mark the dates when you had a migraine, and record the duration of each migraine.
Foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) are known to trigger migraine headaches in some people. This food additive is found in processed meats and many processed vegetables. You may be able to find relief by avoiding processed meats and processed vegetables that contain MSG.