Food Triggers Of Migraines

Migraines are severe headaches that are often accompanied by nausea nd vomiting. The sufferer becomes extremely sensitive to light and sound, which may cause them to seek out a quiet dark place to lie down. Migraine pain can be unilateral or bilateral and and last for several hours. Before it strikes, a person may experience visual disturbances, a feeling of intense energy, thirst, a craving for sweets and either a feeling of irritability or depression. The attack may come on with or without prodrome. You should try to identify the triggers of your migraines and try to avoid them to minimize the severity of the attacks. Diet often plays an important role in triggering migraines and there are many food items which act as triggers. Foods containing tyramine are known to be the most common migraine triggers. Tyramine -. an amine present in many protein-based foods, is formed as result of breakdown of proteins. Fermented foods or those which are stored for long time have higher Tyramine content which is known to elevate blood pressure resulting in migraines. Other amines which can trigger migraines include Phenylalanine, Phenyl ethylamine, Octopamine, Serotonin, Dopamine and Histamine. You should also stay away from tobacco if you are migraine prone. It contains nicotine which intensifies migraine attacks. For many people though, dietary amines are quickly broken down and don't pose threat. This is not so for migraine sufferers Foods high in amines that lead to migraines are as follows: Tofu, cheese, yogurt, avocados, canned and processed meat, raisins and nuts, onions, beans, canned soups, dried figs, bananas, papayas, pineapples, plums, peanut butter, spinach, yeast and yeast extracts and tomatoes

Foods high in Tyramine and the other amines which trigger migraines must also be avoided as they will exacerbate migraine attacks. You should try to regularly consume oily fish and ginger as these foods have been proven to actually relieve or prevent migraines. Food preservatives and additives are also known to trigger migraine headaches. A lot of processed foods contain certain food additives in varying amounts. The main culprits known to trigger migraines are - monosodium glutamate salt (MSG), nitrates, nitrites, sulphites and aspartame. Certain type's food dyes and artificial sweeteners are also thought to intensify the severity of an attack. MSG - Mostly used in Chinese foods and in a lot of processed food items including -- Pickles, bacon, sausages, ham, pepperoni and hotdogs.

There are certain beverages containing artificial sweeteners and preservatives that will trigger migraine attacks. Coffee, chocolate, tea and all fizzy drinks pose threat to migraine sufferers. Alcoholic drinks like whisky, wine, beer and champagne will trigger migraine attacks as well. Milk contains protein which is known . 'casein'. This particular protein creates histamines which in turn, produce mucus. If histamine levels increase, lots of mucus -. produced and this will put pressure on the brain membranes, thus triggering a migraine. Dairy products are definitely worth avoiding in order to minimize the intensity of your migraines.

In summary, you need to work out which foods you are sensitive to and then basically, avoid them. It is a good idea to keep a food diary to keep track of the foodstuffs you are sensitive to and then, by identifying which foods maybe triggering your migraines, you will then learn which foods to avoid.

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