|  | Conditions Treatments | Headaches

Foods That Trigger Cluster Headaches

According to an article reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., cluster headaches are common, can be chronic and typically occur more often in men than women. They are most common among adolescence and middle aged individuals, though they can occur at any age. Symptoms of a cluster headache include burning sharp or steady pain on one side of the head, eye pain that quickly worsens and peaks within 5 to 10 minutes. These headaches may last from 30 minutes to several hours.

  1. Substances

    • Tyramine is a substance that forms from the breakdown of protein in some foods. Aged foods can contain high quantities of tyramine and may cause cluster headaches in people who are sensitive to tyramine. For this reason, The Cleveland Clinic warns against the following types of cheese: Brie, blue cheese, Cheddar, feta, Gorgonzola, muenster, mozzarella, Parmesan, Swiss, Stilton and processed cheese.

    Additives

    • According to The Cleveland Clinic, food additives and preservatives contained in certain foods can trigger cluster headaches. Nitrates and nitrites are considered possible triggers for headaches because they dilate blood vessels. Nitrates and nitrites can be found in foods such as ham and deli-style meats, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, pepperoni and cured or processed meats.

    Enhancers

    • Monosodium glutamate or MSG is used to enhance flavor in certain foods. This additive is thought to trigger cluster headaches in certain individuals (according to the Cleveland Clinic). MSG is an active ingredient in packaged foods, soy sauce, meat tenderizer and Asian cuisine. On packaged foods this ingredient is often referred to as "hydrolyzed fat," "hydrolyzed protein" or "all-natural preservatives."

    Symptoms

    • According to the Cleveland Clinic, headache pain and other symptoms that can be felt following MSG consumption include: tightening in the face and pressure in the face and chest, burning sensation in the chest, shoulders or neck, dizziness, abdominal discomfort and facial flushing. These symptoms can occur 20 to 25 minutes after eating foods containing MSG.

    Considerations

    • Many headaches sufferers, including those who experience cluster headaches find other foods besides those containing additives and MSG can trigger headache pain.These foods include nuts, peanut butter, pizza, potato chips, organ meats including chicken livers and pate, smoked or dried fish, pickled foods, yeast goods including sour dough bread and bakery items, beans, onions, avocado, fruits both fresh and dried, bouillon based soups and cultured dairy products. Consider keeping a food diary to help identify food triggers.

Headaches - Related Articles