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Food to Avoid for Migraine Sufferers

Migraine pain is found in patients around the world, affecting millions of suffers. Migraine headaches can be triggered by foods, stress and even hormones. By keeping a food journal, patients can find the foods that trigger the pain and eliminate them from the diet. Migraines are triggered by the same foods or additives in most patients. Knowing your triggers will lead to a life with less migraine pain.

  1. Dairy Products

    • Dairy products carry proteins that increase mucus production. This increased production places increased pressure on the brain, often resulting in migraine pain. Cheese, especially aged varieties, yogurt, milk and ice cream are the most common dairy triggers. Eliminating or reducing the amounts of these foods in the diet will lead to fewer migraines.

    Caffeine

    • Caffeine has been found to be a trigger, but it can also help alleviate migraine pain if consumed at the onset of the headache. Caffeine stimulates the blood vessels. This can lead to increased blood vessel pressure, resulting in pain. Using caffeine to reduce pain is only effective if the migraine was not triggered by caffeine intake. Sodas, tea and coffee should be avoided to reduce the frequency of migraines. By limiting caffeine intake to two beverages per day, migraine pain should remain controlled.

    Alcohol

    • Alcoholic beverages contain the additive tyramine, which increases the risk of migraine pain when consumed. This, combined with the dehydrating effects of alcohol, increase this beverage's triggering effects. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and high levels of tyramine, such as red wine, beer and sherry. Red wine is often referred to as a healthy beverage, reducing health risks. While this is true for a variety of ailments, it is a major trigger of migraine pain, and sufferers should avoid it.

    Aspartame

    • Artificial sweeteners containing aspartame are a high migraine trigger. Diet sodas, teas and foods with artificial sweeteners should be avoided. Many times, a migraine will begin within 30 minutes of consuming the artificial sweetener. Aspartame is sold under a variety of brand names. Read packages of artificial sweeteners carefully to avoid consuming this known trigger.

    Food Additivies

    • Foods containing additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nitrates will increase the likelihood of a migraine attack. These additives are used to preserve foods, for food coloring and to prevent food poisoning. They are usually disguised behind a label proclaiming "natural flavorings." Avoid processed foods, which contain the highest amount of additives.

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