Diet for Migraine Prevention

Migraines are painful and throbbing headaches that last anywhere between 30 minutes to several days. Most often, only one side of your head is affected. Thirty to 40 percent of migraines affect both sides. Symptoms can be so severe that it disrupts your regular routine. Prevention techniques are useful to minimize the frequency of this type of headache.

Causes

• Scientists have differing opinions on what causes migraine headaches. Some argue that the expansion of blood vessels cause migraines; others believe it has to do with specific brain chemicals that regulate pain. Despite this, all experts agree that certain foods and lifestyle choices can cause migraines.

Food Triggers

• Common foods that can trigger migraines include chocolate, cheese, alcohol, red apples, nitrite-rich food (such as hot dogs, pepperoni and other sausages), dishes seasoned with MSG, wines that contain sulfites, and caffeine-rich drinks (such as coffee and soft drinks). Avoiding these types of food will prevent migraine headaches.

Other Triggers

• Migraines are also triggered as a result of stress, smoking, changes in your sleep pattern, changes in the weather, hormonal changes, and certain medications.

Prevention/Solution

• Exercising regularly can lessen your stress levels and prevent migraine headaches. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in fat and processed foods and meats. Avoiding bad habits, like smoking or drinking alcohol, will also lessen migraine frequencies.

Statistics

• Migraine headaches affect over 30 million Americans. Over 80 percent of these people have a family history of migraines. Seventy-five percent of suffers are women. Migraines affect three times more women than men.