Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Foods That Cause Migraines

Many foods can be linked to triggering headaches and migraines. Foods associated with migraines contain a natural substance or food additives--sometimes a combination of both--that contribute to the onset of migraines. Knowing which foods contain ingredients that are migraine triggers can be the first step to reducing the occurrence of migraines.


Natural Migraine Contributing Substance


Tyramine is a natural substance found in protein-based foods. Tyramine forms from the breakdown of protein, and can trigger severe hypertension resulting in migraines.


Foods Containing Tyramine


The following foods contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided by migraine sufferers:


Avocados


Bananas


Beef liver


Blue cheese


Bologna


Canned soup


Camembert cheese


Cheddar cheese


Chicken liver


Dates


Dried figs


Fava beans


Garbanzo beans


Kiwi


Lima beans


Nuts


Olives


Onions


Papaya


Peanut butter


Pepperoni


Pineapple


Pinto beans


Raisins


Raspberries


Red plums


Roquefort cheese


Salami


Sauerkraut


Soy sauce


Spinach


Stilton cheese


Summer sausage


Swiss cheese


Teriyaki


Tofu


Tomatoes


Yeast


Yeast extracts


Food Additives Proven to Contribute to Migraines


Nitrates, nitrites, monosodium glutamate (MSG), salt, aspartame, meat tenderizer and soy sauce are food preservatives that have the ability to dilate blood vessels and cause migraines. Most processed foods contain additives; while some contain minuscule amounts, others contain as many additives as the original product.


Foods Containing Food Additives


The following foods typically are abundant in food additives and should be avoided by people who suffer from frequent migraines:


Bacon


Cured meat


Deli meat


Hot dogs


Ham


Luncheon meat


Oriental foods


Pepperoni


Pickles


Processed meat


Red wine


Sausage


Whiskey


Dairy Products Can Trigger Migraines








The protein found in milk is a known allergenic for many people. This protein--casein--creates histamines, which in turn are responsible for the production of mucus. Excessive mucus puts pressure on brain membranes, which can trigger migraines.


Dairy Products to Avoid


Dairy products may contribute to migraines for many people. To see if dairy products trigger migraines, avoid the following:


Cheese (all types)


Ice cream


Milk


Sour cream


Yogurt


Considerations


Every person who experiences migraines may have different triggers; therefore, avoiding all foods listed may not be entirely necessary. For this reason, it is recommended to determine triggers through an elimination process. Eliminate all foods listed for four to six weeks, then add one food each week. Any unpleasant side effects noticed upon reintroducing a food would indicate a food to avoid.

Tags: foods contain, following foods, Foods Containing, foods listed, many people, migraines Foods, natural substance