7 foods and drinks that can cause migraines

Drinking alcohol, coffee, consuming processed meats, and foods containing a lot of MSG can cause migraines.

Migraines are sudden, severe headaches that occur on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Here are some foods that can trigger them.

Ale

According to the American Migraine Foundation, alcohol can act as a trigger for attacks. Certain substances in alcohol, such as histamine, tyramine, and sulfites, have been linked to attacks. Drinking alcohol causes migraines because it dilates blood vessels.

Caffeine

According to the National Institutes of Health, caffeine in coffee, tea, and soft drinks may be to blame. Fluctuations in caffeine levels cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to headaches in some people.

Chocolate

A 2020 review by Stanford University, USA and several units, based on 43 studies, on more than 39,000 people, showed that chocolate consumption is the cause of migraines. This is due to the presence of beta-phenylethylamine, an organic compound in chocolate that stimulates the central nervous system and brain.

Cheese

The Stanford University review also pointed out that aged cheeses containing the amino acid tyramine are also a factor. The amino acid tyramine is found naturally in the body and helps regulate blood pressure.

Processed meat

According to a 2020 review by Stanford University, USA, nitrates used to preserve processed meats such as sausages, cold cuts, bacon, and pates are also a cause of migraines. In addition, some processed meats contain tyramine, which is an agent.

Foods containing MSG

According to the National Institutes of Health, many people are prone to migraines due to consuming MSG - a common additive found in many foods. For example, some foods containing MSG include fast food, canned soup, potato chips or other snacks, instant noodles, frozen foods...

Fermented foods

Fermented dairy products such as yogurt and cultured milk, fermented foods, and pickles can also sometimes trigger headaches or migraines. Some people may experience migraines when eating peanuts and nuts, yeast and certain types of bread, organ meats, and fruits such as kiwis, citrus fruits, bananas, and raspberries.

To avoid migraines, people should eat on time and regularly, can divide into about 5 small meals a day, combine carbohydrates with protein to maintain a feeling of fullness, prioritize fresh foods, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid processed and packaged foods, reduce salt, drink enough water and limit soft drinks, read the ingredients on the packaging carefully to limit headaches.

People with severe headaches, difficulty speaking, coordinating movements, or visual disturbances that come on quickly and cause loss of balance should see a doctor.

If the headache gets worse, medication does not control the migraine, pain medication must be used three or more times a week, or the headache gets worse when leaning or lying down, you should also see a doctor.

Mai Cat (According to Very Well Health )

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