Migraine is a type of headache, characterized by severe and recurrent headaches. It is considered one of the most common disorders of the nervous system, affecting mainly people aged 35 to 45. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that, although no specific causes have been identified, diet contributes to preventing and developing this pain.
“This disease is caused by the activation of a brain mechanism that leads to the release of inflammatory and pain-causing substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head,” says the WHO. It is characterized by episodes of moderate to severe intensity, a one-sided and/or pulsating headache that can last from a few hours to three days.
According to nutritionist Ana Carolina Solares, some lifestyle and diet habits have been identified that trigger migraine episodes, such as skipping meals, ingesting high doses of caffeine, and not getting the hours of sleep necessary for the body to rest and the nervous system to regenerate. However, it is different for each person.
Migraines are difficult to combat, even with specific medications, as there is no cure. However, some habits can prevent the onset of these episodes of pain, such as diet.
Some foods are made up of substances that promote headaches, so if you suffer from migraines, you should avoid them. According to nutrition experts, it is best to try minimal amounts to determine if these foods cause migraines since they cannot be generalized to all patients.
Cheddar, kraft, and cream cheese are foods rich in tyramine, a molecule that causes dilation of blood vessels in the brain, which causes headaches, says nutritionist Norma Herrarte. This molecule also causes symptoms such as high blood pressure and some arrhythmias.
If you suffer from migraines, you may want to start experimenting with eating a piece of some of these cheeses when you have the pain to see if it causes more pain.
Alcohol
Drinks containing alcohol are doubly harmful to migraine sufferers because they contain histamine, a substance found in all foods, so it is not possible to eliminate it from the diet.
Nutritionist Herrarte says that most migraines are related to a deficiency of the enzyme DiAmino Oxidase (DAO), which is found in the small intestine and digests histamine. When a person has this deficiency, a lot of histamine accumulates in the body, which generates migraine symptoms.
Alcohol also causes dehydration, one of the main causes of headaches.
Citrus
Foods like lemon, tangerine, and orange can cause headaches because they have large amounts of histamine.
Nuts
Although seeds and nuts are used to improve cardiovascular health, they can affect migraine sufferers because they contain tyramine, a molecule that produces a change in the blood vessels of the brain.
Processed, canned, and packaged foods contain nitrates and nitrites, salts that are used to preserve food. These ingredients increase sodium levels in the body, which causes headaches.
Foods with monosodium glutamate
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an additive found in foods such as Chinese food, seasonings, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, packaged meats, and products that enhance or flavor foods. The problem is that these foods contain large amounts of it, which increases sodium levels.
It is advisable to read the product labels. You may find it under the names: calcium caseinate, flavorings, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed protein, textured protein, and sodium caseinate.
Caffeine
People who are sensitive to caffeine may develop migraines after consuming beverages such as coffee, black tea, green tea, soft drinks, or energy drinks. However, some people use caffeine to stop migraines when they have just started, which is why several migraine medications contain caffeine.
It is recommended that you check to see if these drinks make your migraine worse. Once you have determined this, it is best to avoid caffeine.
Chocolate
This food is also rich in tyramine, which can trigger severe headaches. This molecule is more present in pure chocolate, so, although it is considered one of the healthiest, it is best not to consume it if you suffer from migraines.
Foods preserved in vinegar
Products found in supermarkets such as pickled cabbage, salads vegetables, and pickled spices have a high concentration of acetic acid, histamines, and tannins, which could cause an alteration in tyramine levels and cause headaches.