Conversely, some foods may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches or lessen their symptoms. While there is no definitive “migraine diet,” people may be able to reduce their migraines by monitoring what they eat.
In this article, we look at some of the foods that may prevent, trigger, or relieve migraines.
What foods can help prevent migraines?
Eating a healthful diet can help prevent migraines. A healthful diet should consist of fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Fresh foods are less likely to have added food preservatives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG). Preservatives can trigger migraines in some people, so avoiding foods that contain them can help.
The Association of Migraine Disorders have created a list of “migraine safe foods” to guide a person’s food choices. These foods generally do not contain preservatives, yeasts, flavorings, and other substances that are potential migraine triggers, such as nitrites and phenylalanine.
Below, we look at which foods to eat and avoid within a range of food groups:
Bread, grains, and cereals
Foods to eat:
- most cereals, except for those containing nuts, dried fruits, or aspartame
- plain or sesame seed bagels
- quick bread, such as pumpernickel or zucchini bread
- most plain pretzels and potato chips
- unflavored crackers, such as saltines or Club crackers
- white, wheat, rye, or pumpernickel bread from a store
Foods to avoid:
- flavored crackers, such as cheddar cheese crackers
- fresh bread that is homemade or from a grocer’s bakery
- pizza, as it is also a fresh bread
- highly flavored or seasoned chips
- soft pretzels
Meats, nuts, and seeds
Foods to eat:
- fresh beef, chicken, fish, lamb, pork, turkey, or veal
- poppy seeds
- pumpkin seeds
- sesame seeds
- sunflower seeds without natural flavors
Foods to avoid:
- beef and chicken livers
- breaded meats
- marinated meats
- flavored popcorn
- nut butters
Salad dressings and sauces
Foods to eat:
- homemade dips that use fresh ingredients without artificial flavorings
- homemade ranch dressings
- oil and distilled white vinegar salad dressings
Foods to avoid:
- bottled salad dressings
- pre-packaged dips, such as salsa, alfredo sauce, or mustard dips
Many bottled salad dressings and pre-packaged dips contain additives and preservatives that can trigger migraines. Additives to avoid include MSG, nitrites, and aspartame.
Aged cheese and red wine vinegar may also contribute to migraines, so it is best to limit their consumption.
Vegetables and fruits
Foods to eat:
- fresh fruits
- fresh vegetables
- preservative-free bagged lettuce
Examples of vegetables to eat include peppers, zucchini, fresh potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower.
Foods to avoid:
- boxed instant mashed potatoes
- dried fruits containing sulfite preservatives
- citrus fruits
- lima beans
- navy beans
- onions
- sauerkraut
Some fruits may also contain pollens or other compounds, and these can cause a histamine release that could trigger a migraine. Examples include bananas, oranges, grapefruits, raspberries, and plums.
Other prevention tips
Eating several small meals throughout the day can also help maintain steady blood sugar levels and prevent hunger, which can trigger migraines in some people.
A nutritious approach to the diet can help a person maintain a healthy weight too. According to the American Migraine Foundation, being overweight can make migraines more likely or worsen their symptoms.
What foods can trigger migraines?
The foods that trigger migraines will vary from person to person, and some individuals may not have any food-related migraine triggers.
However, some foods that commonly trigger migraines include:
- aged cheeses
- alcohol, particularly beer and red wine
- chocolate
- cured meats
- food preservatives, such as nitrates, nitrites, MSG, and artificial sweeteners
- smoked fish
- yeast extract
Not eating anything at all can also lead to an increased incidence of migraines. For some people, prolonged hunger and not eating enough are known headache triggers. This may be due to a link between low blood sugar levels and worsening migraine headaches.
Making dietary changes is not the only option for treating migraines.
Some migraine-specific OTC medications are available. These often combine acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.
Anyone who needs to take these medications several times a week to manage their symptoms is likely to require other prescription treatments to reduce their migraines.
Other treatment approaches may include:
- Medications that can reduce the excessive nerve signaling that contributes to migraines, such as topiramate (Topamax).Onabotulinum toxin A (BOTOX) injections, which may help reduce the occurrence and severity of migraines.
- Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS), an approach that doctors usually reserve for the most severe, recurrent headaches.
ONS involves inserting special devices called leads into the tissue in the back of the head where the occipital nerves transmit. The leads send signals to these nerves to try to interrupt transmissions that might lead to migraine headaches.
Some natural approaches, such as using peppermint, ginger, and the herb feverfew, may also relieve migraine symptoms.
A doctor can discuss these treatment options and others with a person to help them manage their migraine headaches.
Outlook
Diet can play a role in preventing, triggering, and relieving migraines. However, migraines vary from person to person, so a type of food that is beneficial for one person may not be suitable for another.
According to the Association of Migraine Disorders, fewer than 30 percent of people who get migraines have identified food-related triggers. In spite of this, many people try keeping food journals or doing elimination diets in an attempt to identify potential triggers.
In cases that do involve the diet, people can avoid foods known to trigger headaches to help control pain and reduce the frequency or severity of their migraines. It is best to work with a doctor and a registered dietitian to determine an effective diet and migraine prevention plan.
Source: Read Full Article