According to the Migraine Research Foundation, approximately 12% of the population suffers from migraines. Migraines are “splitting headaches” that may leave one incapable of performing normal everyday tasks. A searing pain to the head may be accompanied by hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and smell and visually impairing auras. While many know how to avoid their migraines by getting enough sleep every night and staying hydrated, many may be unaware of the common foods that are inhibitors of migraines.
Coffee beans
That cup of coffee you drink for an energy boost can be doing more harm than good. Caffeine in coffee is another common inhibitor of migraine headaches. While a small amount can help relieve a headache, drinking too much can be a trigger. Too much caffeine can cause blood vessels in the brain to enlarge and press against nerve cells, triggering a migraine. Coffee, chocolate and many sodas are a couple of foods that contain caffeine and should be avoided.
Aged Cheese
Parmesan, goat cheese, and all the like are delicious on top of salads and pasta. Ever thought that a little sprinkle of cheese could be the trigger for your migraines? This can be due to a chemical called tyramine. Typically, foods that are high in tyramine have been aged or stored for long periods of time. Tyramine releases a chemical in the nerve cells called norepinephrine that trigger migraine headaches.
Ice
Overheated? Don’t drink that ice water too quickly! Many people experience “brain freezes” which last for a very short amount of time. For those who are prone to migraines, this can be a trigger for more than just a small headache that lasts about a minute.
Soy Sauce
Everyone enjoys that delicious salty umami flavor that comes with this popular Asian dipping sauce, but little did you know it could be causing your migraines. While soy sauce is very salty which can lead to dehydration, it also contains a common chemical called monosodium glutamate (MSG). MSG is the component in many processed foods like flavored chips and frozen dinners that give an instant umami flavor. Unfortunately, it could also be one of the culprits to your migraines.
Bacon
Processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs, and lunch meat contain nitrates and nitrites. While they are meant to keep the meat fresh, they are also a potential trigger for your migraines. Like caffeine, nitrates and nitrites can enlarge blood vessels and cause migraines.