Did you know there can be a connection between nutrition and migraines? For migraine sufferers, be sure to take notes!
Research suggests that eating frequent meals that are scheduled and staying hydrated can potentially help prevent migraines that are triggered by hunger. It can also help to prevent unintentional weight gain which can be a trigger for headaches. Planned meals may also reduce stress which can be helpful since stress can be a trigger for migraines. One food item may not be the culprit of your migraine, but certain foods can trigger a migraine if you are teetering on the edge of one. Here are some common food triggers to look out for:
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Alcohol: including wine and beer.
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Caffeine: including coffee, tea, and energy drinks.
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Aspartame: a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free beverages or snacks.
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Foods with Monosodium Glutamate (referred to as MSG): often found in canned goods or condiments.
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Cured and Smoked Meat: such as sausage, deli meat, ham, bacon, and salami.
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Aged or Matured Cheeses: such as cheddar, swiss, or parmesan
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Citrus Foods: such as lemons or limes.
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Beans or Lentils: including peanuts.
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Chocolate: or any cocoa-containing products.
Keeping a food and symptom diary is a great way to identify a food trigger. To do this, you can keep a log of the date, time you ate, what you ate, and the time and severity of your symptoms to see if you can correlate any symptoms to what you are eating. You can also work with your healthcare provider to help you identify potential triggers and create a treatment plan.