MIGRAINE

Nutritional Strategies for Managing Migraines

Migraines bring about periodic, intense headaches that can’t be precisely predicted. For certain individuals, specific foods may act as triggers for these migraines. If you suspect a correlation between your diet and migraine attacks, consider the following dietary adjustments:

1. Regular Snacking:

• Consume snacks frequently, especially after extended periods without food or intense physical activity. Low blood sugar levels, resulting from prolonged fasting, have been associated with migraine attacks.

2. Avoidance of Certain Foods:

• Identify and eliminate specific foods that may trigger migraines. Introduce these dietary changes one at a time and assess whether it reduces the frequency of your migraine attacks. If there’s no improvement, gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet. Potential migraine-triggering foods include:
  • Aged cheeses (Brie, camembert, cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, gruyère, etc.).
  • Caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, cola).
  • Chocolate and cocoa in desserts and drinks.
  • Certain fruits (strawberries, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes).
  • Legumes (broad beans, chickpeas).
  • Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, especially red wine, port, liqueurs).
  • Meat extracts like Bovril and Oxo.
  • Yeast-containing foods such as brewers’ yeast, fresh bread, and fritters.
  • Foods with added fungi, including yogurt, sour cream, mushrooms, vinegar, soy sauce, sauerkraut, marinated condiments, and foods.
  • Food additives like monosodium glutamate (found in Chinese foods, spices, chips, nuts, and peanuts), aspartame (in diet beverages and foods), and nitrites (in deli meats, bologna, salami, ham, etc.).

While there’s no guarantee these measures will universally decrease migraine attacks, some individuals have found them effective. It’s worth experimenting to observe their impact on your specific situation.

Always be mindful of your diet; it significantly influences your overall health!