Migraine alert: 5 foods you should be careful with

Caffeine consumption

The American Medical Journal notes that excessive or regular caffeine intake (especially over 200–300 mg/day, or more than 2–3 cups of coffee) can lead to dependence.

A sudden decrease or skipping the usual dose can cause withdrawal symptoms, including headaches or migraines. In some people, even a one-time excess of their usual intake can trigger an attack due to vascular effects (initial narrowing, then dilation of brain blood vessels).

Alcohol

According to the European Journal of Neurology, people prone to migraines report a strong link between alcohol consumption and migraine symptoms.

Ethanol causes blood vessel dilation, which can trigger pain in individuals susceptible to migraines. Alcohol also has a diuretic effect, which can worsen headaches.

If you are prone to migraines, it is recommended to:

• Avoid alcohol
• Do not mix different types of drinks
• Drink enough water
• Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener (E951) that is sweeter than sugar but contains fewer calories.

A study published in Diet and Headache showed that foods and drinks containing aspartame can increase the frequency and severity of migraine symptoms.

If you suffer from migraines, it's better to start with stevia or erythritol, which are better tolerated. Always check labels: even sugar-free products may contain aspartame or sweetener blends.

Chocolate

According to PubMed, phenylethylamine, tyramine, and theobromine—bioactive compounds found in cocoa—can affect brain blood vessels and the release of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine), which sometimes trigger migraines.

Caffeine in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can both trigger an attack and temporarily relieve pain, depending on the dose and individual sensitivity. A sharp rise and fall in blood sugar can also act as a migraine trigger.

Foods high in tyramine
Tyramine is an amino acid naturally present in the human body and in many foods, and it can trigger migraines in some people.

Foods high in tyramine include:

• Aged cheeses, such as blue, brie, gorgonzola, feta, and cheddar
• Fermented foods, including sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso
• Cured, smoked, or pickled meats and fish, such as smoked salmon
• Alcohol
• Foods containing nitrates, sulfites, concentrated yeast, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Migraine symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, the main symptoms of migraine include:

• Intense, pulsating, or "throbbing" pain, usually on one side of the head
• Worsening pain with movement, light, or sound
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting
• Heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), and smells

You may also be interested in:

• The everyday item that can cause headaches
• The fruit you should never eat if you have a headache

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.