Foods that cause migraine

Migraine is a type of headache that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including certain foods and ingredients. Here is a list of 10 foods and substances that can aggravate migraine in some people:

Tyramine

Tyramine is a natural amino acid component found in some foods that can trigger migraines in some people, especially those who are predisposed to this type of headache. [1], [2], [3]

Tyramine is usually formed during the breakdown of protein foods. Foods rich in tyramine include:

1. Sharp and mature cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, gouda.
2. Fermented foods such as soy sauce, salad and pasta sauces, miso and kimchi.
3. Certain types of fish such as sardines, tuna and salmon.
4. Savory and flavorful foods including some types of sausage and sausage, pepperoni and salted nuts.
5. Alcohol, especially red wine and beer.

In people who are sensitive to tyramine, taking it can cause the blood vessels in the brain to dilate and irritate nerve endings, which can lead to migraines. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting and photosensitivity.

Monosodium glutamate

Monosodium glutamate, also known as monosodium monoglutamate, is an additive that is often used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer (E621). It has amino acid properties and gives foods a richer flavor.

It is hypothesized that some people may be sensitive to monosodium glutamate and may possibly experience headaches, including migraines, after consuming it. [4], [5], [6] This condition is sometimes called "Chinese restaurant syndrome" or "monosodium glutamate sensitivity syndrome." However, scientific research on this topic has not always been unequivocal and it is not possible to clearly confirm the link between monosodium glutamate and migraines in all people.

If you have a suspected sensitivity to monosodium glutamate and experience migraines or other unpleasant symptoms after consuming it, you may want to avoid products containing this additive.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an amino acid that is found in some foods and may be linked to migraine in some people. However, not all people react to tyrosine in the same way, and reactions may be individualized.

Tyrosine is a precursor to neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which can affect vascular tone and brain function. [7] In some people, tyrosine levels in the body may increase after eating certain foods such as bananas, avocados, peanuts, and certain types of cheese. [8], [9], [10]

If you suspect that tyrosine may be a migraine trigger, you should keep a food diary to keep track of which foods trigger your headaches and when. If you find that eating tyrosine-rich foods is associated with migraines, you may want to consider limiting the consumption of such foods in your diet.

Nitrates and nitrites

These preservatives can be found in processed meats such as ham, sausage and sausages.

The mechanism of action of nitrates and nitrites in relation to migraine is related to their ability to dilate blood vessels, including cerebral vessels. This process may be an important factor in the onset of migraine. [11]

Your brain needs a constant supply of blood and oxygen to function properly. When your brain vessels dilate, this can cause an increase in blood flow to the brain, which can lead to the severe throbbing headache characteristic of a migraine.

Nitrates and nitrites can affect the blood vessels of the brain in the following ways:

1. Vascular dilation (vasodilation): Nitrates and nitrites can stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the vascular walls. NO is a molecule that relaxes the smooth muscle of blood vessels, which causes them to dilate.
2. Increased Blood Flow: The dilation ofblood vessels caused by nitrates and nitrites increases blood flow to the brain, which can put pressure on the vascular system and can be accompanied by migraines.
3. Specific effect on brain vessels: Brain vessels may be particularly sensitive to the effects of nitrates and nitrites, which may exacerbate migraine symptoms in susceptible individuals.

Thus, nitrates and nitrites can cause dilation of brain vessels and increased blood flow, which becomes one of the mechanisms of migraine in some people. However, reactions to these substances can be individualized, and they do not cause migraine in everyone. If you suspect that nitrates and nitrites may be triggers for your migraines, it is important to keep a food diary and discuss migraine prevention strategies with your doctor, including limiting your intake of foods containing these compounds.

Caffeine

Caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on migraines. The effects of caffeine on migraines may vary depending on individual sensitivity and caffeine intake. Caffeine has been associated with migraine for many years, on the one hand as a triggering factor and on the other hand as a drug. [12]

Positive aspects of caffeine for migraine:

1. Pain relief: Caffeine may increase the effectiveness of some migraine medications, such as combination medications containing aspirin, paracetamol and caffeine. Caffeine may help reduce pain intensity and improve migraine relief.
2. Vasoconstriction: Caffeine can constrict blood vessels, which may be helpful in cases where vasodilation contributes to migraines.

Negative aspects of caffeine for migraine:

1. Caffeine abuse: Overconsumption of caffeine, especially in the form of coffee drinks or energy drinks, can cause headaches or trigger migraine attacks in some people.
2. Vascular dilation: In some people, caffeine can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can worsen migraines.
3. Withdrawal syndrome: Regular use of caffeine can lead to withdrawal syndrome, which can also cause headaches.

It is important to remember that each person's reaction to caffeine is individualized. If you suffer from migraines and are considering using caffeine to relieve symptoms, consult your doctor or neurologist.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption may influence the onset or worsening of migraine in some people. Many studies show that alcohol is a trigger for migraine without aura, migraine with aura, cluster headache and tension headache. [13], [14] Migraine is a typical neurological condition characterized by severe headache often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. The effect of alcohol on migraine can depend on several factors:

1. Type of alcohol: Some types of alcohol may have a more negative effect on migraine than others. For example, red wine is often considered one of the alcoholic beverages that can trigger or worsen migraine attacks.
2. Amount of alcohol: Consuming large amounts of alcohol may be a more likely catalyst for migraine.
3. Individual sensitivity: People vary in their sensitivity to alcohol and its effects on the body. Some people may have an increased tendency to have migraines after drinking even small amounts of alcohol.
4. Associated Factors: Factors such as stress, lack of sleep, weather changes or certain foods can also influence the occurrence of migraines after drinking alcohol.
5. Drug Interactions: If you are taking medications to treat migraine or other conditions, drinking alcohol may cause unwanted interactions with these medications.

It can be difficult for people with migraines to distinguish between an alcohol-induced migraine attack and a delayed alcohol-induced headache, as the symptoms may overlap. [15], [16]

If you have migraine and notice that alcohol consumption is triggering your migraine attacks, it is recommended that you discuss this with your doctor or neurologist. They can suggest strategies for managing migraine, including recommending alcohol consumption or even recommending abstinence if necessary to control the condition.

Chocolate

Chocolate is the most popular food trigger of migraine and is epidemiologically implicated in migraine attacks, and the classic advice that physicians give to migraine patients is to avoid it. [17], [18], [19] The mechanism of action of chocolate as a potential migraine trigger is related to several factors:

1. Tyrosine: Chocolate contains the amino acid tyrosine, which can stimulate the production of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters can affect vascular tone and brain function. Increased norepinephrine release can cause vasoconstriction (vasoconstriction), which may be associated with the onset of migraine.
2. Caffeine: Some types of chocolate, especially dark and bitter chocolate, contain caffeine. Caffeine can also affect the blood vessels and nervous system. Consuming large amounts of caffeine can cause blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation) and then constrict, which can stimulate migraines.
3. Amines: Chocolate also contains various amines, including phenylethylamine and serotonin. These substances can affect the nervous system and blood vessels, particularly the blood vessels in the brain.
4. Migrenesin: Some studies suggest that a substance called migrenesin may play a role in the development of migraines. This substance can be found in chocolate, and its presence may influence the onset of migraines in some people.

The mechanisms of action of chocolate in relation to migraine are not fully understood and may vary from person to person. Not all people with migraine will respond to chocolate in the same way.

Processed products

Products containing artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives can cause reactions in some people. [20]

The mechanism of action of processed foods in relation to migraine can be complex and may depend on the specific ingredients and additives in these products. However, some general points can be made about how processed foods may trigger or worsen migraine:

1. Monosodium glutamate (MSG): MSG is an additive used in processed foods to enhance flavor. It is hypothesized in some people that sensitivity to MSG may cause migraines or increase their symptoms. MSG can affect neural pathways, including pain and inflammation pathways, which can cause headaches.
2. Tyramine: Tyramine is a biogenic amino acid that may be found in some processed foods such as cheese, cured meats and some canned foods. In some people, consuming tyramine-rich foods can cause migraines because tyramine can dilate blood vessels and affect the brain.
3. Sugar and colors: Processed foods may contain large amounts of sugar and artificial colors. Consuming large amounts of sugar can cause changes in blood sugar levels, which may be linked to migraines in some people. Dyes can also cause sensitivities in some people.
4. Caffeine: The presence of caffeine in processed foods such as carbonated beverages and chocolate can affect vasodilation and constriction, which may be associated with migraines.
5. Hypoglycemia: High sugar levels and eating fast carbohydrates in processed foods can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and then fall quickly. This can trigger hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause a migraine.

Mechanisms of action may vary depending on specific products and individual sensitivities.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit can cause or exacerbate migraine in some people. The mechanism of action is related to the bioactive substances in citrus fruits. [21], [22] Here are some of them and their role in migraine triggers:

1. Tyramine: Citrus fruits may contain tyramine, which is an amino acid. In some people, high levels of tyramine can cause dilated blood vessels and increased blood pressure, which can trigger migraine attacks.
2. Citrates: Citrus fruits also contain citrates, which can stimulate receptors in brain tissue and cause pain sensations.
3. Vitamin C: High levels of vitamin C in citrus fruits can cause blood vessels to dilate, which may also be associated with migraine headaches.
4. Aromatic compounds: Citrus fruits contain aromatic compounds that can have an irritating effect on nerve receptors.

The mechanisms of migraine onset are complex and can vary from person to person. Some people may be more sensitive to citrus fruits and other foods that contain the above ingredients. If you notice that citrus fruits trigger a migraine attack, it is recommended that you keep a food diary to determine which foods may be triggers for you.

Nuts

Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and others may be potential migraine triggers in some people. [23], The mechanism of action of nuts in relation to migraine may be related to several factors:

1. Tyrosine: Nuts, like chocolate, contain the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine can stimulate the production of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which can affect vascular tone and brain function. This can cause vasoconstriction (vasoconstriction), which is associated with migraine.
2. Monamine oxidase (MAO): Nuts also contain natural monamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenolic compounds. MAO is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters, including serotonin, and changes in its activity may be associated with migraine.
3. Histamine: Nuts may contain histamine, which can affect blood vessels and cause them to dilate (vasodilation). This may also be associated with the occurrence of migraines.

The mechanisms of action of nuts in relation to migraine may be individualized and may vary from person to person. Not all people with migraine respond to nuts in the same way. If you suspect that nuts may be triggering your migraines, it is recommended that you keep a food diary and keep track of which foods trigger your headaches and when.

It is important to note that reactions to these foods can be individualized, and not all people with migraine will experience symptoms after consuming them. If you suspect that certain foods are triggering your migraines, it is recommended that you keep a food diary to determine which ones may be provocateurs and then avoid consuming them. Consulting with a doctor or migraine specialist can also be helpful in developing a personalized migraine treatment and management plan.