Foods and Migraines

Certain foods have been suspected of aggravating migraine headaches.  Over the years this list has been refined.  Many of the food items on the migraine trigger list are commonly consumed during the holidays.  If you suffer from migraines, you might want to reconsider some of the following items:

• Aged Cheeses.  Cottage and cream cheese don’t seem to be much of a bother.  Cottage cheese is a much healthier choice than cream cheese.
• Alcohol.  Red wine is liquid migraine.
• Caffeine.  There is a lot of debate over the role of caffeine in migraines.  Many people report that caffeine helps them reduce their pain, while others report that it exacerbates their pain.  One thing that does show some consistency is dramatically lowering or raising caffeine consumption has an effect on migraine frequency and intensity.
• Aged Meats.  Cold cuts contain certain preservative agents that effect the blood flow through the brain.
• Foods with Tyramine.  As a certain amino acid in foods breaks down, a chemical known as tyramine is formed.  This chemical has shown to cause the blood vessels to dilate.  Foods on the top of the tyramine list are:
  • Soy Sauce
  • Sauerkraut
  • Salami
  • Peperoni

Eating fresh foods– as opposed to aged or fermented ones– tends to improve outcomes in migraines.  So as the holiday get social events have you standing at a buffet table choosing a meal, lean away from the aged products and select the fresh, whole foods.

Proper diet is an important part of an on-going treatment plan for migraines.  In addition to diet, regular chiropractic care is critical.  Keeping the cervical spine joints moving helps to reduce the stress on the nervous system.

Dr. Andrew White | St George Chiropractor

Featured image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and vitasamb2001

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