National Nutritional Week 2018: Foods to avoid when you have a migraine

Migraine foods If you are a chronic sufferer you definitely know your triggers. The triggers for migraine are quite tricky — it could be the smell; taste of any substance that can lead to a debilitating headache. For migraine sufferers it is essential that they stay away from their triggers and things that can aggravate their condition. Sometimes certain foods can make the pain worse. The underlying cause of migraines is unknown, but hormones, stress and dietary factors may play a role. While the role of dietary triggers still remains controversial but experts believe that staying away from certain foods is better, here goes the list:Coffee Coffee: High caffeine intake seems to trigger migraines in certain people, though this might not be the case with many, especially coffee-drinkers.Cheese Cheese: Some people are allergic to dairy products and might have adverse reaction to cheese long with a migraine headache.Alcohol Alcohol: In certain people, alcoholic beverages may trigger a migraine within three hours of consumption. Studies say roughly 29–36% of those with migraines believe that alcohol may trigger a migraine attack.Processed meat Processed meat: Around 5% of people with migraines may develop a headache hours or even minutes after consuming processed meat products. Experts believe that it is mostly because of the nitrates present in the processed meat.Chinese foods Chinese foods: MSG in Chinese foods is often thought to be a trigger for headaches. For some it could also be a reason for cluster headache.Artifical sweenteners Artificial sweetners: A few studies have associated the artificial sweetener aspartame with an increased frequency of migraine headaches, but the evidence is unclear.Citrus foods Citrus fruits: In one study, about 11% of those with migraines reported citrus fruits to be a migraine triggerChocolate Chocolates: Anywhere from 2 to 22% of people with migraines report being sensitive to chocolate. However, studies on the effect of chocolate remain inconclusive.gluten Gluten: Wheat, barley and rye contain gluten. These cereals, as well as products made from them, may trigger migraines in gluten-intolerant people.