According to research, up to 15% of the world's adult population suffers from migraines, and many of them notice that certain foods can trigger or intensify attacks.
But what foods exactly and why can they trigger migraines?
Understanding the connection between food and migraines is the first step to improving your well-being and controlling this unpleasant condition.
Caffeine
Caffeine is often thought of as a headache trigger, but for some, a cup of coffee or a glass of soda is often the quick fix.
There is currently insufficient evidence to make a definitive recommendation on the use of caffeine for headache relief.
People who suffer from migraines are advised to monitor how increasing or decreasing the amount of caffeine affects them. Excessive consumption (more than 200 milligrams per day) or, conversely, sudden withdrawal from it can often trigger a migraine.
Alcohol
While a cocktail in the evening may relax you, it may actually make your migraine worse. Certain compounds in alcohol, such as histamine, may be to blame. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration, another common cause of migraines.
Products containing tyramine
Tyramine is a byproduct of the breakdown of an amino acid called tyrosine. Some people experience headaches from foods containing tyramine, such as aged cheeses, smoked fish, figs and red wine, but this may depend on the amount eaten.
It is worth noting that taking certain medications can worsen the effects of tyramine.
Some studies suggest that in people prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors, interactions with tyramine intake may contribute to migraine.
Products with phenylalanine
Phenylalanine is an amino acid found in protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, nuts, seeds and legumes. High doses of phenylalanine can lead to headaches, including migraines.
Since phenylalanine is found in many healthy protein foods, you shouldn't give it up completely.
Products with soy or gluten
Research shows that migraines are very common with food intolerances, including soy and gluten. If a person has an intolerance to any food, be it soy, gluten or something else, symptoms usually appear within 12 to 24 hours after eating the food.
Earlier we talked about the harm of sweet carbonated water to human health
