The Diet of Migraine Patients: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Migraine is a name we are all familiar with. Especially those of us who have a migraine problem can easily feel the intensity of this pain. There is a strong connection between diet and migraine. We can also avoid migraine pain by changing our eating habits. Today, we will talk in detail about what the diet of a migraine patient should and should not be.
What is migraine and what causes it?
A migraine is a type of headache. It is famous for being on one side of the head but has also been seen on both sides. It is a neurological condition that causes various symptoms. Although the exact cause is not known, it is thought that factors such as bright light, excessive heat, dehydration, hormonal changes (especially during women’s periods or pregnancy), stress, loud noises, certain foods, drug reactions, smoking, or drinking may be responsible. Other symptoms may accompany a severe headache. Among them are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Being inclined to speak
- Shaking hands and feet
- Neck pain
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Depression
Who gets migraines?
Migraine is a common problem among men and women between the ages of 30 and 40. However, the condition is more prevalent among teens.
Foods To Avoid During Migraine
Although there is no direct link between food and migraine, researchers believe that some of the following foods often increase the pain of migraine, such as:
Coffee
Drinking too much coffee can increase the risk of migraines. Caffeine is the main cause of headaches. Excessive consumption of tea and coffee during the day can lead to a serious condition.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most common cause of migraines. According to research, 35 percent of people suffer from migraine pain as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.
Sweet foods
Avoid sugary foods, drinks, and sweets. These foods can be one of the causes of migraine pain.
Pickled food
The pain of migraine increases by consuming old cheese, pickles, or fermented food for a long time. This is because there is tyramine in these meals.. Migraine pain increases only when its quantity is excessive.
Processed meat
Potassium and sodium nitrite are among the preservatives included in processed beef. This is why such meat is often blamed for migraines. Sausage is one of the well-known names for this type of food.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate, also known as tasting salt, is used to enhance the taste of fast food or delicious food, including Chinese and Italian. But this flavor enhancer can sometimes trigger pain without our knowledge.
Chocolate
Chocolate can aggravate migraine symptoms because it includes caffeine and tyramine, both of which are migraine triggers. Not only chocolate but also any drink made of chocolate, sweet or any kind of savory food can cause severe pain. Studies have shown that at least 2-22% of migraine patients are sensitive to chocolate. However, according to some, the diet of migraine patients has nothing to do with this delicious food.
In addition to the above foods, sour fruits, eggs, tomatoes, onions, and wheat products (such as pasta and macaroni) are found to increase the severity of migraine. Incorrect eating habits are one of the major causes of migraine pain.
Diet Tips for Migraine Sufferers
Not one, but several types of foods can be eaten if you have migraine pain. But what kind of nutrition is most important at this time? Knowing that, it is possible to know the names of such foods.
Water
Water helps to eliminate toxins from the body. It keeps our body hydrated. One of the main causes of headaches is dehydration.Water keeps the body hydrated, lowers pain severity, and relieves migraine headaches.
Red rice
Red rice is not only beneficial for our body’s sugar control, but it can also reduce our migraine pain.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate migraine discomfort. Numerous studies have shown that they reduce neural inflammation. As a result, the pain of migraine is under control. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Salted fish
- Peanuts
- Chia seeds
- Omega-3 fortified foods
Magnesium-rich foods
Magnesium reduces the pain of migraines. Also, it prevents frequent migraines. Magnesium is found in green leafy vegetables. Magnesium-rich foods include almonds, cashews, and Brazilian nuts. Chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and beans are also rich in magnesium.
Low-carbohydrate and high-fat foods
Several studies have found that low-carbohydrate and high-fat diets can help lower the incidence of migraines, such as:
- Chicken meat
- Eggs
- Almonds
- Seeds, etc.
Dried fruits
It is good to keep dried fruits such as raisins, dates, cherries, or cranberries in the diet of migraine patients. However, if you are diabetic, you need to be careful.
There may also be some foods with natural essences, such as maple syrup and vanilla extract. Recently, the Migraine Foundation of America identified some fresh meats, chicken, and fish as “migraine-safe foods.”
But after all these words, the last thing is that if there are other symptoms along with a severe headache, it is necessary to go to the doctor without delay. Everyone’s health is the only wish. Be safe and healthy everyone!