Can certain foods trigger migraines?
April 12, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Schlosser
Dear medical team,
my name is Renata Maier and I have been suffering from severe migraine attacks for some time now. I have noticed that my headaches often occur after consuming certain foods, especially cheese, chocolate, red wine, and sugary drinks. I have tried to avoid these foods, but the migraine attacks still occur regularly.
I am very concerned that my diet has a direct impact on my migraines and wonder if it is indeed possible that certain foods trigger my headaches. Could there be a intolerance or allergy that could cause these reactions?
I have also heard about a migraine diet that is supposed to help reduce the attacks. Could you possibly give me tips on which foods I should avoid and what alternatives I could incorporate into my diet instead?
It is very distressing for me to regularly suffer from these severe headaches and I would like to find out if my diet plays a role in this. I hope you can help me and look forward to your response.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Renata Maier
Dear Renata Maier,
I am sorry to hear that you suffer from severe migraine attacks and suspect that certain foods could trigger them. In fact, there are a variety of studies that suggest a connection between diet and migraine attacks. It is known that certain foods and drinks can trigger or exacerbate migraines. These include cheese, chocolate, red wine, sugary beverages, as well as foods with preservatives, flavor enhancers, or artificial colorings.
It is possible that you have an intolerance or allergy to certain foods that are causing these reactions. In this case, a targeted dietary change could help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. A migraine diet can be supportive in this regard. This usually involves avoiding potential trigger foods and incorporating healthy alternatives.
To determine which foods could trigger migraines for you, I recommend keeping a food diary. Note exactly what you have eaten and when the migraine attacks occurred. This way, you can identify possible connections and avoid specific foods.
In addition to the foods already mentioned, common migraine triggers include alcohol, caffeinated beverages, nuts, processed foods, fermented products, and foods high in histamine such as smoked meats or aged cheeses.
As an alternative, you can focus on fresh, unprocessed foods. These include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It is also important to stay hydrated, preferably with water or herbal teas.
It is advisable to seek advice from a doctor to rule out any intolerance or allergy. Your doctor can also provide further tips on dietary changes and support you in managing your migraines.
I hope this information helps you and that you soon experience an improvement in your migraine attacks. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Isabel Schlosser
