It may be surprising to learn that 70% of people are headache sufferers. While muscle contraction or tension headaches account for about 90%, migraines affect some 25 million individuals. The diverse causes include eyestrain, sinusitis, hormonal imbalance, dental toxicity, digestive disturbances, psychological stress, fatigue and toxins. Yet the majority of migraines involve food allergies.
Food to Avoid:
Top offenders:
Cheese (except cottage, farmer's, ricotta and cream), Alcohol (red wine is the worst. Watch out for flavourings (ie vanilla) which may contain alcohol), Caffeine (especially suddenly raising or lowering your intake), Chocolate, Aged and non-fresh meats and liver (ie cold cuts), -(also watch out for products with meat and hydrolyzed protein, such as gravy and soup mixes), Soy beans, Italian green beans, broad bean pods, MSG, Nuts (especially peanuts), Yeast (especially in homemade bread and sourdough), Sauerkraut (and other aged foods)
A big problem for migraine sufferers is food with tyramine, so there is now a page dedicated to cutting down on foods with tyramine.
Another theory is that tannins are diet headache migraine link.
Eat with caution:
Salad Dressing, Rennet tablets, Dried fruits (including raisins), Imitation crab, Licorice, Mushrooms, Snails, Salty foods, Rhubarb, Citrus fruits, Ripe avocado, Ripe banana, Yogurt and buttermilk, Fresh raspberries, Red plums, Onions, Worcestershire or teriyaki sauce. Wheat is a trigger for some as well.
Eat in moderation:
Everything!
Especially avoid sudden drastic changes in your diet, such as suddenly cutting out all caffeine or suddenly eating large amounts of peppermint. Whatever it may be, ease into it and eat a well balanced diet!
