Foods That Can Trigger Migraines

If you suffer from migraine headaches you know how debilitating they can be - searing pain, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, even vomiting - but few have experienced what CBS reporter Serene Branson did on air just days ago. As Ms. Branson began her broadcast her speech quickly became unintelligible, her right side facial muscles started to fail. Many believed it to be a stroke, but in fact it was an atypical migraine known as a migraine with aphasic aura. Fortunately, Ms. Branson will fully recover with no lasting damage, but her experience gives many of us migraine sufferers pause. What can we do to prevent these severe headaches?

Aside from preventative medication there are simple things we can do to avoid triggering a migraine like monitoring our diet. Fasting, skipping meals and not staying properly hydrated are often causes. The following are some known food culprits:

Aged Cheeses such as blue cheeses, Brie, Cheddar, feta, mozzarella, Muenster, Parmesan, Stilton, Swiss.

Cultured Dairy Products such as sour cream, buttermilk, yogurt

Canned, cured or processed meats such as luncheon and deli-style meats, hot dogs, pepperoni, bacon, ham, sausage, smoked and dried fish, and other processed and cured meats.

MSG (monosodium glutamate) a flavor enhancer often used as a meat tenderizer and also found in Chinese food, soy sauce, and some packaged foods.

Peanuts as well as peanut butter and some nuts and seeds

Dried Fruits such as figs, raisins, dates. Many believe this is due to the high amount of sulphates.

Caffeine: coffee, tea, soft drinks, and some medications containing caffeine. Note: caffeine may also temporarily alleviate a migraine but it will often return.

Artificial Sweeteners and Aspartame

Some Fruits such as ripe bananas, citrus, papaya, plums, raspberries, kiwi, pineapple

Red Wine

Feature photo by: quinn.anya