I get headaches often. Could it be because of what I’m eating?
Yes, it certainly can be. A common example is monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer often used in Chinese restaurants as well as processed foods. In people who are sensitive to this substance, 20 minutes after it enters the body, it feels like a hoop is pulling their head together. Unlike throbbing pain, this pain is continuously felt in the forehead or under the eyes. Often such pain is caused by household allergies, but sometimes seemingly harmless foods, such as wheat, citrus fruits, dairy products or eggs, can be to blame.
More common are headaches that occur due to the so-called caffeine withdrawal. This is a constant dull pain that disappears as soon as the body receives a daily dose of caffeine. You can permanently eliminate these headaches by gradually eliminating caffeine from your diet.
Migraine is one of the most annoying headaches. A migraine is not just a severe headache; it is usually a throbbing pain, often felt on one side of the head, that is not so easy to get rid of. It can last for hours and sometimes days. Along with pain, sometimes there may be a feeling of nausea in the stomach and even bouts of vomiting. Sometimes a migraine is preceded by an aura, a group of visual symptoms such as flashing lights or other sensory phenomena. Certain foods can trigger this headache, as can stress, lack of sleep, hunger, an approaching menstrual period, or changes in the weather.
What foods can trigger migraines?
Many people know that red wine, chocolate and aged cheeses can lead to migraines. But by prescribing very strict diets to migraine patients and then gradually adding foods to the diet, the researchers were able to identify even more common food triggers: apples, bananas, citrus fruits, corn, dairy, eggs, meat, nuts, onions, tomatoes, and wheat.
It should be noted that there is nothing harmful in an apple, banana, or some of the other common migraine triggers. But in the same way that some people are forced to avoid strawberries because of an allergy to them, for example, it is worth avoiding foods that cause migraines if you often get them.
Among drinks, triggers can be not only the aforementioned red wine, but also alcohol of any kind, caffeinated drinks, and drinks with artificial flavors and/or sweeteners. On the other hand, some foods almost never cause migraines: brown rice, boiled vegetables, and boiled or dried fruits.
How can I tell which foods are causing my migraine?
To identify your body’s sensitivity to certain foods, eliminate all possible triggers for 10 days or so. Once you get rid of the migraine, return one product to your diet every two days. Eat more of each food to see if it causes a headache. If you manage to find a trigger food, simply eliminate it from your diet.
If such a diet does not help you in the fight against migraines, try taking butterbur or feverfew tinctures. These herbal supplements are sold in health food stores and are used as a preventive measure rather than a cure. In a study of the properties of these herbs, it was observed that the participants began to experience fewer migraines, and migraine pain decreased without significant side effects.
Can anything else besides food cause headaches?
Very often headaches are caused by stress. These pains are usually dull and continuous (not throbbing) and are felt on both sides of the head. The best treatment in such cases is relaxation. Slow down your breathing and try to relax the muscles in your head and neck. With each breath, imagine the tension leaving your muscles. If you often get stress headaches, be sure to get plenty of rest and exercise.
One final note: Sometimes headaches can mean something is wrong with your body. If you have a severe or persistent headache, be sure to check with your doctor. This is especially important if you also have a fever, neck or back pain, or any neurological or psychiatric symptoms.