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Although migraines can be triggered by many factors and these factors vary from person to person, diet has been linked to the condition. (Source: Shutterstock) |
The Link Between Migraines and Diet
Migraine headache (also known as Migraine headache) is a condition of severe, sudden pain on one side of the head, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to noise and light.
Migraine attacks can last for several hours, even several days, and the pain greatly affects the patient's daily activities, ability to work, and quality of life.
Although migraines can be caused by many factors and these factors vary from person to person, diet has been linked to the condition. Some foods and drinks contain substances that can trigger migraine attacks. Skipping meals or eating at the wrong time, which can cause hunger, can also cause migraines.
Hunger headaches can be caused by low blood sugar or dehydration. The pain is usually mild or moderate and usually goes away within 72 hours or less after eating.
Migraine headaches affect quality of life.
According to Dr. Khuc Thi Nhen, former Head of Neurology Department, E Hospital, there are many factors that affect the onset of migraine attacks such as: Psychology, environment, food... Migraine treatment methods include pain relief treatment and preventive treatment.
Migraine patients need to be educated to know how to avoid triggers and how to prevent them. Triggers to avoid include: lack of sleep, stress, fatigue, strenuous physical activity, noise, changes in circadian rhythm, perfume or cigarette smoke, high altitude, sun exposure, glare; avoid foods such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate, avoid skipping meals, etc.
Some foods to avoid when having a migraine
Alcohol
The most common migraine trigger is alcohol. Research has shown that certain substances in some alcoholic beverages, particularly histamine, tyramine, and sulfites, are linked to headaches.
However, the bulk of the evidence suggests that alcohol itself triggers migraines because it dilates blood vessels.
Chocolate
Chocolate may be a migraine trigger. This is thought to be due to the presence of beta-phenylethylamine, an organic compound that stimulates the central nervous system and brain.
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Processed meat is not good for migraine sufferers. |
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
MSG is the most widely used food additive in industrial food processing and cooking. Some people find that they are prone to migraines when consuming too much MSG.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), MSG is generally safe to consume. In fact, it is naturally present in the human body.
The main ingredient of MSG is glutamate, a common amino acid that helps build proteins in living organisms. MSG has an umami taste (also known as savory taste), which helps make the dish delicious.
The agency said that over the years, the FDA had received reports of symptoms such as headaches and nausea after eating foods containing MSG. These reports of adverse effects prompted the FDA to ask an independent scientific group, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), to examine the safety of MSG in the 1990s.
The FASEB report concluded that MSG is safe. Some short-term, transient, and generally mild symptoms such as headache, numbness, flushing, tingling, palpitations, and drowsiness may occur in some sensitive individuals when consuming 3 grams or more of MSG without food.
Processed meat
Nitrates, tyramine used to preserve processed meats such as sausages, cured meats, cold cuts or bacon are also thought to be migraine triggers.
Caffeine
Headaches can occur in people who regularly consume caffeine, which causes blood vessels to dilate. When the body does not receive the amount of caffeine it is used to, the blood vessels can constrict, leading to headaches. Therefore, it is not advisable to cut down on caffeine suddenly, but to reduce it gradually.
Migraine sufferers are advised to eat a healthy diet with fresh foods, green vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Limit or avoid foods that can trigger or worsen migraines such as: Salt, processed meats, alcohol, soft drinks... Eat on time and do not skip meals. Long periods between meals can trigger migraines or make headaches worse due to low blood sugar. Therefore, patients should eat small meals to avoid hunger and drink enough water. |
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