Cause 5. Dietary Triggers: The Impact of Food and Drink on Migraines
Our journey now takes us to the realm of food and drink, where culinary delights and chronic migraines intersect. Certain foods and beverages can be like wolves in sheep’s clothing. They might taste delicious, but they can also unleash the beast of migraines.
Let’s start with the usual suspects – caffeine and alcohol. Both can have a Jekyll and Hyde effect when it comes to migraines. In moderation, they might not cause any problems. But excessive or sudden withdrawal from them can set off migraines. Plus, specific alcoholic drinks like red wine contain tyramine, a substance that can trigger migraines.
The story doesn’t end with drinks, though. Foods like aged cheese, processed meats, and even chocolates can spark migraines. They contain food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners (aspartame), which can trigger migraine attacks in some individuals. MSG can cause vasodilation and increased blood flow to the brain, while artificial sweeteners like aspartame might cause migraines through mechanisms that are not yet fully understood.
Even skipping meals can be a trigger. When you don’t eat at regular intervals, your blood sugar levels drop. This dip also can trigger a migraine. Over time, if this pattern continues, these hunger-induced migraines can turn chronic.
Food and drinks are part of life’s joys, but for migraine sufferers, they can be hidden landmines. However, identifying these dietary triggers is not about deprivation. It’s about making informed choices, so you can savor life without the bitter aftertaste of migraines. (5)
