Many factors can cause a migraine: stress, light, odors, noise, insomnia, diet… there are many causes but we are going to focus on one in particular: diet. While certain foods are known to cause migraines, others are more subtle. We tell you everything!
Everyone knows headaches! After a meal that’s a little too hearty, a sunburn or a night of drinking too much, everyone has been there before. But do you know about migraine? This neurological disease which affects approximately 15% of the world population and whose causes are not yet well determined. Migraine is recognized by numerous disabling symptoms: throbbing pain in the head which predominates on one side of the skull, attacks which can last several hours up to 72 hours, increased sensitivity to light, noise and movements, and downright for certain nausea and vomiting.
If migraine is still a subject of discussion among neurologists when it comes to the factors that could cause it, we already know that certain foods and drinks promote the appearance of migraines. A neurologist Dr. Thomas Berk looked into the question: “[bien que] certain foods are a little more likely to trigger an attack, it’s important to say that no one should ever feel responsible for their migraine attack» he explains before adding that people with migraine have a hyperexcitable and reactive nervous system. Despite the complexity of the disease, and everyone’s reactivity to food, here are five foods and drinks that most often trigger a migraine.
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The alcohol
We all know that a few drinks too many can be fatal for the day after a night out, but for people suffering from migraines, only one drink is needed to trigger an attack. Neurologist Dr Wilhour explains: “Although alcohol itself, as well as its metabolites, are potential factors in some cases, it is also plausible that certain components of various alcoholic beverages may serve as triggers.”, before adding: “Alcohol is known to cause vasodilation, causing blood vessels to swell.» Alcohol-related dehydration also plays a role. Know for red wine lovers that it is most often involved in the appearance of a crisis, the cause? The presence of tyramine, a natural migraine trigger compound.
Chocolate
Recognized among migraine sufferers, chocolate is often implicated in the onset of an attack. The potential reason raised by neurologists would be the presence of cocoa: “Cocoa is thought to influence the release of serotonin, possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of migraine.», explains Dr Wilhour before continuing “Although chocolate contains serotonin and its precursor tryptophan, with higher levels in 85% cocoa content, existing studies have not confirmed a direct link with migraine induction.»
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Caffeine
Although caffeine is in some cases used to stop migraine attacks, excess can also cause the opposite, as neurologist Dr. Monteith explains: “Caffeine works by impacting a molecule called adenosine by blocking its receptor. It can reduce electrical activity in the brain, widen blood vessels and alter sleep. Naturally, adenosine levels increase during acute migraine attacks, but can also be triggered by adenosine infusions.» Like alcohol, caffeine dehydrates, it is therefore recommended not to exceed a consumption of 400 milligrams per day and for patients suffering from migraine, no more than one cup of coffee per day and preferably at the same time.
Ripened cheese
Certain aged cheeses contain tyramine which is developed during fermentation, a molecule which can be the cause of seizures as Dr Wilhour explains: “It is believed that high levels of tyramine can trigger migraines in susceptible people. Tyramine is known to affect blood pressure and may influence the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, which may be involved in migraines.»
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Dried and processed meat
Foods like bacon, salami, prosciutto or any type of dried and processed meats are likely to contain nitrates and nitrites which can cause migraines. A process explained by Dr Wilhour: “Nitrates can be converted to nitric oxide, which is a signaling molecule that plays a role in regulating blood flow. Changes in blood circulation are associated with migraines, and nitric oxide production may contribute to these changes. Additionally, nitrates can activate the trigeminal nerve (a nerve involved in the migraine pain pathway) and cause the release of inflammatory neuropeptides.. »
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