Could Food be Causing Your Migraine?

Did you know that food might be your pathway to finding migraine relief? There are a variety of foods that are known to contribute to a migraine and they tend to be different in every individual, though some people don't have any food triggers at all. In general, the foods that seem to be the biggest culprits include:

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in foods such as soy sauce and canned vegetables and soups
• Nitrates and nitrites, which are found in processed meats like hot dogs, ham, and bacon
• Aspartame, an artificial sweetener
• Aged cheese
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Alcohol
• Citrus fruits

Foods may trigger migraines through an allergic process in which your immune system is activated and an antibody is produced or through a mechanism called food intolerance, in which no antibody is produced but your body still reacts (meaning that you have a sensitivity to the food, but not an allergy).

What can you do?

• Keep a food/migraine journal to identify potential triggers
• Communicate with your provider to determine potential triggers and about diet options which might support reduced frequency of migraines
• Eliminate or reduce foods/beverages which appear to be triggers