Suffering from migraines? Avoid these 5 foods

With increased screen
time and excessive use of mobile phones, millions of people worldwide complain
of headache. Migraine is a common disorder that causes recurring and throbbing
headaches that can last up to 72 hours. It typically hurts one side of the head
along with nausea, and hypersensitivity to light, sound and smell.

Experts suggest that apart from regular breaks during working
hours it is important to watch one’s eating habits and the foods we consume.

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Here are some food items to
avoid if you are experiencing migraine or headache:

1.  Chocolate

According to a study by the American Migraine Foundation,
chocolate is the second most common trigger for migraine after alcohol. It
contains caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which can trigger a headache.

Also Read | Is consuming caffeine regularly good or bad for your body?

2. Processed meat

Processed meats like sausages, ham, bacon, salami, and bologna
contain nitrate, which is used to preserve the colour and flavour of these food
items. These food items release nitric oxide into the blood which dilates blood
vessels in the brain and triggers migraine.

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3. Fermented food

Fermented foods are rich in probiotics. Items like pickles,
kimchi, sourdough bread and kombucha contain high amounts of histamine and
tyramine, which can trigger a headache or migraine.

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4. Aged cheese

Aged cheese contains a high amount of tyramine, which can trigger
headaches and migraine. Tyramine is formed when bacteria break down the amino
acid tyrosine during the ageing process. Feta, parmesan and blue cheese are
rich in tyramine. Wine, yeast extract, chocolate, and processed meat also
contain tyramine.

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5. Caffeine

Caffeine is a well-known migraine trigger.  Tea and coffee
both provide many health benefits, but only if consumed within a limit. Those
with migraine should avoid coffee or other highly caffeinated beverages. If you
consume tea or coffee regularly, skipping your daily dose can also cause a
headache, which is known as a caffeine withdrawal headache. In this case, one
should keep the intake regular or reduce it gradually.