Migraine dos and don'ts are as common and numerous as there are migraine sufferers. Some of these involve the foods and products that trigger an onset of a headache. Many substances can also ease them. No scientific proof exists on foods good for them and vice-versa. However some consensus exists among sufferers as to certain foods being linked to an attack while some have been linked to help in relieving symptoms. Nothing like personal experience and these dos and don'ts may be worth a try.
The Early Show recently featured Keri Glassman, who claimed that among others, the amino acid Tyramine found in wine, chocolate, smoked products, aged cheeses, cured and pickled meats, avocado, eggplant, bananas, raspberries and certain other vegetables and fruits, was responsible for an onset of migraine.
Another contributor included food additives, MSG, often packaged as Accent and nitrites. These products which are preservatives or flavor enhancers, are found in cheese powders, Chinese food, Campbell's soups, frozen meals, potato chips, salad dressing and others. Many sufferers must check labels for these products and avoid them.
Another known food trigger is Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, known to spasmodically fire neurons. Alcohol is another contributor to migraines, however, affecting individuals in diverse ways. Some sufferers have been triggered by red wine, possibly due to the sulfites, while others have experienced an onset of a headache with hard liquors like gin and tequila.
Migraine relievers have included Omega 3s found in fish and nuts, ginger, caffeine, magnesium and the vitamin B2 Riboflavin. Other preventives include, sufficient sleep, proper eating habits without skipping meals or over eating and exercise. The sufferers should maintain a migraine diary, noting down what was consumed before an attack. If a pattern is noticed, the food or product should be eliminated.
Today, many sufferers are resorting to non invasive therapy for a myriad of health issues. For these sufferers not wanting to use strong drugs and medication, should try out the process of elimination, of the problematic food and include the positive or good food. Though these foods have not been proved scientifically, many migraine sufferers vouch for this and it may just work for you too.
