Which Foods Trigger Migraine Attacks?

Migraine is a neurological disorder that typically causes severe headaches occurring in attacks. It is seen up to three times more frequently in young women, when migraine-related hormones are more active, compared to men. Migraine attacks may occur once or twice a year in some individuals, while others may experience them several times within a month.

Most migraine attacks are very intense and can negatively affect daily life, work performance, and social activities. What distinguishes migraine pain from other types of headaches is not only its severity but also the accompanying symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

The main factors that trigger migraines include dietary factors, stress, hormonal changes, sleep patterns, climate changes, and certain personal habits.

Foods that may trigger migraine attacks are listed below:

• Foods with a long storage life and packaged foods should be avoided.

• Among dairy products, especially aged cheeses such as mature cheddar (or other long-ripened cheeses) should not be preferred. As the storage time of cheese increases, the levels of substances called biogenic amines increase, which may cause migraine-type headaches.

• Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, whiskey) may also cause headaches due to their biogenic amine content.

• Organ meats (liver, brain, kidney) and processed meats such as salami, sucuk, and sausages should be avoided.

• Ready-made meat or chicken broths containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) may trigger headaches.

• Skipping meals, prolonged fasting, inadequate water intake, and following very low-carbohydrate diets are other factors that can trigger migraines.

If your headaches persist despite paying attention to these factors, you may consider having food intolerance tests. Eliminating foods to which you are intolerant may help resolve your migraine problem.

Wishing you healthy days.