What healthy eating habits have I adopted since becoming a migraineur? I think there are several, although I do not always apply them!
Here's my own "DO NOT" eat list:
1.) Anything with tyramine in it. According to WebMD, These are:
- Aged cheeses
- Smoked fish
- Cured meats
- Some types of beer
- Also, foods high in protein may contain more tyramine if:
- They have been stored for a long time
- They have not been kept cold enough
- Here are examples of especially tyramine-rich foods:
- Aged chicken liver
- Aged cheese
- Beer on tap
- Meats that have been fermented or air-dried, such as summer sausage
- Red wine
- Sauerkraut
- Soy sauce
Other foods that may contain tyramine include:
- Sauces containing fish or shrimp
- Miso soup
- Yeast extract
How to Check if Tyramine May Be Triggering Your Migraine
Keeping a "headache diary" for several months can help you and your doctor determine whether tyramine or some other trigger may be linked to your migraines. Take note of the time and date that a migraine begins. Then answer these questions:
How exactly does the migraine feel?
If you're a woman, where does the migraine episode fall in your menstrual cycle?
What have you eaten recently?
Have you been exposed to other common headache triggers, such as a change in altitude, change in temperature, strong smells, bright lights, loud noises, changes in sleep habits, or unusual stress?
2.) Anything with nitrates in it. According to Rediff.com , These are:
Hot dogs and other cured meats like bacon, ham and salami contain nitrates.
Beets, lettuce, celery, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes contribute the largest portion of nitrate to our daily diet.
Nitrites are formed by the reduction of nitrates and are responsible for headaches, and flushing of the face and neck.
Nitrites can cause low oxygen levels in the blood, which imparts a slate grey colour to the skin.
3.) Anything with aspartame in it. According to Rediff.com , These are artificial sweeteners :
- · Sugar Free
- · Diet Coke,
- · Equal
- · Splenda
- · Fructose
- · Sucralose
4.) Anything with chocolate in it. According to Rediff.com , These are:
5.) Ice cream headache
Such a pain is generally located above the forehead or behind the eyes. It may be caused due to a reflex constriction of blood vessels around the head, resulting in a headache.
6.) Food allergy and migraine
Various foods, like cow's milk, eggs and wheat cereal, in addition to amine-rich chocolate, orange and cheese may provoke headache in people susceptible to migraines.
7.) Monosodium glutamate or the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
Also known as MSG, this has been linked to the frequent use of MSG in some Asian foods.
There are reports of flushing, tingling, dizziness and headache. It is also generally found in frozen foods, canned soups, salad dressings, processed meats, sauces and snack foods.
8.) Hunger and hypoglycemic headaches
Fasting and consequent low blood sugar levels may trigger headaches in patients with migraine.
Avoid consuming anything high or rich in carbohydrates. Else, it could result in a rapid secretion of insulin, thus lowering blood sugar levels.
These are the majority of the triggers I avoid before I decide to eat. I also TRY to sleep when the insomnia does not control my sleep. I have a fear of sleep... I call it painsomnia, but I am sure there is another name for it. I try to exercise when I can (although it is a trigger for me, but my medications make me gain weight frequently, so I have to have a Relpax right when I get off of the elliptical or the punching bag when I am well enough to at least go to the gym and do some cardio). The upside of the exercise is that it tires me out.
I do eat Chinese food, pizza, drink once in a while, and go out in the sunlight. However, I do this sparingly. There is nothing worse than aggravating a migraine just because you are trying to have fun. Foolish! But you live and learn.
On that note, I AM TIRED OUT! Hope everyone is sleeping well, eating right, and considering writing a headache diary if they do not know what their own personal food, environment, and circumstantial triggers are. Be well! Thanks for reading ♥
With Warm Regards and Love,
Gueneviere (Seizonsha)
June 2013, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The 2013 Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is a project of FightingHeadacheDisorders.com. 
