Migraine: pain in the brain

Triggers for migraine
A migraine, as any sufferer with confirm, is so much more than just another headache and certain foods are known to be triggers which can bring on blurred vision, flashing lights, nausea and sickness as well as the brain splitting pain that can all be part of the very unpleasant experience of migraine, although not quite as unpleasant or long lasting as the divorce process.

However not all migraine sufferer will experience the same triggers and one person’s danger food/s may not be the same as the next. However, there are some common suspects.

You might find that you are able to eat a small amount of a danger food but when that is combined with another trigger or you are tired or stressed then sit back and wait for the migraine to hit you like the thump of that divorce petition on the doormat.  Contact the Migraine Trust for help and information. 

Alcohol
The majority of migraines are caused by the stretching and constriction of blood vessels. Alcohol is a prime candidate for setting off migraines as it expands your blood vessels and is also a diuretic (which means it causes you to dehydrate) - another trigger.

Red wine is rich in phenolic compounds which are very good for the heart but very bad for setting off migraines. Young, rough reds are the worst offenders so steer clear no matter how desperate you are for that post divorce drink .

Cheese
Many migraine sufferers say that eating cheese brings on an attack. Cheese is rich in the amino acid tyramine which some researchers suggest could trigger headaches by reducing levels of serotonin in the brain and affecting blood vessel tone. Other studies contradict this but the list of tyramine containing foods includes many of the other migraine inducing villains such as processed meats, overripe bananas, chocolate, alcohol, venison, pork, soya, avocado, nuts and seeds.

Caffeine
A bit of a tricky one this. A high intake of coffee of four or more cups of coffee or the equivalent of strong tea or energy drinks can set off a headache in many of those susceptible to migraines. On the other hand caffeine withdrawal can be another trigger so beware if you are a coffee addict trying to give up the bean.

Additionally, some people find that a cup of coffee, particularly if they don’t drink very much of it, can actually help them get over a migraine attack.  

Sugar
Very sweet or sugary foods cause a spike in blood sugar levels which causes an energy rush which all too soon crashes. This is a notorious migraine trigger which can cause a headache in anyone.

Additives
A lot of migraine sufferers report being sensitive to food additives. These include the flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate, nitrates/nitrites in cured and processed meats, the yellow dye tartrazine (E102), the artificial sweetener aspartame and sulphites which are found in wine.