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 Natural Awakenings Lancaster-Berks

Food Can Trigger Migraines

One in 10 people are diagnosed with migraines, and while popular opinion may think they are a form of headache, migraines are actually a type of neurological disease that has genetic and environmental components. After being diagnosed with migraines, doctors will provide the necessary medications and encourage patients to start a lifestyle diary in order to discover their triggers, some of which are foods.

If a particular food is the migraine trigger, it may take a few hours to a day before the attack sets in. Although writing down what is eaten on a daily basis for at least a month is key, triggers differ in every migraine sufferer. Here is a list of common foods known to cause migraines.

o   Caffeinated products (coffee, chocolate, some sodas, and energy drinks)

o   Processed meats and fish (canned meat, fast-food burgers, hot dogs and packaged meats)

o   Condiments and spices (MSG, packaged guacamole and other sauces)

o   Citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruits)

o   Nuts (seeds are okay)

o   Fruits with sulfites (a known preservative to keep products fresh)

o   Onions (garlic is okay)

o   Sauerkraut (and other fermented products)

o   Wine (red and white, believed to trigger migraines by sulfites, histamine and tannins)

o   Legumes (lima beans, navy beans, peanuts, lentils and pea pods)

o   Old cheese (cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss)

By eliminating a particular trigger, we would expected to find relief in intensity, severity and duration of migraine attacks. Persistence and self-awareness will lead to the right prevention of migraines.

For more information, call 717-869-1524, email [email protected] or visit GenerativeHealth.com.