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Common Food Triggers

Certain types of food additives and preservatives, as well as some naturally occurring food chemicals are known to be active "triggers" in the causation of headaches and migraines. This is generally due to their vaso-active properties, which means their ability to affect our bodies blood vessels, particularly those supplying the head and brain. It should also be noted, that most of these foods are triggers only to those who are susceptible, and often most will not be a problem to the migraine sufferer, only a select group(s).In any case it always best to seek professional advice to find out whether there are other causes, apart from just food triggers alone. Some of these chemicals along with the food sources are listed below;

MSG (monosodium glutamate)

MSG is a flavour enhancer most commonly found in frozen foods, potato chips, sauces in jars and cans, canned and dried soups, cured meats, salad dressings and mayonnaise. MSG is often labelled under other names such as Flavour 621,HVP,HPP.

NITRITES

Nitrites are preservatives commonly used on meats such as salami, bacon, ham, sausages and hot dogs, as well as some chocolates and aged cheeses.

AMINES (Including TYRAMINE)

Fruits

Avocado, Banana, Grapefruit, Lemon, Pineapple, Plums, Raspberry.

Vegetables

Spinach, Sauerkraut, Eggplant, Mushroom, Tomato (skin)., Potato skins,

Fish

Herring, Caviar, Shellfish, Small whole fish (e.g. sardines), Canned Tuna, Fish Marinades

Meats

Beef liver, Chicken Liver, Chicken skin, pork

Drinks

All alcoholic beverages including Beer, Claret, Port, Sherry, Red and White wines.

- Commercial citrus juices, cordials and essences

- Tea, peppermint tea.

Sweets

Dark chocolate, Milk and White chocolate, honey, licorice, peppermints.

Bread

Rye, Pumpernickel

Dairy products

Buttermilk, Sour cream, whey, Yoghurt

-Cheeses-Cream, cottage, processed, Brie, Camembert, cheddar, cracker barrel, Edam, Jaalsberg, Swiss, Parmaesan, Mozarella ,Gouda

Herbs and spices

Aniseed, Canella, Cayenne, Cumin, Curry , Dill, Five spice, Garam masala, Mace, Mint, Mixed herbs, Mustard, Oregano, Paprika, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon, Turmeric,

Other

Soya sauce, Marmite, vegemite, Walnuts, Vinegar, Yeast extracts, Generally anything pickled, marinated or cured.

ALCOHOL

Liqueur, Rum, Wine, Port, Beer, Champagne.

Dietary Problems may contribute to Headaches and Migraines, so it is important to have them professionally addressed. It is also important to investigate for other potential causes, as many cases of Headaches and Migraines have more than one ingredient.

See Treatments Section

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