Can diet play a role in preventing or managing migraines?
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the importance of diet for preventing migraines and treating them. In my role as a nutritionist and dietician, it is my goal to give you well-researched information that will be useful. Expect to find out about how important it is to consider diet when managing migraines. You will also learn more tips on getting started and examples of food that may influence migraines.
What Diet is Important for Migraine Management and Prevention?
Migraines can be debilitating and have a significant impact on one's life. Dietary factors are a major trigger. According to the American Migraine Foundation certain foods and beverages trigger around 10% of all migraines. It is important to understand these triggers in order to prevent and manage these episodes.
A link has been found between migraines and inflammation, which suggests that an antiinflammatory diet may be helpful. It's also important to remember that every person's response to food will be different, so what may work for someone else might not for you. It's important to recognize your triggers, and then eliminate them or minimize their intake.
Get Started: Identification of Dietary Triggers
It's important to determine potential triggers before making drastic dietary changes. A food journal can be used to identify trends and patterns between migraines and certain foods. Consultations with registered dietitians or healthcare providers can provide you with personalized guidance and advice.
Multiple studies including one in the "Journal of Headache and Pain" suggest that eliminating foods from your diet can reduce migraines. It involves eliminating potential migraine triggers from your diet, and slowly reintroducing those foods to determine if it triggers a headache.
What foods and drinks can influence migraines?
- Caffeine can be helpful for some migraine sufferers, but can also trigger symptoms in others, particularly when consumed in high amounts.
- Red wine, beer and other alcohols have been found to be potential triggers.
- Processed foods: They often contain additives such as nitrates or MSG, which can cause migraines.
- Old Cheese: Contain tyramine which can cause migraines for some people.
- Citrus Fruits - Some people experience migraines when they consume citrus fruits.
- Research is not conclusive, but chocolate has been cited as a trigger.
- Aspartame is a common artificial sweetener found in diet products. It has been associated with migraines.
- Fermented foods: they also contain high levels tyramine.
- Some people are sensitive to cultured dairy products, such as yoghurt.
- Salty foods: Some people can get migraines if they consume large amounts of salt.
More Tips and Suggestions
Migraines can be better managed by maintaining a balanced diet and a regular schedule. Fasting or skipping meals can cause low blood sugar levels, which may trigger migraines. Dehydration has been shown to trigger migraines.
It is important to consider non-dietary influences such as sleep, stress and physical activity. These can also influence migraines. A holistic lifestyle change is therefore recommended.
Conclusion
Diet can be a major factor in migraine prevention and treatment. You can reduce migraines by identifying your triggers and maintaining a balanced diet. It's also important to keep in mind that every person is different and therefore, what works for someone else may not be the best for you. It is best to consult a professional before making any significant changes in your diet.
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