Migraine is not an illness, but the pain can feel like it's taking your life. There are no obvious prodromal symptoms before a migraine attack, though some patients may experience psychological disturbances, fatigue, yawning, loss of appetite, or general malaise beforehand. Pain can also be triggered by a woman's menstrual period, alcohol consumption, or an empty stomach. The headache typically develops gradually, and the pain can be on one side, both sides, or the entire head. The intensity is also generally milder than a typical migraine. If you suffer from migraines, you must be careful. Try to avoid the following 6 foods, as they can worsen your condition.
1. Limit 3C Foods
Cheese, chocolate, citrus fruits, as well as pickled sardines, chicken liver, tomatoes, milk, and lactic acid beverages are rich in tyramine, which is a major trigger for vasospasm. Therefore, if you have a history of migraines, it's best to stay away from these foods.
2. Be Wary of Sausages and Hot Dogs
Processed meats like sausages, hot dogs, ham, and cured meats, as well as foods containing high levels of MSG, can trigger migraines. It's best to consume these as little as possible in daily life.
3. Watch Out for Artificial Sweetener Foods
Research has found that artificial sweeteners can over-stimulate or interfere with nerve endings and increase muscle tension, leading to migraines. Aspartame is found in many products like diet colas, diet sodas, sugar-free gum, ice cream, multivitamins, and many over-the-counter medicines. Therefore, for those sensitive to artificial sweeteners, even a small sip of a diet soda can trigger a headache.
4. Use Painkillers with Caution
Painkillers can be a tempting trap. Many people take them privately to try to alleviate pain, however, overdosing on painkillers not only fails to relieve the pain but can also cause medication-overuse "rebound headaches," leading to chronic migraines. If you take painkillers more than 2 or 3 times a week to relieve pain, please see a doctor immediately!
5. Coffee
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and interferes with sleep. Drinking too much can lead to addiction, and withdrawal from caffeine can trigger migraines. Therefore, your daily caffeine intake should preferably be less than 100 mg.
6. Drink Less Red Wine
All alcoholic beverages can trigger headaches, and red wine contains more headache-inducing chemicals. If you really want to have a drink, it's best to choose colorless spirits like vodka or white liquor.
Reminder:
To alleviate migraines, you should eat more vegetables and fruits rich in magnesium to increase the magnesium content in your brain. These include: legumes and their products like peas, as well as pickled mustard greens, winter vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, seaweed, peaches, longans, walnuts, and peanuts.