Migraine Headaches; Specific Foods to Avoid

Yesterday we looked at foods that will help reduce the incidence of migraines. Today we'll look at foods known to be migraine triggers.These foods are best avoided in order to decrease the likelihood of developing a migraine. 

Foods that are high in amines have been linked to migraines, specifically histamine.

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High histamine foods include:

Seafood: shellfish or fin fish, fresh, frozen, smoked or canned

Processed, cured, smoked and fermented meats such as lunch meat, bacon, sausage, salami, pepperoni

Leftover meat (After meat is cooked, the histamine levels increase due to microbial action as the meat sits)

All fermented milk products, including most cheeses, yogurt, buttermilk, kefir

Chocolate, cocoa, and cola drinks

Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, Kombucha, Pickles, Relishes, Fermented soy products, etc.

Vinegar and foods containing vinegar such as pickles, relishes, ketchup, and prepared mustard

Beans and pulses – chickpeas, soy beans, peanuts

Alcohol

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These foods are histamine liberators, which means they free-up histamine that your otherwise would not absorb from your food:

Citrus fruits – eg. oranges, grapefruit, lemons, lime

Most berries

Tomatoes- including ketchup, tomato sauces

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Some spices have also been noted as triggers they include cinnamon, chili powder, cloves, anise, nutmeg, curry powder, and cayenne pepper.

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Food Additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame (NutraSweet), nitrites, artificial food colors and preservatives are notorious for their involvement in migraines.  

Sulfites, which are found in processed foods and alcoholic beverages, especially red wine have been noted as triggers. Try to eat organic whole foods to avoid these