A migraine is a headache that occurs occasionally in one
part of the head or on a specific side. Symptoms such as nausea and vomiting
are also seen with this. When a migraine persists, problems such as slurred
speech and numbness occur.
It is generally estimated that 8% of the total population
suffers from migraines. Although this problem does not affect children during
childhood, it affects 5% of children over the age of 11.
Similarly, 20% of people between the ages of 20 and 45 suffer
from migraines. There is also a possibility of migraines through tradition or
through traditional foods.
Migraines can be caused by many reasons such as emotional
stress, anger, hormonal changes and low blood sugar. Knowing how food
causes migraines, you can protect yourself from them.
Hippocrates, who is considered the father of medicine, said
2000 years ago that certain foods can cause migraines. He also emphasized that
migraine sufferers should not consume too much dairy products.
High-fat meats and spices, especially black pepper, are foods
that can cause migraines. Doctors often prescribe a diet to a person suffering
from migraines without providing medical relief. It is said that avoiding dairy
products, cheese, fish, and chocolate in particular can reduce the impact of
this headache.
Dairy foods and fish foods can be used to improve health in
many ways. Foods that contain various nutrients, but those affected by
migraines should avoid such foods. Among dairy foods, cheeses are the ones that
have the most impact. The reason for this is the chemical called tyramine
contained in them. It is said that the name of cheese comes from the Greek word
turbo.
- Cheese
- Fish and meat
- Bananas
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
Some foods that contain amino acids are high in certain
nutrients, which are more likely to be produced by intestinal bacteria, which
is a cause of migraines. Wheat products, legumes, tomatoes and onions are also
some foods that can cause migraines.
Eating yoghurt with a high bacterial growth rate increases
amine production and increases migraines. Food-induced migraines are caused by
chocolate or other chocolate-based snacks in 75 per cent of cases.
Chemicals such as octopamine and synephrine in fruits such as
lemons have been shown to trigger migraines. Flavourings are added to foods to
enhance colour or flavour. These include sodium glutamate, which gives a salty
taste, and nitrates and tartrazine, which can all increase the severity of
migraines.
Eating very cold solids such as ice or ice cubes can also
cause migraines. Excessive coffee consumption can also cause migraines. Coffee
beans contain up to two per cent of the chemical caffeine, compared to four per cent in tea and three to four per cent in instant coffee.
Although caffeine relieves headaches, excessive coffee consumption can lead to increased secretion and excretion of catecholamines. These catecholamines increase peripheral nervous system activity and plasma cholesterol, which can also cause migraines.
Taking antibiotics during a migraine can increase its impact.
That is, antibiotics attack the microbes in the gut and cause protein
degradation, which increases the accumulation of amines and causes headaches.
Some people are allergic to certain foods which can also cause migraines.
Read more: The amount of vitamins need for human health per
day.