What is a Migraine?
The NHS defines a migraine as ‘a moderate to severe headache characterized by a throbbing sensation, often on one side of the head’. Symptoms can vary widely and may include nausea, vomiting, heightened sensitivity to light or sound, and ‘aura’, which consists of visual disturbances, dizziness, or numbness.
Migraine most commonly begins in early adulthood, impacting roughly one in five women and one in 15 men. While traditional wisdom has pointed to certain foods like cheese and chocolate as triggers for migraines, is that truly the case? Dr. Peter Goadsby, director of the NIHR-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at King’s College London, provides seven key insights regarding the link between food and migraines.
1. Most Foods Are Not Triggers – With Two Exceptions
Generally speaking, specific foods are not identified as migraine triggers, with two notable exceptions: alcohol and foods high in nitrates. While nitrates are used medicinally to treat conditions like coronary artery disease, they also appear in various foods. Common culprits include cured meats and American hot dogs, which are known to reliably trigger migraine attacks, as evidenced by numerous studies. Beyond these, offering blanket advice on other foods can be challenging.
2. Distinguishing Between Symptoms and Causes is Crucial
Research indicates that cravings for certain foods occur in the early stages of a migraine, which questions the traditional view of cheese and chocolate as ‘triggers’. There is a phase prior to the onset of aura or headache, known as the premonitory phase, which can last up to a day and includes symptoms like concentration issues, fatigue, neck discomfort, mood swings, increased urination, yawning, or specific cravings.
People often experience cravings for sweet or savory foods hours before a migraine strikes, yet they may fail to recognize these cravings as related to their impending attack. Consequently, when they eat something sweet and then develop a migraine, they mistakenly attribute the migraine to the food rather than understanding that the craving was a symptom of the migraine beginning. Studies support this notion as well; for example, when examined scientifically, chocolate has not been proven to trigger migraines more than any other food. While some individuals may have sensitivities to specific foods, it’s becoming clearer that many widely accepted ‘triggers’ may actually be linked to behaviors occurring before the migraine onset.
3. Food Intolerances Can Contribute
One illustrative case is ‘aggravation.’ For instance, someone with celiac disease consuming gluten may experience intensified migraine symptoms, not because gluten is a direct trigger, but because the biological changes triggered by gluten sensitivity can provoke an underlying migraine condition.
Thus, the headaches are not primarily caused by gluten sensitivity itself; rather, it’s the associated physiological changes that ignite the migraine. Often, when individuals steer clear of the perceived triggers, they may discover that other factors initiate headaches, indicating that the underlying condition itself is the real issue.
4. Susceptibility Varies by Individual
While reliable triggers like alcohol and nitrates hold true universally, individual responses may vary. The factors that exacerbate one person’s migraine may be entirely different for someone else.
5. Caffeine Withdrawal May Be More Concerning Than Its Consumption
Consuming caffeine regularly does not typically trigger migraines; however, the withdrawal from caffeine can indeed be a concern. A common scenario occurs when someone adheres to a regular caffeine schedule during the workweek but drastically alters that routine on weekends. For instance, sleeping in may lead to later coffee consumption, resulting in caffeine withdrawal symptoms, which can invoke a migraine in susceptible individuals.
6. Blood Sugar Fluctuations Can Trigger Migraines
The body thrives on equilibrium; significant fluctuations in blood sugar, whether too low or too high, can instigate a migraine. While those conditions do not directly cause migraines, they can certainly exacerbate them. Dehydration and food additives exhibit similar effects, as triggers often depend on individual sensitivities and how much physiological change is induced.
7. Achieving Equilibrium is Essential
Individuals who experience migraines should strive for regular patterns in sleep, meals, and exercise. Establishing consistency is vital; deviations from routine—such as consuming alcoholic beverages, staying up late, or skipping meals—can increase the likelihood of a migraine attack.
Where Can I Find More Information on Managing Migraines?
For further assistance, visit the Migraine Trust Website. It provides well-researched information and self-help resources, making it an excellent starting point.
Professor Peter Goadsby holds the position of Professor of Neurology at King’s College London and is also the Director of the NIHR-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at King’s College Hospital in London. Additionally, he serves as an Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the Hospital for Sick Children at Great Ormond Street and at the Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco. Moreover, he is the current Chair of the British Association for the Study of Headache.
All health-related information on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace the medical advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any health concerns, please consult your health care professional. For more details, refer to our terms and conditions.
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