People with migraines often have very specific factors that "trigger" attacks. For scientists and doctors trying to solve the mystery of migraine, the difficulty is that different people have different incentives.

If you have a migraine, you are not alone. It is estimated that more than 28 million people have experienced the same unbearable pain. I know that this fact will not alleviate your pain. Although the exact cause is not known, doctors do know that migraine is a form of blood vessel [vascular-related] headache.

Something "triggers" the blood vessels in your head to become bigger. This expansion releases chemicals that cause inflammation and pain, further expanding the brain's aorta. The enlargement of these arteries enlarges the pain. This is a vicious circle.

What is food that causes migraine?

Food found in certain foods, or more precisely chemicals, seems to be a major cause of "triggering" migraine. Compounds found in MSG [sodium glutamate], tyramine, sodium nitrate and nitrite, caffeine and aspartame are known to cause migraine.

6 foods to avoid

• hot dog from

   – Rich in chemical nitrates and nitrites [preservatives]. Other processed meats including salami, pepperoni, bologna, ham, bacon and trash powder usually contain sodium nitrate as one of the ingredients.

• cheese from

   – Contains chemical tyramine for aging and fermented foods. Other tyramine-rich foods include dry or aged meat, fish or poultry.

• Wine and beer from

   – Also contains tyramine during the fermentation process. Studies have shown that dark beer and red wine are the worst culprits. Any highly fermented alcohol is also listed on this list. Vodka seems to be the least likely to trigger.

• Chinese food from

   – Use high doses of sodium glutamate [MSG]. Double blows… miso, soy sauce and teriyaki sauce also contain tyramine.

• chocolate from

   – The link between chocolate and migraine is still unclear. The culprit may be chemical phenethylamine [PEA]. PEA may cause vasodilation and contraction. However, chocolate is a good source of folic acid, copper and magnesium. Magnesium is good for migraine.

• Coffee and soda from

   – you are right! caffeine. Excessive intake of caffeine [or ingestion from caffeine] can cause headaches. Note: For some people, once a migraine attack occurs, a dose of caffeine actually helps to treat the attack.

I know what you are talking about. "Oh, my goodness, this is to eliminate everything I eat!" This is my idea. But remember, everyone is different. Not all of these will become your "trigger". The best way is to start recording what you eat, when, and how you feel after you [even the next day or the next day].

Once you learn to avoid anything, this is just a sensible question. Basically, a healthy lifestyle, adequate fluid intake, good nutrition, adequate sleep and adequate exercise are good preventive measures to avoid migraine.

6 food migraine patients should avoid was originally published on Spring