Crucial Food Choices for Migraineurs: A Quick Guide

migraine relief in Belle Harbor, New York

Migraine attacks can be the bane of your existence if you don't find a way to curb your attacks. Thankfully, healthcare and wellness innovations have paved the way for several options for patients looking for migraine relief in Belle Harbor, New York, and other parts of the country. One example of this is making simple diet adjustments. Are you aware of this migraine self-care technique?

If not, we would love to help you get acquainted with the must-eat and must-avoid food items for migraineurs, along with a quick explanation and facts from studies.

 

Food Products that Spell Bad News for Migraineurs

Studies reveal several food products that adversely affect migraine sufferers. Here's a quick list to help you modify your grocery list for next month: 

Tyramine Rich Food

Tyramine is a common component of aged cheeses, fermented goods, and deli meats. Studies explain that tyramine is a protein that plays a pivotal role in blood pressure regulation. Too much of it in your system can trigger rapid dilation and constriction of the veins, causing highly susceptible migraine sufferers to experience excruciating attacks. So, you might find it helpful to avoid or lessen the consumption of the following products:

  • Sauerkraut and kimchi
  • Smoked fish
  • Cured meat (Summer sausage, salami, hot dogs, pepperoni, etc.)
  • Aged cheeses (Swiss, Parmesan, Gorgonzola, etc.)
  • Fish sauces
  • Soya-based products (soy sauce, doenjang, miso, teriyaki sauce, etc.)

Food Additives and Artificial Flavoring

Several studies associate worse migraine attacks with excessive consumption of food products with preservatives and artificial flavoring. Here's a closer look at these substances and their effects on your brain and migraines:

Preservatives

Processed meat products like bacon, ham, and hot dogs contain nitrates or nitrites. Many researchers and doctors explain that preservatives tend to dilate blood vessels, causing sudden blood pressure changes in the brain. 

Artificial flavoring

Artificial flavoring or food additives like sucralose, aspartame, and MSG worsen migraines for some people. So, it is helpful to steer clear of products that contain high amounts of this ingredient. Some of these include salad dressings, flavored yogurt, and candy.

Caffeine

Studies have mixed opinions on the pros and cons of caffeine consumption in migraineurs. Notably, some claim that caffeine can help improve the symptoms. Conversely, others report worse symptoms after getting their usual dose of caffeine. One reason this happens is because of the effect of caffeine on the brain. Here are a few helpful facts to help you understand caffeine better:

  • Caffeine is a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant.
  • You can find caffeine in several products like coffee, tea, chocolate, and soda.
  • It can help increase memory retention but antagonizes neurotransmitters that regulate mood, sleep patterns, and cognition. 
  • It can set off a chain reaction that will affect blood flow to the brain.
  • Excessive caffeine intake can lead to problematic withdrawal symptoms, including irritability.

So, how much caffeine is considered excessive? Doctors and researchers recommend consuming no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily to avoid unpleasant effects or issues.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraine, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Must-Eat Food When You Have Frequent Migraine Episodes

Anyone looking for an effective way to experience lasting migraine relief in Belle Harbor, New York, should get acquainted with migraine-fighting food products. Here are some of the best items you should include in your diet:

Magnesium-rich food

Researchers discovered that magnesium deficiency could lead to worse migraine attacks. Hence, it would help to include magnesium-rich food products in your diet, such as leafy greens, tuna, and avocado. It might also help to take supplements, especially if your doctor or dietitian confirms that you have a magnesium deficiency.  

Ketogenic food

While there are mixed opinions on eating a ketogenic diet, some patients with migraines claim that it helped them enjoy significant improvements in their overall condition. Hence, you can also try exploring this option and see if it can effectively lessen the severity or intensity of your episodes.

A ketogenic diet consists of food products low in carbohydrates and high in dietary fats. We suggest speaking with your dietitian to make helpful diet adjustments and ensure you get enough nutrients from your new food options.

migraine relief in Belle Harbor, New York

Keep Track of Everything with a Migraine Diary

Not all patients share similar migraine food triggers; some are sensitive to specific products, while others have little to no adverse reactions. Hence, we suggest keeping track of yours using a comprehensive migraine diary or journal.

Go over the key details above and use them to identify your food sensitivities. This way, you can give more information about your migraine attacks during your consultation. It will also help you plan meals and find new places to source healthy ingredients in your locale.

Additionally, we also recommend tracking additional risk factors for migraineurs. These include the following:

  • Menstruation or menopause
  • Stress (psychological, physical, emotional, etc.)
  • Alcohol intake
  • Smoking
  • Extreme temperature changes
  • Weather fluctuations (bright lights, stormy weather, etc.)
  • Postural problems

The more insights you have about your migraines, the better your chance of alleviating your pain and preventing your symptoms from manifesting frequently.

 

Boost Your Efforts In Finding Migraine Relief In Belle Harbor, New York

Migraine episodes can be problematic – no matter the patient's age, overall condition, background, and sex. Hence, it would help to practice effective migraine management techniques like modifying one’s diet to prioritize migraine-fighting food and eliminate or lessen the intake of commonly identified food triggers. Additionally, we suggest looking into postural misalignment, specifically along your C1 and C2 vertebra bones.

Your headaches, vertigo, sensory sensitivity, and other migraine symptoms may have worsened because of neck bone misalignment. So, you might find it helpful to talk to one of the leading providers of migraine relief in Belle Harbor, New York, Dr. Robert Gucciardo. An appointment with our chiropractic doctor will help you detect neck bone misalignments. It will also help you understand the value of receiving upper cervical chiropractic adjustments in restoring the body’s vitality. 

Take your next step towards achieving long-term migraine relief in Belle Harbor, New York, by booking your first visit. Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center is available to lend you a hand in embracing a healthier and pain-free life. You may reach us at 718-550-5790 or through our online contact form.

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gucciardo, call our Howard Beach office at 718-550-5790. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.

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