Saturday, June 8, 2024

June, Migraine & Headache Awareness Month
Headaches and the Food Connection




Elaine Magee, RDN, lists Ten Food Steps to Free Yourself from Headaches. Some tell you what to avoid and others tell you what may help.
  • Keep a headache and diet diary.
  • Avoid skipping meals. Eat when you're hungry, and stop when you're comfortable.
  • Limit caffeine to a moderate and consistent amount daily or eliminate it completely.
  • Avoid eating a high-fat diet.
  • Switch to plant and fish sources of omega-3s when possible.
  • Find out if NutraSweet is not so sweet for your headaches.
  • Limit tyramine-containing foods if you appear to be sensitive. (Link to a Low Tyramine Headache Diet from the National Headache Foundation
  • Avoid certain additives if sensitive (MSG, nitrate/nitrite).
  • Beware of certain dehydrating beverages - those containing alcohol and caffeine. Stay hydrated as much as possible.
  • Work a couple of magnesium-rich foods into your day if you have hormonal headaches. Examples of magnesium-rich foods: Almonds, whole-grain bagel, barley, black beans, black-eyed peas, bran cereal with raisins, Brazil nuts, 100% whole-grain bread, brown rice, bulgur, cashews, and Wheat Chex