Why Do Certain Foods Cause Headaches?
High levels of sodium
Can certain foods trigger headaches?
Alcohol and certain foods, such as nuts and tomatoes, may trigger headaches in some individuals, according to Cleveland Clinic (on my.clevelandclinic.org). Smoked or dried fish, organ meats and peanut butter can also be potential triggers. People who experience recurrent headaches may want to keep a food diary to identify any potential triggers.
What can cause hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia is a dangerous condition caused by excessive sodium levels in the blood, and can be caused by dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, significant burns, or other systemic problems. An info from WebMD, it can cause very serious problems in the body if not treated quickly. It is important for people to be aware of the symptoms of hypernatremia and seek medical advice if they experience any of them. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet to prevent this condition.
Which foods and drinks can trigger migraines?
Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen migraines, according to the NHS. These include processed meats, aged cheeses, salty foods, alcohol, and caffeine. It is important to identify potential triggers and take steps to avoid them to reduce the risk of migraine attacks.
High levels of MSG
Can MSG cause headaches?
Yes, MSG can cause headaches in some people. As stated by Healthline, MSG is a common food additive found in various processed foods and Asian cuisine, and some people may experience headaches after consuming it. Research has found that MSG can lead to an increase in blood flow and swelling of the brain, which can cause headaches.
What foods are linked to headaches?
Consumption of alcohol, nuts, tomato-based products, potato chips, organ meats, pate, smoked or dried fish can all lead to headaches. Sourced from Cleveland Clinic, these foods and drinks have been identified as the most common headache triggers. Research has found that certain food components such as tyramine and nitrates may also be responsible for triggering headaches in some people.
What foods are sources of glutamate?
Cheese is the highest source of glutamate, with parmesan containing 1,680 milligrams per 100 grams and Roquefort containing 1,280 milligrams, according to WebMD on webmd.com in 2020. Other foods such as tomatoes, soy sauce, seaweed, mushrooms, and yeast extracts are also sources of glutamate.
High levels of caffeine
Can too much caffeine cause health problems?
Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, digestive issues, headaches, rapid heart rate and muscle tremors. As indicated by Healthline, caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired. Research has found that consuming more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Can certain foods trigger headaches?
Certain foods, such as citrus fruits, bananas, raspberries, organ meats and garlic and onions, can trigger headaches in some people, according to Cleveland Clinic. These symptoms typically occur within 20 minutes to 2 hours after consuming the food. Eating avocado may also be linked to headaches in some individuals.
What are the side effects of caffeine sensitivity?
Caffeine sensitivity can cause nausea and anxiety in response to low amounts of caffeine, similar to what other people experience when consuming high doses. Sourced from Medical News Today, people with a caffeine sensitivity may experience these side effects from consuming low amounts of caffeine in March 2020. Studies have shown that caffeine can affect hormone levels and neurotransmitter functions in the body.
High levels of sugar
How can sugar headaches be prevented?
Sugar headaches can be prevented by limiting sugary foods and drinks and staying hydrated, according to Medical News Today. Consuming too much sugar can lead to dehydration, which is a common cause of headaches.
Having too much or too little sugar in the blood can contribute to headaches, as it affects the brain and nervous system. Via Healthline, an online medical resource, maintaining a proper level of sugar is important to avoid these headaches. Studies have shown that consuming sugar may also help relieve headaches.
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
Headaches can be a sign of hyperglycemia and occur when the blood vessels in the brain constrict, resulting from high blood sugar levels, according to a research from WebMD in 2022. The headaches are typically mild at first but can become more severe as the blood sugar levels increase. Eating sugar or fasting from sugar can also cause headaches in some individuals.
High levels of preservatives
Can certain foods cause headaches?
Certain foods, such as tomatoes, avocados, spinach and dark chocolate, may cause headaches due to the biogenic amines they contain, such as histamine, tyramine and phenylethylamine, according to Tufts & Health Nutrition in 2017. Higher amounts of biogenic amines are generally found in aged or fermented foods.
Can processed meats trigger migraines?
Certain additives found in processed meats, ham, bacon, and hotdogs, such as nitrates, nitrites, and aspartame, can trigger migraine attacks by causing blood vessels to expand and may thus be linked to food-induced migraines. This is according to an article published on MedicineNet in April 2022. These additives are also used as preservatives and natural sweeteners.
Can food additives cause adverse reactions?
Adverse reactions to food additives and preservatives can range from allergies to intolerances or sensitivities, with the most common being skin reactions such as hives. From Verywell Health, reports of reactions to food additives are mainly related to skin, digestion, and breathing. Research has shown that food allergies and sensitivities can cause a variety of symptoms, including digestive issues, hives, and respiratory issues.
High levels of nitrates
Can nitrates in food trigger migraines?
High levels of nitrates in food can trigger migraine headaches in some susceptible individuals. As indicated by a study published in the European Journal of Neurology in 2009, nitrates used to preserve and cure meats can be found in processed foods such as hot dogs, sausages, ham, and other cured meats, which are associated with an increased risk of migraine. Eating a diet low in processed foods may help reduce the risk of triggering a migraine.
Certain foods can cause migraines and severe headaches, according to WebMD (2020). Nitrates and nitrites, which are found in processed meats like bacon, hot dogs and luncheon meats, can also exacerbate headache symptoms. Foods containing tyramine (aged cheese, smoked fish, and some beans) have been linked to migraines.
What fruits and vegetables contain high levels of nitrates?
Nitrates can be found in high levels in certain fruits and vegetables, which can cause symptoms such as drops in blood pressure, increased heart rate, headaches, abdominal cramps and vomiting, and can even be fatal in extreme cases. From livestrong.com, these include beets, radishes, celery, spinach, lettuce and cabbage. Eating these foods in moderation is advised to avoid any unwanted side effects.
High levels of artificial sweeteners
Can aspartame consumption cause neurophysiological symptoms?
Aspartame consumption has been linked to a range of neurophysiological symptoms, including learning problems, headache, seizure, migraines, irritable moods, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. As mentioned in a study published in 2017 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), aspartame may raise brain levels of phenylalanine and cause neurophysiological symptoms. It has been suggested that aspartame can lead to an increase in excitatory neurotransmitters, which may contribute to these symptoms.
Can artificial sweeteners help with weight management?
Using artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes can help with weight management, but should be used in moderation. Attributed to Mayo Clinic, food marketed as sugar-free still contain calories, so it can still lead to weight gain. It is also important to note that processed foods, which often contain sugar substitutes, tend to not offer the same health benefits as whole foods.
Are certain foods triggers for migraines?
Eating certain foods can trigger severe, stabbing pains in the head, known as migraines, according to Healthline (2020). Pickled jalapeños, frozen foods, aged cheeses, processed meats, aspartame-containing foods, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine, MSG-containing foods, and food additives are all known to be triggers of migraines. Research also shows that skipping meals can increase the risk of migraine headaches.
High levels of glutamate
What foods contain glutamate?
Glutamate is an important amino acid necessary for proper nutrition, however too much can be a problem. Cited from Draxe, glutamate is found in a variety of foods and is the most abundant amino acid available in the human diet. It is important to have the right balance, as too little can also be a problem. Research has found that glutamate plays a role in memory, learning and concentration.
Can certain foods cause headaches?
Certain foods, such as tomatoes, avocados, spinach, and dark chocolate may contribute to headaches in some people due to their higher amounts of biogenic amines, like histamine, tyramine, and phenylethylamine, according to Tufts & Health Nutrition in 2017. Eating these foods in excess can cause symptoms of headaches.
What is the role of glutamate in the brain?
Glutamate plays an important role in learning, developing memories, increasing immunity, and improving gut function. As reported by a 2021 review published by Medical News Today, glutamate is also important for neuroplasticity, which is the brains ability to adapt or change. Adequate levels of glutamate are necessary for optimal mental and physical health.
High levels of saturated fats
What are the benefits of incorporating unsaturated fats into a diet?
It is important to incorporate unsaturated fats into our diet, while reducing the amount of saturated and trans fats. An info from the NHS (National Health Service), foods and drinks high in saturated fats and trans fats should be cut down and replaced with unsaturated fats for a healthy diet. In addition, it is also important to note that most fats and oils contain both saturated and unsaturated fats in different proportions.
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
The difference between saturated and unsaturated fat is important to understand for overall health. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fats are typically liquid. Mentioned in Healthline, the body needs fat for energy and to process vitamins and minerals, but it is important to know the difference between saturated and unsaturated fat. Research has shown that too much saturated fat in the diet can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
How can high cholesterol levels be caused?
High cholesterol levels can be caused by consuming foods high in saturated fat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Certain foods, such as red meats, eggs, and dairy products, are known to be particularly high in saturated fat, and should be limited in order to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Processed foods often contain trans fats, which can also cause high cholesterol.
High levels of tyramine
Do certain foods contain tyramine?
Tyramine is a substance found in some foods that can trigger migraines in some people, according to WebMD. People who suffer from migraines should consider avoiding foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. Eating a low-tyramine diet can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
What is a low tyramine diet?
Eating a diet low in tyramine can help reduce the risk of headaches, migraines, and high blood pressure. As reported by Verywell Health, foods like fruits and vegetables, dairy, fresh chicken, nuts, and seeds should be consumed for a low tyramine diet. Certain medications can also increase the risk of these health problems, making it important to follow a diet that is low in tyramine.
What foods should be avoided on a tyramine-free diet?
A tyramine-free diet consists of avoiding foods high in tyramine, such as certain cheeses, processed meats, and soy products. Alternatives include coffee, tea, and soft drinks, as well as certain liquors like bourbon, rum, vodka, and gin. It is important to consume these beverages with food to slow down the body's absorption of the alcohol. It is helpful to research the tyramine content of foods before consuming them.
Source:
- Clevelandclinic : Foods, Drinks, That, Headaches.
- Healthline : MSG, Headaches.
- Healthline : 9 Side Effects, Too Much Caffeine, - Healthline.
- Medicalnewstoday : Causes, conditions, prevention.
- Tufts : What Foods, Headaches, - Tufts, Health Nutrition.
