The list includes favorite treats for many. However, those prone to migraines should seriously reconsider their diet.
The statement made by neurologists Thomas Burke and Daniel Wilhor was not a real sensation. In an interview with HuffPost, they listed a number of foods that, according to British specialists, can trigger migraines. These foods have already been mentioned in various studies, and generally with a negative connotation. The list includes:
Alcohol, especially red wine — it contains a lot of tyramine. This substance, formed during fermentation or decay, can provoke a migraine attack.
Aged cheeses — they also contain tyramine. For people suffering from migraines, cheddar and manchego are particularly dangerous.
Chocolate — scientific studies do not confirm its harm; there are only hypotheses. Some scientists even claim that a craving for sweets may prevent an attack rather than provoke it.
Dried and processed meats. The high content of salt and nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide, affects blood flow rate. These changes may be associated with migraines.
Caffeine. The situation with caffeine is quite complex. Experts assert that both an excess and a deficiency of this substance can be triggers for an attack. Both scenarios can cause sharp headaches.
British neurologists noted that in some cases, caffeine is used to treat migraines. For example, it is included in over-the-counter medications.
What is the harm of caffeine? This substance affects the adenosine molecule by blocking its receptors. This can lead to decreased electrical activity in the brain, dilation of blood vessels, and sleep disturbances.
“Adenosine levels rise during acute migraine attacks, but they can also be triggered by adenosine infusions,” the neurologists explain.
They recommend that migraine patients limit their caffeine intake to one cup of coffee or tea per day. At the same time, drinks should be consumed at the same time, preferably in the first half of the day.
