Guest guest Posted July 11, 2003 Report Share Posted July 11, 2003 Headache Triggers: Specific Foods There are many foods that can trigger headaches. Not only can specific foods trigger a headache, but dietary habits can also play a role. Fasting, dehydration, or skipping meals may also cause headaches. By tracking your headache episodes through your headache diary, you may be able to identify specific foods that trigger your headaches. What Foods Triggers Headaches? Some of the most common foods, beverages, and additives associated with headaches include: Aged cheese and other tyramine-containing foods: Tyramine is a substance found naturally in some foods. It is formed from the breakdown of protein as foods age. Generally, the longer a high-protein food ages, the greater the tyramine content. The amount of tyramine in cheeses differs greatly due to the variations in processing, fermenting, aging, degradation or even bacterial contamination. For people who take monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor medications to treat their headaches, it is especially important to avoid all foods containing tyramine, including aged cheeses, red wine, alcoholic beverages, and some processed meats, as these foods can trigger severe hypertension. Alcohol: Blood flow to your brain increases when you drink alcohol. Some scientists blame the headache on impurities in alcohol or by-products produced as your body metabolizes alcohol. Red wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne are the most commonly identified headache triggers. Food additives: Food preservatives (or additives) contained in certain foods can trigger headaches. The additives, nitrates and nitrites, dilate blood vessels, causing headaches in some people. Cold foods: Cold foods can cause headaches in some people. It's more likely to occur if you are over-heated from exercise or hot temperatures. Pain, which is felt in the forehead, peaks 25 to 60 seconds and lasts from several seconds to one or two minutes. More than 90% of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to ice cream and cold substances. Do Other Foods Trigger Headaches? These foods have been identified by some headache suffers as triggers. Peanuts, peanut butter, other nuts and seeds Pizza Potato chip products Chicken livers and other organ meats Smoked or dried fish Sourdough bread, fresh baked yeast goods (donuts, cakes, homemade breads and rolls) Bread, crackers and desserts containing cheese Certain fresh fruits including ripe bananas, citrus fruits, papaya, red plums, raspberries, kiwi, pineapple Dried fruits (figs, raisins, dates) Soups made from meat extracts or bouillon (not homemade broth) Cultured dairy products, sour cream, buttermilk, yogurt Caffeine found in chocolate and cocoa; beverages such as coffee, tea and colas; also found in certain medications Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners What Cheeses Have High Tyramine Levels? The following types of cheeses have been reported to be high in tyramine: Blue cheeses Brie Cheddar Stilton Feta Gorgonzola Mozzarella Muenster Parmesan Swiss Processed cheese Other foods high in tyramine are: aged, canned, cured or processed meats, certain beans (fava, broad, garbanzo, lima, pinto), onions, olives, pickles, avocados, raisins, canned soups, and nuts. What Food Products Contain Additives? Hot dogs Ham Sausage Bacon Luncheon meats and deli-style meats Pepperoni Other cured or processed meats Some heart medications MSG (monosodium glutamate). MSG is a food additive/flavor enhancer found in soy sauce, meat tenderizer, Oriental foods, and a variety of packaged foods. What Are the Symptoms of Food Additive-Induced Headaches? Most symptoms begin within 20-25 minutes after consuming these products. They include: Pressure in the chest Tightening and pressure in the face Burning sensation in the chest, neck or shoulders Facial flushing Dizziness Headache pain across the front or sides of the head Abdominal discomfort http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/46/1826_50691.htm?z=1757_00000 _8200_fe_01 Headache Triggers: Smoking Smoking and second-hand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can contribute to headaches for both the smoker and the non-smoker. Nicotine, one of the components of tobacco, stimulates the blood vessels in the brain to constrict (narrow). Smoking also stimulates the nerves in the back of the throat, contributing to headache pain. Usually, by removing the stimulus (nicotine), headaches will be relieved. Quitting smoking or reducing exposure to second-hand smoke is especially helpful for those with cluster headaches. In one study of people with cluster headaches, those who reduced their tobacco use by less than one-half pack of cigarettes per day found their headaches decreased by 50%. Allergy to smoke as well as odor sensitivity can also cause migraine headaches in some people. By avoiding situations or places where smoking is permitted, or by quitting smoking, most people can reduce the onset of a migraine headache. Next: Caffeine > Reviewed by Department of Neurology, The Cleveland Clinic. Medically reviewed by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, Dec. 2001, WebMD. http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/46/1826_50680?z=1826_50691_651 2_0000_00_14 Headache Triggers: Caffeine Caffeine can be both beneficial and harmful for a headache sufferer. It can serve as a treatment or in some cases, can cause withdrawal or rebound headaches. What Is Caffeine? Caffeine is a commonly used drug that increases alertness, decreases fatigue, and improves muscle coordination. Though coffee comes to mind as the most common source of caffeine, it's also naturally found in tea and chocolate, and it is often added to soft drinks and non-prescription medications like pain-relievers and cold remedies. People vary in their sensitivity to caffeine. If used excessively, caffeine can be too stimulating and cause anxiety, sleep problems, muscle twitching, or abdominal pain. How Does Caffeine Treat Headaches? Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter headache medications (see list below). Caffeine additives make pain-relievers 40% more effective in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief. By adding caffeine and, in turn, taking less medication, you can reduce the risk for potential side effects and possible drug addiction. Common Over-The-Counter Drugs Containing Caffeine Drug Name Caffeine Content Actamin Super 65.4 mg. Anacin Maximum Strength 32 mg. Anacin Tablets and Caplets 32 mg. Aspirin-Free Excedrin Caplets 65 mg. Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Relief 65.4 mg. Dristan Capsules 16 mg. Excedrin Caplets 65 mg. Excedrin Caplets Extra Strength 65 mg. Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets and Tablets 65 mg. Goody's Extra Strength Tablets 16.25 mg. Goody's Headache Powder 32.5 mg. Midol Menstrual Maximum Strength Caplets 60 mg. Midol for Cramps Maximum Strength Caplets 32.4 mg. NoDoz100 mg. 32.4 mg. Pain Reliever Tablets 65 mg. Vanquish Caplets 33 mg. Vivarin 200 mg. Common Prescription Drugs Containing Caffeine Drug Name Caffeine Content Cafergot Suppositories (other names: Cafertrine, Cafetrate, Migergot, Wigraine) 100 mg. Cafergot Tablets (other names: Ercaf, Ergo-Caff, Gotamine, Wigraine) 100 mg. Darvon Compound 65 Puvules 32.4 mg. Fiorinal Capsules and Tablets 40 mg. Fiorinal with Codeine No. 3 40 mg. Norgesic Forte; Norphadrine Forte 60 mg. Norgesic; Norphadrine Forte 30 mg. Triaminicin with Codeine Tablets 30 mg. Note: The drugs listed are some of the more common drugs containing caffeine; all drugs containing caffeine are not included. Always check the labels of over-the-counter medications for the caffeine content. Or, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the caffeine content of your medications. Other Caffeine Sources Beverages Chocolate milk, chocolate milkshakes, hot chocolate, and chocolate drinks Cocoa mix, malt powder, chocolate flavoring Cola and other sodas, like Mountain Dew or Surge (regular and diet) Coffee Tea Chocolate or coffee liqueurs NOTE: caffeine-free and decaffeinated beverages also contain small amounts of caffeine. Foods All chocolate products including brownies, cake, and éclairs Chocolate candy including fudge and chocolate-covered coconut, raisins, and peanuts Chocolate-covered graham crackers (or chocolate-flavored graham crackers) Chocolate ice cream or pudding Source: FDA's Center for Drugs and Biologics. How Can I Prevent Caffeine Withdrawal? Withdrawal from normal caffeine usage is rare. However, with excess use, over 500 mg daily (approximately 5 cups of coffee) over a long period of time, sudden cessation could cause symptoms of withdrawal. You can avoid caffeine withdrawal by limiting your daily consumption, being educated about sources of caffeine, and by gradually decreasing the consumption rather than ending use abruptly. Because of the risk of withdrawal, people should not take caffeine-containing pain-relievers on a daily basis. What Are the Symptoms of Caffeine Withdrawal? Headache Fatigue, drowsiness, or loss of energy Irritability Anxiety or depression Nausea and/or vomiting Decreased ability to concentrate or perform mental tasks Can Caffeine Cause Rebound Headaches? Rebound headache is a condition that develops from the overuse or misuse of any headache medication, including caffeine-containing medication. While caffeine-containing medications can be beneficial, these medications, combined with consuming too much caffeine (coffee, tea, soft drinks or chocolate) from other sources, may make you more vulnerable to getting rebound headaches. Relief from rebound headaches can only be accomplished by completely quitting all medication; however, this should only be done under the supervision of a doctor. Get the Facts Headache Types Headaches in Children Risk Factors Tests You Take Treatment Options Day-to-Day Toolbox To the Migraines & Headaches Center http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/46/1826_50681?z=1826_50680_651 2_0000_00_12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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