Foods that could trigger a nasty headache

**debbystewart** · #1 09-07-2009, 12:48 AM

Some experts say that citrus and other foods may trigger headaches because the people consuming them may have an enzyme deficiency. The enzyme they are lacking is necessary for neutralizing amines in foods. Some foods have large quantities of amines, and without the enzyme, headaches (and even migraines) can be stimulated.

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Some other foods and beverages thought to trigger headaches include:

* Aged cheese and those cheeses containing tyramine, a natural substance that builds up as food ages. Tyramine in high levels has been shown to cause hypertension, which is a particular concern for people who take MAO inhibitor medication to treat migraines. Blue cheese, brie, cheddar, Stilton, feta, gorgonzola, mozzarella, muenster, Parmesan, Swiss, and processed cheeses often contain high levels of tyramine.

* Other salted, cured, processed, and canned foods that are high in tyramine. Take note of how your body reacts when you eat pickles, olives, and canned soups. Beans can also contain headache-triggering tyramine, especially fava, pinto, garbanzo, and lima beans.

* Alcohol, which could prompt headaches as it is metabolized in the body. Pay particular attention when you drink red wine, beer, whiskey, and champagne, which have been identified as triggers.

There is a long list of foods that headache and migraine sufferers say cause their pain. Some of them might surprise you, including:

* Peanuts and peanut butter
* Potato chips
* Pizza
* Fresh fruits like kiwi, plums, and raspberries
* Bread and crackers

You can read the full article at Foods that could trigger a nasty headache - Healthy Living on Shine

**esper_d** · #2 09-07-2009, 12:54 AM

I actually read an article just like this recently. However, it was about migraines, not headaches. (Just to clarify for others, headaches CAN be a symptom OF a migraine.) After reading the article, I concluded that I don't think foods trigger my migraines. However, lack of it will, such as missing a meal due to circumstances. Caffeine can actually help reduce a headache.

**VeronicaM** · #3 09-18-2009, 10:37 PM

Oh and I don't think you mentioned it, but I also believe that sugary foods trigger headaches. When I was a little kid, I used to get tons of candy for Halloween, and I know that after eating all that candy during Halloween, I would wake up the next day with a bad headache.

**VeronicaM** · #4 09-18-2009, 10:38 PM

And even until this day, I still get bad headaches after eating a lot of sugary foods. And that's a huge problem for me since I have an enormous sweeth tooth.

I also find that eating a lot of refined carbs, especially foods that are made from refined carbs is problematic for me.

**Michelle** · #5 09-18-2009, 11:37 PM

I get really bad headaches from aspartame (fake sugar)! My husband and I did a little experiment this past week to see why I was getting them and we realized they started when we switched from regular soda to diet. Once I stopped drinking the diet soda-my headaches went away. I haven't really experimented with Splenda, Stevia, or any other sweetener though.

**VeronicaM** · #6 09-19-2009, 07:34 AM

Oh wow. It's amazing that artificial sweeteners can also give you headaches. I would never have thought of that. Like Debbye said, I also notice that, when I eat a lot of junk food, I start to get headaches. Most of the foods that she listed are junk food. And artificial foods also give me headaches, which is why I would like to switch to a more plant-based diet.

**yoda** · #7 01-21-2010, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Michelle

I get really bad headaches from aspartame (fake sugar)! My husband and I did a little experiment this past week to see why I was getting them and we realized they started when we switched from regular soda to diet. Once I stopped drinking the diet soda-my headaches went away. I haven't really experimented with Splenda, Stevia, or any other sweetener though.

Aspartame is bad news, It's 50% phenylalanine, 10% aspartic acid, and at some point it it contains or it partialy turns into, methanol (there's methanol is there somewhere). When it enters the body, it converts to formaldehyde.

I use SweetLeaf Stevia. I like that it has 0 calories, 0 carbs, and a 0 glycemic index!

I stay away from aspartame, splenda, saccharin...

Nothing (no food )gives me headaches! I only get migraine headaches when I'm under ALOT of stress. My last one was just over a year ago!

**Kristen** · #8 02-01-2010, 02:50 AM

Hi,
Thanks debbystewart.
For thanks so much for your advice,
Its really very informative i mostly like the point on alcohol.
Please keep sharing more and more information.
Thanks.

**yoda** · #9 02-01-2010, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by yoda

Aspartame is bad news, It's 50% phenylalanine, 10% aspartic acid, and at some point it it contains or it partialy turns into, methanol (there's methanol is there somewhere). When it enters the body, it converts to formaldehyde.

I use SweetLeaf Stevia. I like that it has 0 calories, 0 carbs, and a 0 glycemic index!

I stay away from aspartame, splenda, saccharin...

Nothing (no food )gives me headaches! I only get migraine headaches when I'm under ALOT of stress. My last one was just over a year ago!

I just want to correct my post! ok.. I understand that aspartame is 50% phenylalanine, 40% aspartic acid, and 10% methanol ...at some point...and it turns into formaldehyde when it enters the body.