Foods that might be linked to migraines | CNN

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Health

Foods that might be linked to migraines

Updated 4:58 PM EDT, Wed October 19, 2016
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Though the concept of migraine "food triggers" is thought to be less important now than it was in previous decades, many doctors agree that certain foods can play a role in migraines. Food preservatives, such nitrates and nitrites, found in processed meats might trigger migraines. Such additives can be found in hot dogs, ham, sausage, bacon and lunch meats, experts say.
Though the concept of migraine "food triggers" is thought to be less important now than it was in previous decades, many doctors agree that certain foods can play a role in migraines. Food preservatives, such nitrates and nitrites, found in processed meats might trigger migraines. Such additives can be found in hot dogs, ham, sausage, bacon and lunch meats, experts say.
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Doctors have long known that alcohol might trigger migraines. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice found that people with migraines are more vulnerable to migraine-like hangover symptoms after consuming alcohol than those who don't have migraines. Sulfite, a preservative sometimes added to wine, might explain this link to migraines.
Doctors have long known that alcohol might trigger migraines. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice found that people with migraines are more vulnerable to migraine-like hangover symptoms after consuming alcohol than those who don't have migraines. Sulfite, a preservative sometimes added to wine, might explain this link to migraines.
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Tyramine, a monoamine compound found in aged and fermented foods, has been linked to migraines. The compound is produced naturally in foods from the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine and can be found in foods such as aged cheeses or cured meats.
Tyramine, a monoamine compound found in aged and fermented foods, has been linked to migraines. The compound is produced naturally in foods from the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine and can be found in foods such as aged cheeses or cured meats.
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Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the common amino acid glutamic acid, and it is often considered a link to migraines. It can be found in soy sauce, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats.
Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the common amino acid glutamic acid, and it is often considered a link to migraines. It can be found in soy sauce, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats.
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People who have a sensitivity to caffeine and have migraines might find that foods or drinks high in caffeine can trigger their migraines. Experts advise keeping a food journal to monitor which food items might be a trigger for you.
People who have a sensitivity to caffeine and have migraines might find that foods or drinks high in caffeine can trigger their migraines. Experts advise keeping a food journal to monitor which food items might be a trigger for you.
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