| A migraine headache trigger is any factor that causes | | | | trigger. Be aware that caffeine is also found in many |
| a migraine attack. Most people associate triggers with | | | | over-the-counter painkillers. Taking painkillers that have |
| food, but triggers can be many things other than food | | | | caffeine for a migraine headache can actually cause |
| such as stress, hormones, and other environmental | | | | the pain to worsen. |
| factors. This article will talk about four common food | | | | Sometimes it is not a food, but a food additive that |
| triggers that are known to cause migraines in some | | | | can trigger a migraine attack. MSG, also known as |
| people. | | | | monosodium glutamate, is used to enhance the flavor |
| Nitrates are found in many different foods, but are | | | | of many foods and is often touted as a trigger. It is |
| most commonly seen in cured meats like hot dogs, | | | | commonly found in salad dressings, canned soups, |
| salami, bacon, ham, and sausage. They can also be | | | | snack foods, and many others. It is also very common |
| found in smaller amounts in many vegetables such as | | | | in Chinese and other Asian foods. Most people |
| broccoli, celery, beets, spinach, and others. Once | | | | experiencing headaches caused by MSG will develop |
| nitrates are consumed they are turned into nitrites by | | | | symptoms within 15 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion. It |
| the body. Nitrites can cause dilation, or enlargement, of | | | | is important to read food labels carefully in order to |
| the cranial blood vessels which is what causes | | | | avoid this food additive. |
| migraine headache pain. Additionally, nitrites can cause | | | | Aspartame is not a food additive, but a sugar |
| other health problems as well. | | | | substitute. Some people are under the impression that |
| Caffeine is another substance that will cause migraines | | | | low-calorie sugar substitutes are healthier than refined |
| in some people. In addition to headaches caffeine can | | | | sugar. However, aspartame has been shown to be a |
| cause anxiety and difficulty sleeping, two other | | | | migraine trigger, and possibly a very significant one. It is |
| migraine triggers. In actuality caffeine may an indirect | | | | often found on restaurant tables in small individual |
| trigger. In other words, it may be possible for caffeine | | | | packets and is used as a coffee additive or to be |
| to cause anxiety or sleep difficulties which in turn will | | | | sprinkled on food. However, it is also found in many |
| cause a migraine attack. Caffeine is commonly found | | | | diet drinks and snacks. If aspartame is a migraine |
| in coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, and high-energy | | | | trigger for you it is important to read all food and |
| drinks. It is also found in chocolate, another migraine | | | | beverage labels to make sure you avoid consuming it. |