Migraines are a debilitating neurological condition that could significantly affect a person’s quality of life. While several factors can trigger migraines, diet plays a crucial role. Certain foods could act as triggers and exacerbate symptoms, while others can provide relief and potentially prevent migraines. Understanding the impact of diet on migraines is essential for managing and reducing their occurrence which is being explained by India’s top dietician, Avni Kaul, in this blog.
What is the Role of Triggers?
Migraine triggers are individualized and can vary from person to person. However, certain foods are commonly associated with migraine attacks. It is crucial for individuals who suffer from migraines to identify their specific triggers and make dietary modifications accordingly. Common trigger foods include aged cheeses, processed meats, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, and artificial sweeteners. Keeping a food diary and monitoring the occurrence of migraines can help pinpoint trigger foods and establish a personalized dietary plan.
Which Foods to Avoid During Migraines?
Aged Cheeses: These contain tyramine, a naturally occurring compound known to trigger migraines. Avoid cheeses such as blue cheese, cheddar, and Swiss.
Processed Meats: Hot dogs, sausages, bacon, and deli meats often contain nitrates and nitrites, which can cause migraines. Opt for fresh, unprocessed meats instead.
Chocolate: While it may be difficult to resist, chocolate contains phenylethylamine and caffeine, both known to trigger migraines. Dark chocolate may be a better option in moderation due to its lower caffeine content.
Caffeine: While small amounts of caffeine can sometimes relieve migraines, excessive consumption or withdrawal can trigger them. Be mindful of coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain medications.
Which Foods to Eat during Migraines?
Magnesium-Rich Foods: Magnesium has been shown to have a positive effect on migraines. Include foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains in your diet.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Incorporate fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts into your meals.
Ginger: This root has anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. Consuming ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to meals may provide relief during a migraine attack.
Hydration: Dehydration can trigger migraines, so staying adequately hydrated is essential. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and include hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Diet plays a crucial role in managing migraines. By avoiding trigger foods and incorporating beneficial options, individuals can potentially reduce the frequency and severity of their migraines. Remember to personalize your diet based on your specific triggers and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
Author Avni Kaul is a qualified nutritionist, experienced dietician, Diabetes Educator and founder of Delhi’s successful diet and nutritionist clinic NutriActivania. She is also one of India’s eminent weight-loss experts, diabetes dieticians, pregnancy dieticians and child nutritionists and helps kids to develop a strong immune system, fight allergies, gain height and weight as well as fight overweight / Obesity with an effective diet plan that is easy and fun to follow by children.
In Buenos Aires, 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games Nutritionist Avni Kaul was the Advisor (Nutrition) from India. She is a Gold-medallist master’s science graduate from the University of Delhi in the subject of Food and Nutrition. Avni Kaul is a diet and nutrition columnist in some of India's leading newspapers and magazines like - NDTV, TimesNow, Grazia and more.
Diet Programs by Avni Kaul
Your dietician consultation with dietician Avni Kaul will do the following things. Avni Kaul’s diet program will offer:Focus on your health benefits: Key benefits Avni offers, are long-term wellness, freedom from restrictive diets, and improved relationships with food and body, that include "intuitive eating," "weight loss without hard core dieting," and "healthy eating for pregnant woman and kids".
A high degree of qualifications, expertise, and achievements: Dietician Avni is one of the most sought-after dieticians in Delhi because of her qualifications that include gold medalist in Master's Degree of Science, B.Sc and M.Sc Food and Nutrition, Certified Diabetes Educator, Diploma in Applied Sports and Exercise Nutrition.
Fully personalized diet plans: With dietician Avni Kaul, you will get a tailor-made diet that suits your body and mind only that will help you to achieve your health goals in a holistic and sustainable manner be it is with your weight management, pregnancy diet, child nutrition, diabetes or thyroid management.
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