Migraine and Diet

Migraine and Diet

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QUESTION: I have had severe headaches for some time now, but only recently
was the diagnosis of migraine made. Although I obtain much relief with
medication, I want to reduce their frequency as much as possible. I've
learned that for some people foods may provoke attacks, and would like your
advice as to what foods I should avoid.
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ANSWER: The obvious answer is to avoid any food that you can relate to the
start of a migraine episode. It takes a bit of thinking, and maintaining a
note book or diary of the events which precede any attack may provide you with
the clues you are looking for. Although the specific foods differ from person
to person, there are some generally accepted types of food and drink which
most experts counsel their patients to avoid. High on the list are alcoholic
beverages, particularly red wines and champagne. Cheeses may get you in
trouble, aged or strong or of the cheddar variety. Stay away from any cured
meats, such as hot dogs, salami or bacon and ham, if you experience an attack
after a meal that includes such products. Pickled herring and chicken livers
also have a bad reputation. You can try black coffee as a beverage when an
attack is beginning, if you are thirsty and not nauseous, as the caffeine may
be helpful in fighting off the episode. Your best bet is to eat well balanced
meals on a regular basis, avoiding fasting or consuming too much carbohydrate
at any meal.