We have two daughters who suffer with migraine headaches. One of our daughters sent me this link this morning and thought I would share. I had no idea pizza or bananas was part of a list of foods that trigger migraines. Do you suffer from migraines, how do you treat them and did this list help? I am so fortunate that neither myself or my husband suffer from this problem.
http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20188409,00.html
[question posted by carolbee]
responses and comments:
I dont suffer from migraines. I guess there are probably a number of things that could trigger migraines. I know that red wine can trigger headaches because of the sulfites. I can attest to that. I think certain cheese also have a role in headache issues. That's all that I know about it. [snowy22315]
I can drink 2 beers and get a killer headache. Must be something in the beer such as hops or the malt. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
not really frequently..but sometimes when i eat a lot of acidic foods..that triggers my migraine..but not for so long since ill just drink tea or something hot ..and rub some liniment in my back..then its gone..especially during the process i will vomit.. [vanities]
One of our daughters has been to the emergency room several times for these awful headaches. Her bp gets so high. Thanks so much for responding. [carolbee]
I am also lucky as I do not suffer from migraines....but my youngest sister does...on her list from her doctor was pineapple....I had never heard of that before but I guess that also is one of the big time triggers for migraines~! I am just glad I don't get them! [jillhill]
I will have to let my daughter know about the pineapple also. She likes to get the jar of pineapple and snack on that at times. [tyc415]
hello carol oh my gosh! i didn't know that pizza could trigger a migraine headache like that. but i knew that bananas could give you a severe headache thou. my youngest brother cannot eat a banana in anything. no bananas for him anymore. the Doctor told him a few years ago not to eat anything that was related to a banana. nomore banana pudding for him, banana bread, banana cream pie or anything like that. wouldn't that be just awful not to ever eat any bananas or anymore pizza? i love bananas even cut up in fruit salad and in jell-o. and i love pizza more than i ever thought about liking a banana. i like the meat lovers pizza, with onions and green bell peppers, mushrooms and black olives. yum. well i am glad that i do not suffer from eating a banana or some pizza. have a beautiful evening. [RLFinNash]
your very welcome. [RLFinNash]
When my son was younger he used to get migraines pretty often but not as bad now. My youngest daughter gets them real often and almost always has to go to the doctor to get shots before they get too bad. I will have to let her know about this link you posted. She don't eat pizza a whole lot but she does love bananas. Thank you for sharing. [tyc415]
I really would like to see my daughter have acupuncture but she doesn't have the money and she doesn't think her insurance would pay for it. She just gets so miserable. I am sure there are more foods that could be added to the list but thought it was helpful. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
really??? I didn't know this. I actually suffer from migraine. Sometimes it gets so severe that I just want to hit my head on the wall 'til the pain disappears. What's worse is I really can't take anything to ease the pain because I am allergic to both Ibuprofen and Mefenamic. The only thing that I can actually take would be paracetamol and that doesn't really help. I usually just grit my teeth and bear the pain until it passes. Anyone know of alternatives to medicine in easing migraine? I've actually gone to several doctors and they've prescribed several things. The last time they gave me medicine, I almost died. Had severe allergy and it the thing there was the medicine did not contain ibuprofen or mefenamic. [rosedust82]
Oh I feel so bad for you. I am terribly fortunate that I don't get migraines and rarely have a headache. I do know someone personally who did acupuncture and it worked. He never had migraines again. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
Go figure. My favorite type of food ruining my mood. I have been getting migraines since I was in high school. And it was only until recently when they have maximized in the amount of pain. And hearing this about pizza is upsetting, lol. I guess I was so used to having migraines that I didn't even notice them when I was eating pizza. [Xdrowninghavocx]
The information posted on the link is only a partial list. Wish I could have found the entire list or maybe I didn't look good enough. Am sorry you have migraines. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
thanks for the link,i'll definitely check it out... i do suffer from migraines and i super love pizza!!!!! [melcahjone]
I don't have a clue what's in pizza that would trigger migraines. I am a pizza lover as well. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
oh yea i checked the link, now i can rectify my mistakes.. im always snacking the headache trigeering stuffs so i always end up with headache, well you daughters should take some treatment because migrane is too painful for those girls.. as i know the pain of migrane because my friend is still suffering that pain, its good to take steam i guess.. [shana123]
One of our daughters is now pregnant so she can't take anything when she gets a migraine. Our oldest daughter really gets them bad, is in bed for a day or 2 and sometimes has to visit the hospital. They must be awful. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
I've been suffering migraine after giving birth to my first child.Since then the pain goes like twice up to i think every week---you might think i am exaggerating but that's the truth.Just checked out the link and found some of my favorite foods could trigger migraine attacks.What i usually do is take some paracetamol if the attack is minor.And then take a good rest.But is the attack is severe i am taking imigran.though it has some effects surely i'll get better within fifteen or thirty minutes.I'm praying that none of my kids would suffer the same pain i have---it's so hard to have such attacks. [misty99]
Our kids tell me the migraines are awful. Hopefully the list will help you a little bit. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
Migraine Headaches I have suffered from migraine headaches for 20 years. Mine last at least 72 hours or more. I am one of the third of migraine sufferers that has nausea and vomiting associated with the headache. I cannot tolerate any sound or light or movement. I have to wear a sleep mask, and lay down with a cold compress on my forehead. I must stay in bed the entire time with absolutely no activity. I cannot eat or drink anything until my nausea passes. I can usually tell if a migraine is coming on. For years I have tried all kinds of non-prescription and prescription medications with no real relief. Only in the last year am I able to ease these headaches with a prescription medication called "Maxalt". I also have to limit my time in using the computer and avoid skipping meals. A migraine is a type of headache marked by severe head pain usually on one side of the head lasting from several hours to as long as 72 hours or more. Migraines are intense and debilitating types of headaches. Migraines affect as many as 24 million people in the United States, and are responsible for billions of dollars in lost work, poor job performance, and direct medical costs. Approximately 18% of women and 6% of men experience at least one migraine attack per year. More than three million women and one million men have one or more severe headaches every month. Migraines often begin in adolescence, and are rare after age 60. Two types of migraines are recognized. Eighty percent of migraine sufferers experience "migraine without aura," formerly called common migraine. In "migraine with aura," symptoms are often most prominent on one side of the head, and may begin as early as 72 hours before the onset of pain. The physiological basis of migraines has proved difficult to uncover. Genetics appear to play a part for many, but not all, for people with migraines. There are a multitude of potential triggers for a migraine attack, and recognizing one's own set of triggers is the key to prevention. The most widely accepted hypothesis of migraine suggests that a migraine attack is precipitated when pain-sensing nerve cells in the brain (called nociceptors) release chemicals called neuropeptides. At least one of the neurotransmitters, substance P, increases the pain sensitivity of other nearby nociceptors. A wide variety of foods, drugs, environmental cues, and personal events are known to trigger migraines. It is not known how most triggers set off the events of migraine, nor why individual migraine sufferers are affected by particular triggers but not others. Common food triggers include: cheese alcohol caffeine products, and caffeine withdrawal chocolate intensely sweet foods dairy products fermented or pickled foods citrus fruits nuts processed foods, especially those containing nitrites, sulfites, or monosodium glutamate (msg) Environmental and event-related triggers include: stress or time pressure menstrual periods, menopause sleep changes or disturbances, oversleeping prolonged overexertion or uncomfortable posture hunger or fasting odors, smoke, or perfume strong glare or flashing lights The pain of a migraine is often present only on one side of the head, although it may involve both, or switch sides during attacks. The pain is usually throbbing, and may range from mild to incapacitating. It is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, painful sensitivity to light and sound, and intolerance of food or odors. Blurred vision is common. Migraine pain tends to intensify over the first 30 minutes to several hours, and may last from several hours to a day or longer. Afterward, the affected person is usually weary, and sensitive to sudden head movements. Once a migraine begins, the person will usually seek out a dark, quiet room to lessen painful stimuli. Several drugs may be used to reduce the pain and severity of the attack. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are helpful for early and mild headache. NSAIDs include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others. A recent study concluded that a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine could effectively relieve symptoms for many migraine patients. One such over-the-counter preparation is available as "Exedrin Migraine". More severe or unresponsive attacks may be treated with drugs that act on serotonin receptors in the smooth muscle surrounding cranial blood vessels. Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, constricts these vessels, relieving migraine pain. Alternative treatments are aimed at the prevention of migraine. Herbal therapy with feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) may lessen the frequency of attacks. Learning to increase the flow of blood to the extremities through biofeedback training may allow a patient to prevent some of the vascular changes once a migraine begins. During a migraine, keep the lights low; put the feet in a tub of hot water and place a cold cloth on the occipital region (the back of the head). This draws the blood to the feet and decreases the pressure in the head. Ginger is another alternative and natural remedy for migraine sufferers. In India, a paste made from ginger powder is applied to the forehead temples. You can also take ginger extract or eat ginger candy or ginger ale. Ginger is also good in preventing nausea. The frequency of migraines may be lessened by avoiding triggers. It is useful to keep a headache journal, recording the particulars and noting possible triggers for each attack. Specific measures which may help include: eating at regular times, and not skipping meals reducing the use of caffeine and pain relievers restricting physical exertion, especially on hot days keeping regular sleep hours, but not oversleeping managing time to avoid stress at work and home managing your time in using the computer Some drugs can be used for migraine prevention, including specific members of these drug classes: beta blockers tricyclic antidepressants calcium channel blockers anticonvulsants prozac monoamine oxidase inhibitors (mao) serotonin antagonists [barbiedollgirl]
Thanks for giving me the BR! =) [barbiedollgirl]
Thank you so much for the link to this article. I had never heard of any of this either! I didn't know that pizza could trigger a migraine headache like that. I never heard of the thing about bananas either! shocked That is really something! And I give my 3 year old bananas and pizza all the time - every week for that matter! Wow, you learn something new every day. surrender Have a great day and happy myLotting!!! [schulzie]
Really huh? I serve my kids pizza alot too but there are no headaches here except from me with all the noise afterwards. Smile. [andalond]
Thank you for sharihg this information. I do get migraines when I do not have enough sleep. I eat bananas alot as they are the cheopest fruits around. I also get migraines during menstruation. I will stop eating bananas for now and eat other fruits. I will make sure I have enough sleep everyday. [maryrajam1962]
Hope this partial list helps. Thanks so much for responding. [carolbee]
My daughter, has migrane headaches, and I went to this site, and called health 911 to get her some information, on it and it said to keep a record of what you did or ate to trigger the headache, and in doing this she felt like tea caused her headaches, I see tea on the list in this site, your have, I am going to send that site to her also. [Chevee]
Hope this partial list helps your daughter. My father had acupuncture and it cured him from migraines. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
Hi carolbee, How strange a pizza and bananas tha is unusual, I could understand with the pizza with the cheese and all but bananas? I do suffer from migraines some times but I have got tablets for it. Tamara [tamarafireheart]
I love pizza and eat it all the time but I have no headache troubles. Thanks so much for responding. [carolbee]
Have you stopped serving them these items of food and seen if the migraines stopped? [andalond]
All 3 of our kids are grown and married so they don't live with us. The daughter with the worst migraines is the daughter who sent me the list. She has them something horrible. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
yes friend I am lucky too as far as migraines go. I have had only 2 in my whole life and the worst part as it effected my vision. It was like trying to look at something underwater. [muscles4me]
I have never had a migraine. I understand they are horrible. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
i suffer from migraines but i never get them when i eat pizza and as for a banana i never eat bananas !!! [shamzy18]
This list was just a partial list. Guess there are many more foods that cause migraines. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
Pizza doesn't surpise me, when my wife has really bad headaches, and she gets them often, she will avoid things with a lot of acid or citrus in them, and the acid in the tomato sauce could make things worse or even trigger a migraine, I am surprised about bananas, she is not fond of bananas, however she does eat a lot of things with sauce on/in them. My wife does anything she can with OTC meications, and usually tries to get to the point she can sleep it off, but she doesn't do a lot for them from a medication, ice, hot or cold showers, dark rooms, She does what she can and prays they don't get too bad too often. DM [damucci]
Sounds like she has it somewhat under control. I wouldn't think red sauce would trigger anything so I learned something here. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
Since cheese and chocolate are the main triggers of migraines, it is rather obvious that pizza would be a trigger as it is covered in cheese. I find that I sometimes get headaches of chocolate, while cheese doesn't bother me. [Elixiress]
Thanks for sharing this information and thanks for responding. [carolbee]
I believe that stress is a migraine trigger too. I am not sure about bananas. I would skip the pizza even tho is it a cheap delivery food but bananas contain pottasium, and it is something that we all need. I used to get them and not anymore. my life is less stressful. [ShellyB]
I agree. Bananas are an important part of our diet. I can live without pizza but it would be difficult. Love it. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
I used to suffer from migranes, but they were more hormonal, as they would occur monthly about one or two days before i would start my monthly. I developed other problems connected with hormonal issues, and eventually ended up having a hysterectomy. As soon as I recovered from the nhysterectomy, I had no more migranes. As far as the list of foods goes, I knew that some of the foods caused migranes, but some of them I had no earthly idea would be migrane-producers. My mom gets in these moods that she loves banana sandwiches, luckily she doesn't get the headaches from them. [cjmobxnc]
I also had a hysterectomy several years ago and felt like a new person once I recovered. Would never think pizza or bananas trigger migraines but what do I know..lol Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
My wide suffers from migraine headaches and the best thing she takes for it is eating whole garlic it will stop the migraine headach instantly.Also,drinking some nice hot herbal tea is good as well with honey. [Harmonie]
Thanks for the information. I will pass this along to our daughters. Garlic will keep the vampires away too...lol Thanks so much for responding. [carolbee]
thanks for the info on the migraines. i had had no idea any food caused migraines in people.i thought it was tumors or something like that,that caused them. [catfish57]
I learned something new here too. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]
wow that's a pretty long list of food that might cause migraine. i suffer from migraine sometimes and there's nothing i can do except pop painkillers. the main trigger will be the lack of caffeine. i need my morning cuppa, as in really need, because i'll get a migraine attack if i don't drink coffee. it's terrible and the pounding will continue even after i get my coffee if it's already afternoon. i can only take painkillers to ease the pain. i guess i must start watching out for this food list. cheers ;p [applefreak]
This was a partial list of foods that cause or contribute to migraines. I know what you mean about the lack of caffeine and headaches. Thanks for responding. [carolbee]