Migraine Diet Review - A Well Balanced Diet for Migraines

It is believed that over 15% of the UK population suffer from migraines, although a vast majority of that number will probably not be aware of the many causes of migraine attacks.

Apart from the throbbing, pulsating headaches, other symptoms include visual disturbances (aura), sickness and being sensitive to light and sounds, but there is another factor which more than often gets overlooked and that is the type of food we eat.

By being aware of what you eat and following a simple migraine diet, you can certainly reduce the possibility of an attack. A well-balanced healthy diet is essential to reducing migraines and headaches. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables is certainly a step in the right direction along with reducing caffeine intake such as coffee, tea and cola.

The reason for having a diet which consists of fresh food is that many processed and packaged foods contain chemicals which may trigger migraine attacks.

Some of the foods in everyday diets can have a detrimental effect and more than often they are the cause of migraines and which perhaps many sufferers don't realise what they are eating. Many of these foods contain a substance called Tyramine. This is a natural substance found in a number of foods, predominantly aged foods such as cheeses, processed meats and alcoholic drinks.

Foods that trigger migraines

Caffeine (coffee, tea, cola)
Cheeses (Blue stilton, cheddar, mozzarella)
Cured or Processed meats (sausage, ham, bacon)
Foods that contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) Chinese Food
Alcohol (Red wine, Beer, Whisky)

Foods for a healthy diet

Fresh fruit excluding citrus fruits
Fresh vegetables
Fresh meat
Fresh Fish

There are many other foods that can trigger migraines and headaches, although it must be pointed out that different foods affect different people. With that in mind below is a list of foods identified by a number of sufferers that are believed to have triggered migraine attacks.

Peanuts
Pizza
Crisps
Smoked or dried fish
Citrus fruits (orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit)
Dried fruits (Figs, raisins, dates)

For those who suffer from migraine, prevention rather than cure is probably the better course to follow. It may be very prudent to remember the following this advice and avoid the triggers that set off a migraine..

1. Be aware of what you eat and drink.
2. Eat on regular basis
3. Reduce caffeine intake
4. Keep a regular sleep pattern
5. Exercise in a sensible manner (don't overdo it)
6. Reduce your stress levels and learn to relax

For further information on migraine diets please visit http://www.migrainedietreview.com