Do you often have headaches? Have you ever noticed that the pain gets worse after eating certain foods?
Headaches can be mild and transient or severe and long-lasting, affecting quality of life. lifeMany attribute the causes to stress, fatigue and weather changes, but the influence of food is often forgotten.
Headaches can stem from a variety of causes, including stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep. However, we often overlook the impact of diet, which plays a key role in the onset and intensity of pain.
Some foods contain ingredients that dilate blood vessels or trigger chemical reactions in the brain, which can make headaches worse. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the list of foods that can make these problems worse.
Foods that can make headaches worse
1. Processed foods and artificial additives
Foods full of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors can seriously affect your health and cause unpleasant headaches. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is often found in fast food, instant soups, and snacks, can trigger severe headaches. It's also a good idea to avoid artificial sweeteners like aspartame, as they can affect brain function and cause unpleasant symptoms.
2. Aged cheeses and fermented foods
Although cheeses are rich in protein and calcium, some types can contain tyramine, a compound that forms when food ages. Tyramine can cause blood vessels to dilate, which is a major headache trigger. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and soy sauce have similar properties, so they're best to limit if you have frequent headaches.
3. Alcoholic beverages and dehydration
Alcohol is not only often associated with hangover headaches, but even small amounts can trigger headaches. Red wine, beer, and spirits contain sulfites, which can cause unpleasant reactions in sensitive people. Alcohol also dehydrates the body, which means that dehydration can further aggravate headaches.
4. Caffeine – does it help or harm?
Caffeine can be a double-edged sword. While small amounts can help relieve headaches, excessive consumption of coffee, energy drinks, and black tea can lead to a withdrawal headache, when the body suddenly stops receiving its usual dose of caffeine. If you are used to drinking a lot of coffee and suddenly cut back, you may experience severe headaches and fatigue.
5. Sugar and artificial sweeteners
Sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause headaches, especially in those with sensitive metabolisms. High amounts of refined sugar in sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods can lead to a rapid rise and then fall in blood sugar, often triggering headaches. Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin or aspartame, can act as chemical pain triggers.
6. Processed meat and nitrates
Many meat products, such as sausages, salami, hot dogs, and ham, contain nitrites and nitrates, which are used as preservatives. These substances can cause blood vessels to dilate and trigger throbbing headaches, especially in people who are sensitive to them. If you often have headaches, it is better to choose fresh meat or homemade meat products without added preservatives.
7. Foods high in salt
Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention in the body, which can increase blood pressure and cause headaches. Salty snacks, fast foods, and processed foods are full of sodium, which can worsen headache symptoms. To reduce your risk, choose fresh ingredients and replace salt with natural spices.
How can you help yourself?
Drink more water. Eat balanced meals with enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Limit processed foods, sugar, and artificial additives.
Pay attention to foods that trigger headaches and avoid them. gradually eliminate from the diet.
