Wellness

[Mz iMac]

I found the following info helpful in my case.  Hopefully it will help other migraine sufferers.

Headache Sufferer’s Diet

Dietary triggers do not necessarily contribute to headaches in all patients, and particular foods may trigger attacks in certain individuals on occasion. Be your own expert by keeping a log of the foods you have eaten before a migraine attack, and see whether the removal of these foods from your diet reduces or eliminates your headaches. Below is a list of foods that may trigger migraine headaches and should be avoided by sufferers.

ARTICLE & CHART LINK

Chart PDF direct download--> Low Tyramine Headache Diet*

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For years, I've marinated all my meats & fish w/Teriyaki sauce which is included on the "chart." 

For the past year & a half I stopped using Teriyaki.  My migraines have greatly improved.  So much so, that on my next visit to my neurologist, I am going to request to be taken off (weaned) from my daily migraine med.  However, I am going to request if I can still be prescribed my triptans to be used "as needed"  for at least 6-12 months.

My migraines are food & weather triggered.  It's rare I get the food related migraine as I know which foods to avoid & which to eat in moderation.

Sometimes I have migraines just because.

I am 66 yrs young & had my very first migraine at the age of 46.

[Renata22]

Thanks for the info. I had my first migraine at 13 & it terrified me. I couldn't see and my head was pounding. I have learned over the years what triggers them, sometimes, and no idea why other times. I know for me, not eating for long periods will often bring them on. Wine would always bring one on, but I don't drink anymore. Stress is a big one, usually after the big stressful event. They used to take me out for the day with vomiting and unbelievable pain. I now take a comination of otc pills that work great for me. I hope others find what helps, they can be very miserable.

[ROMARY]

As I've posted before, Ben*dryl and drugstore brand antihistamines worked for me.  I was in the doc's office many years ago (maybe in 1980?) and, while waiting, was talking with the N/P.  After she asked me several questions and after I told her that I thought that my migraines might be chemical related, she explained to me that mine were a delayed reaction to chemicals, perfumes, triggers, etc. and that an antihistamine would cut the histamines before they had a chance to overwhelm my system (=migraines).  Which worked dramatically well.  I only took one half at a time as soon as I felt a headache heading my way (pun intended).   Excellent advice from a great N/P.   EDITED:  Oh, I might mention, that if waves of nausea were present, I took a quarter of a tablet of Cimetidine 200 (OTC) acid reducer, which cut out the alternating waves of nausea that often accompany the migraines.  Very important (for me, anyway). 

[Melania]

I have followed the diet for years. But now mine have come back with a vengance.

I am thinking of going on a preventative. but dread the side affects.

I am reading Dr Weil's site and lookin into the natural route as well.

[bowlicious]

I used to get migraines on Mondays a lot. I finally figured out that I would eat oreo cookies on sunday afternoon. I also would get them after going to my brother in laws birthday party. I finally decided I cannot eat dark chocolate or german chocolate birthday cake. I don't think I have had a migraine since I quit eating these things. I think tracking your food eaten may help a lot of people.

[CelticCrafter]

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@bowlicious wrote:

I used to get migraines on Mondays a lot. I finally figured out that I would eat oreo cookies on sunday afternoon. I also would get them after going to my brother in laws birthday party. I finally decided I cannot eat dark chocolate or german chocolate birthday cake. I don't think I have had a migraine since I quit eating these things. I think tracking your food eaten may help a lot of people.

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My sister-in-law gets them and chocolate is one culprit, eggplant is another for her.

[athenian]

My father, my aunt and I all suffered from migraines.  We all had to avoid red wine, chocolate and hard cheeses.  Thankfully I have grown out of them, and now only get an occasional sinus headache.

[ROMARY]

I've always thought (since that N/P's advice) that 'triggers' are actually slight allergic reactions to whatever those triggers are.  Therefore, it does make sense (to me) to take the antihistamine.  Try just a quarter of a tablet at first.  Of course ask your doc re: interactions with other meds, etc. 

[Imadickens]

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@Melania wrote:

I have followed the diet for years. But now mine have come back with a vengance.

I am thinking of going on a preventative. but dread the side affects.

I am reading Dr Weil's site and lookin into the natural route as well.

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I have suffered with migraines since I turned 8! At first I was diagnosed with Mono! But, after infinite number of years with dehabillitating migraines at least 5 days a week, my ob-gyn insisted I go to a headache clinic. The one he recommended was 2 hours away and I was required to be in the midst of a migraine in order to be seen! So, after researching some of the places I ended up at The New England Clinic for Headaches. I got an appt. and was told to spend the day. Best of all, they said I would not be allowed to leave without a diagnosis and a plan! It turns out mine are common not classic. I get no aura, and I believe stress is my trigger! Now, I actually can tell when I am clenching my head and neck muscles! When I do, I make myself unclench, which helps a lot! Anyway, I take a low dose anti-depressant, Vit.B, and magnesium. I went from 5 headaches per week to 1 every three months!         ( and that one is so easily treated that usually an Excedrin Migraine takes care of it!) I'm in heaven! I am now able to make plans, go places, do things I was never able to do before! So, if you try the anti-depressant, go give up, it took several tries to find the right one! Also, don't expect to have a bad reaction before you actually have one! Many meds are so good now that the lowest dose is all you need! Good luck! Please let us know how you are doing!

[Renata22]

Benadry is one of the meds that definitely help me too, Romary.