Project deadlines, airport delays, cranky kids—what gives you a tension headache?
Millions of people suffer from chronic headaches—sometimes debilitating migraines—that don’t go away easily. Many blame certain foods. But the causes are more complicated and not well understood. Food’s effect is likely small. It may trigger a headache only when combined with something else, perhaps stress, medication, weather changes, a hormone change, or some physical activities. Among suspected yet unproven food triggers: tyrosine (in coffee and chocolate), histamine (in red wine), caffeine (in coffee, chocolate, and cola), nitrates (in luncheon meats and hot dogs), benzoic acid (a preservative), and alcohol.
Ice cream headaches? That happens if an area in the roof of your mouth gets cold fast, affecting nerve endings that trigger headaches. Although intense, they don’t last long—thankfully.
Prone to headaches, and not sure why?
- Keep a headache diary. For a week, track the time and date, intensity, other symptoms, medications and dosage, and possible triggers (food, weather, stressors, fatigue level, physical activity). For women, keep track of menstrual cycles, too. Suspect a food? Try it again later. See what happens.
- Learn how to relieve stress. Read April 15 and May 22.
- Limit caffeine if it’s a problem. Cut back slowly; consuming less caffeine can cause headaches as your body adjusts.
- Drink enough fluids. Dehydration can trigger headaches.
- Check with your doctor to rule out other causes. If you get food-related migraines, talk to a registered dietitian for food substitutions.
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