Headaches and migraines can be caused by many things, such as changes in your endocrine system, lack of sleep or the medicine you take. Many studies have shown that sometimes migraines and headaches can be caused by some mistakes in your diet. To be exact, around 10% of people suffer from headaches and migraines caused by the foods they consume.
Here are the 6 products that can cause migraines and headaches:
1. Caffeine
Consuming a lot of caffeine can cause terrible headaches. To prevent them, try not to drink coffees more than 2 cups per day. Don’t forget that caffeine is also found in Coke, tea, chocolate, and even in some pills.
2. Alcohol
It’s a known fact that red wine causes headaches, but what you may not know that other alcoholic beverages such as sparkling wine and beer can cause them too. Alcohol causes 2 types of headaches, the one that starts 30 minutes after you start drinking and the other which i worldwide known as the hangover.
3. Gluten
Most grains, such as barley, rye, wheat and triticale contain a protein called gluten. Unfortunately, these grains and the products that contain these grains can cause severe headaches in people that are gluten intolerant.
4. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain a lot of acids that affect the blood’s pH levels. Unfortunately, these acids cause terrible headaches. Citrus fruits also contain histamine and tyramine, which can be dangerous for people that are intolerable to them.
5. Cold foods
Trying to cool down with a cold drink or ice cream after being overheated, will definitely lead to severe headache. This type is called cold-stimulus headache and it only lasts for 30-60 seconds.
6. Food additives
Additives that have no nutritional value can and will have a negative effect on your overall health. To prevent headaches, try to prevent these additives:
– Nitrates and nitrites
They’re found in ham, sausages, processed meats, bacon and even in some heart medicines. These additives can cause your blood vessels to swell which leads to terrible headache.
– Monosodium glutamate
This is the most common flavor enhancer. It’s found in almost every Asian food, processed foods, soy sauce and even canned vegetables. You’ll end up with a terrible migraine just 20 minutes after consuming it.
– Aspartame and sucralose
These artificial sweeteners are found in sport drinks, diet soft drinks, sugar-free products and even children’s vitamins.
– Yellow and red food coloring
Found in ice cream, candy, sodas, jams, cereal bars, this coloring is made from petroleum and it’s certeinly no good for you.