Unfortunately, the susceptibility to diet-triggered headaches is not consistently confirmed by reactivity to the food, skin-prick tests, and immune globulin antibody titers, and diagnosis by the elimination diet is quite demanding. The reported relationship between food allergy and migraine is difficult to prove, and the concept remains controversial. Many neurologists and allergists are skeptical of the use of restrictive diets in treatment, and a universal migraine- food elimination diet is discouraged in practice. Specific headache triggers should be identified by carefully completed headache calendars.Despite this caution, I am avoiding some of the foods on the list below. So far it seems to be helping. Note the inclusion of monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is commonly used in Taiwan.
Foods and beverages that may trigger migraine attacks
The list of foods, food additives, and beverages that can precipitate headaches in migraine-susceptible persons is long and includes the following:A remarkable fondness for migraine-provoking foods was a common finding, some patients craving them and eating them in large amounts.
- Aged or strong cheese
- Cured meats (hot dogs, bacon, ham, and salami)
- Citrus fruits
- Fatty or fried foods
- Chocolate, nuts
- Monosodium glutamate
- Food dyes, additives
- Pickled herring, chicken livers
- Ice cream
- Yogurt, sour cream
- Meat and vegetable extracts
- Pork and seafood
- Canned figs, broad beans, tomatoes
- Caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea, all "cola" soft drinks)
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Alcoholic drinks (red wine, beer)
- Aspartame, nitrites, sulfites.