Many people experience headaches after eating. But did you know there are certain foods that can trigger migraine as well?
Yes, you read that right. There are multiple factors that can make your head hurt after you are done eating. Sometimes, though, it is the food that is responsible for the aching in your head. In this blog, we will list the food that can trigger migraine. Moreover, we will mention why your head hurts after eating. Keep reading to find out!
Why Do I Get A Headache After I Eat?
If you experience a headache after eating, here are some factors that might be responsible:
- Postprandial Hypoglycemia
- Food Allergy & Intolerance
- TMJ Disorder
- Brain Freeze
Your concerned specialist can help you get rid of the headache by diagnosing the cause. Therefore, make sure you visit a specialist and mention all the symptoms to know why your head hurts after eating.
Foods That Can Trigger Headache After Eating
Believe it or not, the culprit for your migraines could be hidden in your diet. The food items you consume play a major role in the symptoms you experience. Thus, your head might hurt after you are done eating if you have any of the following:
Chocolate
Many people complain of headaches after having chocolate. But there’s only a small ratio of people who experience a headache after eating chocolate. This leads to a bad rep surrounding chocolate as a migraine trigger. Therefore, chocolate might trigger migraine, but only in some people.
Alcoholic Beverages
Both red and white wine consists of sulfites, which is considered a potential trigger for migraine. Alcohol, too, is connected to headaches since it increases blood flow to the brain as well as causes dehydration. So, coupled with alcohol, sulfites in the beverage can result in a headache. Moreover, people with migraines usually suffer from worse hangovers.
Coffee
Although a little bit of caffeine helps relieve the pain, it can lead to headaches in some cases. However, consuming too much caffeine and disrupting your normal routine can actually make you vulnerable to headaches. Talk to your sleep and headache specialist to learn the suitable amount of caffeine you should have.
Aged Cheese
There is not enough research that connects aged cheese to migraines. Still, it is widely believed that eating cheese can increase the likelihood of a headache. As the proteins in cheese break down over time, a substance named tyramine is birthed. The more a cheese ages, the more tyramine increases. As a result, you might have a headache after eating aged cheese.
Processed Meat
The preservatives in hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats contain nitrates that are linked with dilating blood vessels, triggering headaches in some people. Although meats have low amounts of chemicals, some people are sensitive to them. However, there are no good studies supporting the argument that processed meats cause headaches.
Artificial Sweeteners
Sucralose, aspartame, and other artificial sweeteners are linked to headaches in some people. Nonetheless, they’re not strong migraine triggers, according to the existing evidence. That does not indicate that artificial sweeteners cannot cause headaches, especially when combined with other potential triggers.
What’s Next?
If you experience a headache after eating, you should see a specialist. Our team at Sleep & Headache Solutions strives to provide you with effective treatments for your sleep and headache issues. Visit us now at 13114 FM 1960 West, Ste 105B, Houston, TX 77065. Or, book an appointment by giving us a ring at (832) 688-8886.