$Unique_ID{BRK01574}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Is There Any Program or Diet to Help Avoid Migraine Headaches?}
$Subject{migraine headaches diet}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Any Program or Diet to Help Avoid Migraine Headaches?


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QUESTION:  I suffer from migraine headaches, but fortunately for me they only
seem to come every once in a while.  I am beginning to suspect that they may
be related to my diet, or to some of the foods I eat.  Is there any program or
diet you could suggest that might help me avoid these unwelcome attacks?

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ANSWER:  Many migraine sufferers feel that their headaches are related to
their diets.  Migraine headaches are highly individual, and the best way to
find out what food or foods might be causing your attacks is to keep careful
track of your diet and the onset of a headache.  After an attack, list all the
foods you consumed during the time just before the headache and record them in
a notebook.  It will not take too many notations to provide you will a clue as
to the culprit in your case.  But to help you avoid any additional incidents,
here are some dietary guidelines that are helpful to many migraine sufferers.
     Eat three or more small meals a day.  Don't skip a meal.  Eat at regular
times each day, and consume foods in moderation.  Foods that seem to trigger
migraine headaches are chocolate, cocoa, alcohol, hot homemade yeast bread,
cultured dairy products (buttermilk, sour cream, cottage cheese).  Certain
cheeses, mincemeat, ice cream, pudding, apples, applesauce, apricots,
avocados, cherries, figs, fruit cocktail, peaches, pears, raisins and red
plums may also cause a problem for migraine sufferers.
     Other foods to avoid are any aged, canned, cured or processed meat, soy
sauce, meat tenderizer, nitrites, nitrates or amines.  Avoid canned soup,
bouillon cubes, carob, lima beans, lentils, snow peas, navy beans, pinto
beans, sauerkraut, onions, olives and pickles.  Avoiding mixed foods such as
frozen dinners, macaroni and cheese, lasagna and other casseroles may be wise,
as well.
     Believe it or not, that still leaves a lot of nutritious and tasty foods
to eat, and remember, if a food does not provoke a headache, there is no
reason to remove it from your personal diet.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
