Amy from WT Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Help! I have been suffering from almost constant migraines in the past year and a half. I am on medication to slow them down, but sometimes even that doesn't help. And of course the less meds the better - I'd love to get off of as much of that as possible. So I am wondering what foods have any of you noticed have triggered migraines for you? Chocolate? Nitrates? I should say I do NOT drink coffee. I don't drink much soda at all, I DO crave chocolate :D, and I don't eat many nitrates. Stress in my life? YES, definitely. That won't ease up until my husband finds a job. :( In the meantime, if I can fiddle around with my diet to ease these headaches, I will. TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christy B Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I suffer from frequent migraines so I feel your pain . . . literally. I have found that consistent visits to my chiropractor help me a LOT. Keeping all those back and neck bones and muscles in line helps a lot with the headaches. I've wondered about food sensitivities, and you are wise to look into that, but perhaps a good chiro could help you as well. Hope you find relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momofkhm Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 are diet sodas. It's a build up thing too. I can have a diet soda and not get a migraine, but if I have one or two several days in a row - watch out! So I've cut out all soda - I'm thinking it's the caffeine and the artificial sweetener. I rarely want to have the calories associated with a regular soda. The other thing I'm thinking lately that contributes is orange juice. They've been constant lately and I've been drinking oj lately. I've made a concerted effort at not having oj and viola, no migraines for the past few days. Of course I did just have an orange for lunch so we'll see. Of course it could be another cumulative effect. Other things I can do nothing about - hormones and weather. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Keeping a migraine & food diary will help you find what triggers your migraines. It can be eye strain, glaring sun, wind, polution, or any kind of food or drinks. Hope you find some relief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 My triggers are chocolate, beer and wine (any alcohol, really, but I never drink the others), and SSRIs (anti-depressants). Nirates and nitrates don't bother me, so I can eat bacon, ham, etc. Cheese is a trigger for some people, but not for me. I *highly* recommend this book written by a doctor at Johns Hopkins. Check your library for it. It's possible to get rebound headaches from taking medication too frequently -- especially over-the-counter pain relievers. I had these until I figured out what was causing my headaches and removed the triggers and cut down on the OTC meds. What happened with me is that I started getting *so* sick from the headaches I just stopped eating and stopped taking all of my supplements (including SSRI prescription), just to appease my queasy stomach. After 3 days, I would be a lot better and would start back on my supplements and the SSRI. Within 2 days the headache would be back full-force. That's when I started experimenting with the SSRI and discovered it was inducing migraines. Prior to this, my sister had mentioned that my bil was getting headaches from chocolate. Once I had eliminated two of my triggers (SSRI and chocolate), the third became very obvious. I can have a tiny bit of chocolate or half a bottle of beer most days without triggering a headache, but I cannot do both. Also, it helps if I lay off both completely for a day or more at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 have you seen a neurologist? My 11dd had migraines and he determined them to be seizure related--even though we never saw anything that looked like a seizure. She is now on Lamictal which is a seizure med, also proven to help migraines. Since starting, she has not had any major migraines and only a few minor headaches. It might be worth another trip to the doctor/specialist to see what other options you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy from WT Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 Lotsa helpful things so far, thanks! I should have mentioned that my whole family sees a chiropractor regularly. In fact the first thing I do when I start a migraine is go to see her, and I usually need to be adjusted. But lately it doesn't seem to be helping as much. I am ADDICTED to orange juice, so I'm going to watch that one carefully. But yikes, I can't imagine going without that! Thanks for that suggestion. Love cheese too.... One of the meds I'm on is actually a seizure-related drug I believe - Topamax. That's helped a lot, my headaches have gone from virtually every day to just once a month now (hormone related) most of the time, but I still have episodes when they come back almost every day, so I think there's another trigger that I haven't identified yet. That happened this week - thus my post! Keep 'em coming ladies, and thank you so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I also suffer from migraines. I have about all the triggers one can possibly have, unfortuntely. For me they are: wheat caffeine (too much) stress muscle tension sleep disruption (too much or too little) weather changes (different pressure sytem moving in) humidity monthly hormonal fluctuations artificial sweeteners (they also make me dizzy) wine Chocolate doesn't seem to bother me:) They are no fun and I hope you are able to find some relief soon. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Oranges are a common trigger. Glad you found out what was contributing to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawn E Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I've noticed that one of my triggers is not eating regularly--esp. when I was pregnant. If I let myself get too hungry, I can easily get one. Also, the sleep issue. Too little or too much...although too much seems to be the biggest culprit. No worries of that happening now with a 7 mo old. :) I also think mine are related to seasonal allergy/sinus issues and hormones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Alfred Academy Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I suffer from frequent migraines so I feel your pain . . . literally. I have found that consistent visits to my chiropractor help me a LOT. Keeping all those back and neck bones and muscles in line helps a lot with the headaches. I've wondered about food sensitivities, and you are wise to look into that, but perhaps a good chiro could help you as well. Hope you find relief. This has been the only thing to help me as well. I have suffered with them since I was a child. Now I only get one maybe two bad ones a month. make sure it is a chiro. who specializes in correcting sublexations though. Hope you find rest soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sugarfoot Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 that I've noticed are lack of sleep, drastic changes in air pressure (weather fronts, air travel), super bright light, and msg (monosodium glutamate). I got a migraine twice this week after eating chicken and rice that was made with Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup. Sure enough, msg is on the label. I also have to take my migraine med as soon as I feel it coming on. If I wait, it's so much harder to stop the pain.:( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy from WT Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 make sure it is a chiro. who specializes in correcting sublexations though. Hope you find rest soon. Yes, we've got a great upper cervical doc. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy from WT Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 that I've noticed are lack of sleep, drastic changes in air pressure (weather fronts, air travel), super bright light, and msg (monosodium glutamate). I got a migraine twice this week after eating chicken and rice that was made with Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup. Sure enough, msg is on the label. I also have to take my migraine med as soon as I feel it coming on. If I wait, it's so much harder to stop the pain.:( oooh, I should watch for msg - I hadn't thought of that. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicheleinMN Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I have had severe migraines monthly for the last 3 years or so. I've just read about the possibility of magnesium helping prevent migraines. One of my big triggers is chocolate, but I can't tell if it's actually a trigger or if I crave chocolate before I'm getting a migraine. You might try taking some magnesium to see if it helps. Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle T Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I lose many days per month to migraine. I have never identified specific food triggers, although I am sure I have some. I am definitely triggered by changes in weather, glaring lights, wind, going too long without eating, too little/too much sleep, stress, and hormonal cycle. I see a neurologist who is supposedly one of the top migraine docs in the country. He had me try Topomax, but I couldn't take the side effects. I am now on two over-the-counter supplements, I highly recommend giving them a try. I take: 300 mg daily of Coenzyme Q10. This is expensive, Costco has the best price. I get 150 mg capsules, take two daily. MigRelief - this is a capsule containing magnesium, B vitamins, and Feverfew. According to neuro, this specific product has been shown in studies to be fairly effective as a migraine preventative for many. You can buy it from http://www.migrelief.com, or some health-food stores carry it. Neuro told me that unfortunately, there really aren't any preventatives out there that are truly effective for everyone, and it is kind of hit-and-miss as to what will work for each patient. As I'm sure you know, the triptan drugs are good for relieving migraine pain, but have so many unpleasant side effects. I have both Maxalt and Frova, and I am finding that neither helps as much as they once did. Good luck! I know how miserable migraines can be. Michelle T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicheleinMN Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Mine too! I get so discouraged. Can you tell me how much the supplements are helping? Can you see a significant decrease in the number of migraines you have? IOW - if you lost 5 days or more a month to migraines before, how many are you losing now? I take Zomig for relief, but I would so like to be able to prevent them instead. Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Have you looked into pressure points? My 11 year old son gets what we think are migraines (light sensitivity accompanied by nausea and vomiting) and a friend recently found a pressure point in his hand. When he pushed on in, for about 2 minutes, my son's headache went away. Just something to think about. I have recently begun to get them and I plan on trying the pressure point next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percytruffle Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I have taken coenzyme Q10 and couldn't tell if it had any effect or not. I have taken feverfew and it really does help. It takes several months to take effect, but the pain in reduced. Feverfew can cause digestive system upset though, and I had to stop taking it for that reason. Magnesium, while keeping me, um, "regular", doesn't seem to touch the migraine pain. I have tried many drugs, prescription and over-the-counter, now I am back to taking Excedrin Migraine and for the really bad ones I have a prescription for Vicodin for the pain. At least it is some relief even if it doesn't address the causes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy from WT Posted January 30, 2008 Author Share Posted January 30, 2008 Well, I already take Magnesium for "restless leg syndrome" (don't laugh...yes, it IS real...and yes, magnesium supplements DO help!) but I will check that supplement - maybe I'm not taking enough, or maybe the combination with B vitamins and feverfew might do something else to help migraines. I like that idea. ITA about the side effects of the Topamax, it's definitely a pain but fortunately I can stand them for the relief from the headaches. But if I could find something that would give me even more relief, it would be great to get off of it! Tried Excedrin Migraine once; didn't seem to help the headache too much, and the caffeine kept me awake. Sigh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Red swedish fish and Dairy Queen ice cream. I enjoyed both foods but the thought of them now makes me queasy. My biggest trigger is low barometric pressure. I often wake up in the middle of the night w/ a full blown migraine. The problem is, I have a med that only works if take it at the beginning of a migraine. good luck! unsinkable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet in Toronto Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I just borrowed it from the library and have radically altered my diet based on the information in it. I am still going through caffeine withdrawal :eek: and have given up cheese, chocolate, nuts, citrus, red wine, and more. Can't say how well it will work as I think i'm getting headaches from the lack of caffeine, but I am very positive about the potential for this diet to help with my weekly headaches. I take a triptan when i get a headache and it typically knocks it out of my head, so that's good. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket1178 Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Chocolate, diet sodas, and yes orange juice. Also, hormones play a big part in my headaches. Cutting these things out and excercising regularly has helped me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle T Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 <<<Can you tell me how much the supplements are helping? Can you see a significant decrease in the number of migraines you have? IOW - if you lost 5 days or more a month to migraines before, how many are you losing now?>>> For the first year I was taking these two supplements, I went from approximately eight bad headaches a month to one or two. And my migraines can easily last three days or so. However, over the past couple months, I have found that I am slowly ramping up to more headaches again. My neuro did tell me that sometimes that happens. I would definitely recommend trying these two products out though. They most likely will give you at least some relief, and are not harmful to try. Michelle T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Chocolate, MSG, and blinding sunlight are my triggers that I know of for sure. On a positive note, quitting chocolate helped me lose 10 pounds.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Sure, my known triggers are as follows: certain solvents (as in some glues, paint, etc.) cranberries legumes (sad, but I've just confirmed that even kidney beans are for me) poor sleep patterns weather (and my aunt gets them whenever there's a Chinook--she lives in Calgary) low blood sugar, even though I'm not diabetic. Reading in bright sunlight. For me, cocoa powder and certain chocolate HELPS me when I have migraines. So does ginger (as in tea or capsules). Eating a high protein diet helps, but I can't use legumes. A helpful website that was given in the old boards is http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/common/common/757.html . Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicheleinMN Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Hi Amy, Are you searching more for pain relief or prevention of your migraines? I have to say that the triptan prescription medications really do relieve the pain. If I have a migraine in the morning and take a Zomig or Imitrex, I am up and functioning again in a couple of hours. If I don't, I will be down and in pain all day from a migraine. (sometimes days) If you have a doctor and decent insurance, the migraine meds make life much better, but you will still have the side-effects of taking the medication. (which is still much better than the pain, in my world!) Prevention is another thing, and I am searching (and searching, and searching) to find something that will help me NOT have migraines in the first place. I hope you find some relief, both from the pain and from having them at all! My doctor tries to comfort me that I should only have another 10 years or so before they get better on their own....ugh! Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paz Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 For my ds and I if we change sleeping schedules, or eat acidy foods we get migranes. There is a nutritional supplement called Petadolex which is butterburr that is a great migrane help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cin Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 Keeping a migraine & food diary will help you find what triggers your migraines. It can be eye strain, glaring sun, wind, polution, or any kind of food or drinks. Hope you find some relief. Yup. Every time you have a migraine write down what you ate at your last meal, and what happened in the last 2 hours (sometimes the triggers can take up to 24 hours, but MOST trigger the headache within 2 hours). By doing this, you will start to see common thigns. My biggest trigger was my contact lenses. Everytime I put them in, about 30 minutes later I got a headache. Also note where you are in your cycle. DH adn I both have migraines. My triggers are bright sunlight, contact lenses and PMS. I can also get a headache from weird movements like in action films. DH's are numerous. Some triggers include MSG, aged foods, nitrates/ites, chocolate, caffeine (which can HELP a migraine if you are not a regular partaker) and a blue zillion other things. Do a search on migraine triggers and you will find lists upon lists. Some medications can cause migraines in very sensitive people. hth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShelliR Posted January 30, 2008 Share Posted January 30, 2008 I started getting up early this past summer and exercising first thing in the morning and started developing migraines. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. I started taking my blood pressure and realized that I had really low blood pressure in the morning. So a couple of months ago I started up the exercise routine again only this time I make sure that it's done anytime after 1:00p.m.. My migraines have disappeared......well I hope so. Haven't had one yet with that change in the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy from WT Posted January 31, 2008 Author Share Posted January 31, 2008 Hi Michelle, Looking for something to prevent the migraines, hopefully! Imitrex does a great job of taking the pain away (though not the nausea and not the limp dishrag feeling...), but even with insurance it still costs me $12.50 a pill! AND I'm only allowed four a month...this is not good when I'm having headaches every day! Plus we're not sure how much longer we'll be able to afford our insurance.... So prevention would be the key at this point! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Bay Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Actually, it can take up to 72 hours for a migraine to occur from a food trigger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godpoetry Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 The biggest triggers for me are chocolate, diet sodas, weather, bright light, msg, cheese, and some nuts. I am on topamax too. The side effects are interesting. I would rather not have to take the medicine, but it is working for me. Good luck in finding something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire Posted January 31, 2008 Share Posted January 31, 2008 Actually, it can take up to 72 hours for a migraine to occur from a food trigger. Yes. My migraines don't start until 24 to 36 hours after ingestion of the food trigger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in OH Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 My principal trigger is contrast in light--e.g. sitting in a darkish room next to a brightly lit window. I can't tell you how many times I've triggered a migraine while sitting in a meeting in a modern office building with windows. Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Hey Amy, Do you carry your stress in your neck and shoulder muscles? I always have to ice those when I get stressed to avoid really nasty headaches. 15 minutes on each side a couple times a day. If it works, you will know it soon enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umarider Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 I get headaches that I refer to as "migraines" (like nails through the temples, don't want to do anything but lie down KWIM) After many years of taking ever-increasing doses of Ibuprofen, I finally made a connection. When my sinuses are irritated, the pressure causes irritation on nerve endings. Those nerves go down into my shoulders which is why I end up not only having a migraine, but also having muscle spasms in my neck/shoulders (I end up w/ my shoulders up towards my ears if I let it go too long.) What I've found that works: Taking a decongestant (REAL Sudafed) and, only if truly needed, 1 Ibuprofen. Then, having someone else comb my hair. Sounds silly, but there are nerve endings that are impacted by slight tugging on your hair, particularly if you lie down on your stomach and have someone "back-comb" your hair, from the base of your neck towards the crown. I focus on doing some relaxation techniques as my hair is combed. It works more often than not, at least for me. Now what I have are probably not true migraines. But I guess there wouldn't be any harm in having someone comb your hair? At the very least you get a little pampering. Plus, my kids think it's a hoot to see my hair when I sit up after having it back-combed! My thoughts are with you. It's lousy to have your body let you down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy from WT Posted February 1, 2008 Author Share Posted February 1, 2008 Hi Lizzie! and Hi Umarider, Thanks so much for both of your suggestions. They were very interesting - and you know, I DO feel lots of pain in my sinuses when I get the migraines. Ibuprofen does not seem to help, but maybe if I combine it with a decongestant and combing my hair (how cute :)) it might help. And I am feeling better finally from the headache-of-the-week. A visit to my chiropractor seems to have knocked this most recent one out of me. Everbody's suggestions have been great, and given me lots to try. THANK you all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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