Here are some foods that can trigger headaches :
1. Cheese
Cheese contains an amino acid called tyramine, which has been
associated with various types of headaches, especially migraines.
Tyramine is formed from the breakdown of proteins in certain foods.
Generally, the higher the age of food protein, the greater the tyramine
content.
Due to variations in processing, fermentation or aging
different cheeses, the amount of tyramine may be different on each
cheese. Another high-tyramine foods is the red wine, smoked fish,
processed meats, pickles, certain nuts such as five, avocado and nuts.
2. Foods containing nitrite or nitrate additives
Additives such as sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate is used as a
preservative, coloring and flavor in foods such as hot dogs, bacon,
salami, sausages and other processed meats.
The additive can
dilate blood vessels causing headaches in some people. Headaches caused
by the additive is usually felt on both sides of the head.
3. Foods containing monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate is a food additive or a flavor enhancer found in
soy sauce, meat tenderizer and many packaged foods. Headaches caused by
MSG may occur within 20 to 30 minutes after consumption and can cause
symptoms such as chest pressure, dizziness, headache in the front or
side of head, abdominal discomfort or burning sensation in the neck,
chest or shoulders.
4. Cold food Eating
or drinking something too cold can cause a headache that usually lasts
for less than five minutes. Previously also known as 'brain freeze' or
ice cream headache. The pain in this type of headache is usually felt in
the middle of the forehead.
More than 90 percent of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to ice cream and need to be careful with food and drinks cold.
5. Other foods
Some headache sufferers also reported that other foods can trigger
headaches, such as onions, bananas, citrus fruits, chocolate, aspartame
and other artificial sweeteners.