Of all of the many things in our environment that can trigger headaches, food and drink are perhaps the worst culprits. Foods and beverages containing caffeine, aspartame, amines, nitrates and M.S.G are known to be powerful triggers to headache pain. It is important to read food labels and know what you are eating.

M.S.G. (Monosodium Glutamate)

M.S.G is a flavor enhancer that is added to many processed and packaged foods. The effects of MSG are thought to be caused by a buildup of MSG in the bloodstream as the result of an inability to properly digest it. This causes painful thumping in the temples as well as tightness in the forehead.

Where it is found:

Canned or instant soup, some packaged seasonings, processed meat, instant gravy mix, Chinese food (both packaged and restaurant) some corn snacks , potato chips and packaged tenderizers .

Nitrates

Nitrates are used to preserve meats and to give them a nice red color. For people sensitive to them, nitrates, cause an inordinate expansion of the blood vessels on the surface of the brain.

Where it is found:

Hot dogs, corned beef, bologna, bacon, smoked fish, salami, pepperoni

Amines

Amines are biological substances produced by the body but are also found in many foods. Amines play a role in headaches by affecting the expansion and contraction of blood vessels.

Where it is found:

Organ meat, foods containing vinegar, figs, beans like lima & kidney, raisins, avocado, onions, chocolate, alcoholic drinks, cheese (except cottage & cream cheese)

Caffeine

Caffeine causes headaches by causing blood vessels on the surface of the brain to constrict. When the effects of the caffeine start to wear off, the blood vessels begin to expand and this causes pain in those sensitive to its effects.

Where it is found:

Coffee, tea, cocoa, cola and other soft drinks

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that acts much the same as caffeine.

Where it is found:

Equal and Nutrasweet , diet soft drinks, low calorie desserts, and some chewing gum

Although removing any or all of these kinds of foods from your diet may help to prevent headache pain, it doesn`t stop there. It is also important that you do not skip meals. Depriving your body of food for too long can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low. When this happens the blood vessels responsible for moving glucose to the brain begin to constrict in their attempt to get the blood to the brain faster, and this causes pain.

Tip: For those who get frequent headaches shortly after waking in the morning, it is a good idea to have a nutritious snack before bed. Snacks high in protein could help. Try some cottage cheese, milk or a half of a turkey sandwich. Morning headaches are often the result of blood sugar levels dropping too low over night.