HomeAnswersNeurologymigraine

What common foods or ingredients trigger migraines?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

What ingredients or products can trigger migraines, and why this is the case? Some common foods or ingredients I have heard of are alcohol, aged cheese, chocolate, nitrates, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and artificial sweeteners. Is there any truth to these? Are there any substances in common household products (like cleaning products) that might trigger migraines?

Answered by Dr. Aida Abaz Quka

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Yes, it is true that all these types of food may trigger migraine headaches. It depends on individual properties because not all individuals are sensitive to these substances. The underlying mechanism is thought to be vessel constriction and dilation, which is part of the physiopathology of migraine headaches. Other substances contained in cleaning products or cooking can trigger migraine too, depending on individual sensitivity. Other triggering factors are bright lights, sunlight, cold weather, etc.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At March 11, 2019
Reviewed At June 7, 2024

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Aida Abaz Quka is a Neurologist with 12 years of experience. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Medicine and pursued a Neurology Post Graduation. Specializing in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, she offers expert care for conditions affecting the nervous system.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

headachemigraine

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.