Diet and headache. Is there a link?

Postgrad Med. 1986 Mar;79(4):279-86. doi: 10.1080/00325481.1986.11699331.

Abstract

Diet has been implicated as a source of migraine since antiquity. Now, diet is thought of as one of many factors that can trigger migraine. Improved understanding of the migraine process and an attempt to delineate the most common causes of diet-precipitated migraine have resulted in a more rational treatment strategy. We recognize that a small group of patients will have migraine after ingesting certain foods with vasoactive properties or by missing a meal; thus, we suggest a nutritional course to limit this influence. The role of allergy in migraine is not yet determined and remains controversial.

MeSH terms

  • Amines / adverse effects
  • Caffeine / adverse effects
  • Diet / adverse effects*
  • Ergot Alkaloids / adverse effects
  • Ethanol / adverse effects
  • Food Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / complications
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology*
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Nicotine / adverse effects
  • Nitrates / adverse effects
  • Sodium Glutamate / adverse effects

Substances

  • Amines
  • Ergot Alkaloids
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
  • Nitrates
  • Caffeine
  • Ethanol
  • Nicotine
  • Sodium Glutamate