If you suffer from migraines, you want to identify and avoid the environmental factors that set off an attack. Everyone reacts differently to different migraine triggers, so you will need to find which ones affect you. Here are some common culprits to start narrowing down:
Foods:
Many foods can cause a migraine. Here are some of the major food triggers:
- Ripened cheeses
- Chocolate
- Fermented food
- Foods that contain nitrites, nitrates or MSG
- Sour cream
- Nuts
- Sourdough bread
- Some types of beans
- Citrus fruits
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Menstruation:
Many women experience migraine symptoms a few days before or during their period. Researchers believe that changes in estrogen set off these attacks, which would explain why women nearing menopause suffer more migraines.
Perfume:
Many people report that strong perfume triggers their migraine symptoms. This makes some public spaces challenging, especially beauty stores.
Flickering lights:
Flickering lights can also precipitate a migraine attack. Many report experiencing migraine symptoms from watching a movie screen or sunlight flashing through leaves.
Stress:
Stress is the most common migraine trigger. Anxiety and sadness flood the brain with neurochemicals that can set off a migraine attack.
Do you suffer from migraines? Consider joining one of the Segal Institute’s clinical research studies on migraines.
Source: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306955_6,00.html
