With the recent proliferation of scientific research studying the importance of diet, some studies even concluding that with the right diet, you may prevent any number of horrible diseases, such as dementia, many migraine sufferers wonder if eating the right foods and avoiding others could curb their frequent headaches, as well. According to Migraine.com, in the U.S. alone, there are more than 38 million people who suffer from migraines, 5 million of those suffering from at least one attack per month.

Migraine symptoms can range from minor to debilitating, sometimes lasting an entire day. So it’s no wonder why so many are seeking alternative methods for preventing their attacks. While there has been little research supporting a definitive “migraine diet,” it can be beneficial for sufferers to track triggers, avoid those foods in the future, and to know what foods may help them avoid headaches.

What Foods Prevent Migraines?

Most diet advice available to those who suffer from migraines, focuses on maintaining a healthy diet. That’s why diets such as the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet, recommended for preventing heart disease, often enter conversations related to migraines.

For a specific list of migraine safe foods, the Association of Migraine Disorders have constructed their own guide. In the “Bread, grains, and cereals” category, they suggest avoiding pizza, soft pretzels, and flavored crackers. While poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are okay, avoiding nut butters and flavored popcorn is recommended. Of the veggies variety, boxed mashed potatoes should be avoided, along with lima beans, navy beans, onions, and sauerkraut.

What Foods Trigger Migraines?

Some foods can trigger migraines. It’s important to note that migraine triggers aren’t universal across patients, which is why it’s important for patients to track their own triggers using a journal or many of the apps available. Here are some possible triggers:

  • Aged cheese
  • Chocolate
  • Red wine
  • Cured meats
  • Yeast extract

Note that some people may actually find relief from foods that trigger migraines in others. Anything with caffeine in it, for example, can serve as a migraine trigger, but can also help treat migraine.

Treating TMJ May Help with Frequent Headaches

If you’ve tried multiple avenues to treat your frequent headaches, you may want to schedule a consultation with a neuromuscular dentist. While temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ , hasn’t yet been definitively linked to migraines, it has been known to cause frequent headaches and tension headaches. Some evidence has also suggested that the overstimulation of the trigeminal nerve due to TMJ, could lead to migraines.

If you’ve experienced jaw pain, clicking while eating, tinnitus, or other TMJ symptoms, a neuromuscular dentist can provide drug-free treatment meant to limit symptoms. If you suffer from regular headaches and want to learn about another treatment option that can reduce or eliminate your pain, we invite you to talk to Dr. Adam Hahn, who have helped many headache sufferers find relief with TMJ treatment. Please call (803) 781-9090 Smile Columbia Dentistry in Columbia, SC today to schedule an appointment today.