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- $Unique_ID{BRK00582}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Migraine and Diet}
- $Subject{migraines migraine headache headaches diet Ill Defined Symptoms
- symptom diets food foods}
- $Volume{N-26}
- $Log{
- Classic Migraine Headaches*0003902.scf
- Common Migraine Headaches*0003903.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Migraine and Diet
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- QUESTION: I have had severe headaches for some time now, but only recently
- was the diagnosis of migraine made. Although I obtain much relief with
- medication, I want to reduce their frequency as much as possible. I've
- learned that for some people foods may provoke attacks, and would like your
- advice as to what foods I should avoid.
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- ANSWER: The obvious answer is to avoid any food that you can relate to the
- start of a migraine episode. It takes a bit of thinking, and maintaining a
- note book or diary of the events which precede any attack may provide you with
- the clues you are looking for. Although the specific foods differ from person
- to person, there are some generally accepted types of food and drink which
- most experts counsel their patients to avoid. High on the list are alcoholic
- beverages, particularly red wines and champagne. Cheeses may get you in
- trouble, aged or strong or of the cheddar variety. Stay away from any cured
- meats, such as hot dogs, salami or bacon and ham, if you experience an attack
- after a meal that includes such products. Pickled herring and chicken livers
- also have a bad reputation. You can try black coffee as a beverage when an
- attack is beginning, if you are thirsty and not nauseous, as the caffeine may
- be helpful in fighting off the episode. Your best bet is to eat well balanced
- meals on a regular basis, avoiding fasting or consuming too much carbohydrate
- at any meal.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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