Migraine or intense headache affects between 12% and 16% of the population according to the WHO, with a higher incidence in women. There are several causes that cause headaches: stress, anxiety, being overweight, tobacco and alcohol consumption, as well as several common diseases. Surely you already knew these facts, now, what you may not know is that there are a series of specific foods that give you a headache, do you want to know what they are and why? Here we tell you.
Why does cheese give you a headache?
The answer to this question seems to lie in biogenic amines, a substance found naturally in cheeses and which, once ingested by humans, gives headaches, especially to those who frequently suffer from migraines.
Let’s look at this a little more closely. Biogenic amines produce a vasodilator and inflammatory effect on the arteries, these blood vessels become wider, thus increasing the pressure they exert on the brain mass; the result, an uncomfortable headache.
The amount of biogenic amines varies in number depending on the type of cheese, it is higher in mature, cured and fermented cheeses such as Parmesan, Emmental, Roquefort and Manchego; as well as in the blue cheeses, those of the brie type and the Torta del Casar. But not only the biogenic amines present in cheese are to blame for a possible headache, other substances such as histamine, tyramine, dopamine present in cheese and other foods, cause migraine or intense or moderate headache. Surely now you are wondering what are those foods that also give you a headache, pay attention that the list is long.
By the way, we must say that not all cheeses give you a headache, fresh and tender cheeses almost do not have these substances that we have mentioned, so you can take them without any problem.
Foods and drinks that cause headaches
- Red wine.
- Soy sauce.
- Ice creams and cold foods.
- Sugar, especially that present in industrial pastries and processed meat.
- Chocolate; yes, friends, chocolate is also on this list.
- Processed meats and sausages.
- If you think you can live without it, you’re right.
Commercial broths and other frozen or pre-cooked products containing monosodium glutamate or flavor enhancer.
Who are responsible? Well, the substances that we have mentioned before: histamine, tyramine and amines, very present in these foods.