Headaches During Menopause: 5 Foods to Avoid

When suffered severely, headaches during menopause can easily impact upon a woman's day to day life. The severity of headaches during menopause can vary, from experiencing a mild discomfort, to a migraine which can affect vision and balance. Some people suffer from headaches and migraine during menopause on a regular basis and finding ways to manage and overcome them can be tough.

There are multiple triggers for headaches during menopause, but fortunately there are also many ways to help. Headaches are a common symptom of menopause and there are many natural ways to avoid them. These include implementing lifestyle changes such as relaxation, acupuncture, rest, water and eating certain foods. As well as recommended foods to add to your diet, there are also certain products which should be avoided, as these are thought to trigger or worsen headaches during menopause.

5 Foods to Avoid

Dairy Products

Cheese is often high in tyramine, which may trigger headaches. Dairy in general can trigger migraines, so it may be a good idea to take a calcium supplement if you feel like dairy is triggering your headaches.

Alcohol

Alcohol can exacerbate many symptoms which may occur during menopause and whilst a glass of red wine a day can have its benefits, it is also important to bear in mind the negative effects this substance can have on your health. Alcohol is among one of the top triggers for migraines, and red wine in particular is known for triggering headaches.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant and good for giving an instant energy boost, but after experiencing “a caffeine high” the subsequent crash can leave you feeling even more tired. Caffeine is well known for triggering headaches and migraines. However, some people find that drinking some coffee, or getting caffeine in another form can actually reduce their headaches.

Chocolate

Chocolate, unfortunately, is one of the top triggers of migraines. It may be worthwhile to reduce your chocolate intake if it is leading to migraines. The caffeine found in chocolate may also trigger migraines.

Meat

Meats are also one of the top triggers for migraines. Many processed meats, such as lunch meats, hot dogs, bacon, and pepperoni, contain additives and preservatives that can further trigger migraines.

Alongside avoiding these products it is important to make sure you are eating small, regular and balanced meals. Skipping meals disrupts your body's blood sugar levels and can easily trigger a headache. Along with eating healthy, some herbs, such as feverfew and ginger, have also been shown to reduce the occurrence of migraines.

More about Headaches and Menopause

If you have recently begun experiencing headaches, or your headaches are accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. Minimizing your exposure to loud noises, strong odors and bright lights can also help to ease headaches during menopause. Click here for more information about menopause and headaches.