Common Migraine Triggers to Look Out For this Holiday Season

It's the holiday season once more! Festive times offer happiness, get-togethers with family, and an abundance of food. However, within the celebrations are covert migraine triggers that have the potential to ruin the fun. Now, we don't want this party-crasher, do we? So, looking out for common migraine triggers this holiday season is key! Read on for tips on how to enjoy the festivities pain-free.

 

Look out for these triggers!

1. Red Wine

Deep in its crimson colour, red wine contains sulphites and tannins. These components give the wine its unique taste, and some people have difficulties with them. For example, tannins are known to constrict blood vessels, which might potentially trigger a pounding headache if you're prone to migraines.

There are ways to enjoy a glass or two of wine without bringing a headache to the gathering for people who are sensitive to these components. For those who are prone to migraines, choosing lighter red wines with reduced tannin content, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, may be beneficial. Additionally, slightly freezing the wine might slow down its tannin release, which may minimise its chance of giving you a headache.

White wines or those with minimal sulphite content can be a safer option. White wines with lower sulphur content, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, may be less likely to give certain individuals headaches.

There are always non-alcoholic alternatives or mocktails to try if wine feels off-limits. Try sparkling drinks or wines without alcohol to get a celebratory vibe without the headache risk.

2. Cheese

Although tasty, some cheeses contain tyramine. This can cause headaches by interfering with brain chemistry. So, for people who are prone to migraines during Christmas get-togethers, that cheese plate might not be ideal.

Fresh cheeses, like mozzarella or cottage, might be a better choice for people looking for cheesy treats without the headache risk. Generally speaking, these have less tyramine than mature or aged cheeses like blue cheese or cheddar.

Investigating vegan or dairy-free cheese substitutes can be a safer choice. These provide an opportunity to savour the cheeseboard without the risk.

3. Nutty Dishes

Nut-filled dishes, such as turkey packed with walnuts or sweets sprinkled with almonds, can be challenging for people with sensitive palates. 

Consider looking into nut-free stuffing or dessert topping options if you're worried about nuts causing migraines. Instead of risking a headache, try fruit-based dessert toppings or stuffing laced with herbs. Both are excellent alternatives.

Investigating recipes that swap nuts for seeds or dried fruits can provide delicious flavours and textures without raising the risk of migraines. 

4. Chocolate Goodies

Migraine sufferers can be sensitive to the compounds in chocolate, causing headaches as they celebrate the holidays. 

If you're worried about chocolate giving you headaches, try sweets made with other ingredients. Think of creamy desserts or fruit-based sweets that don't rely on chocolate for taste. These substitutes could provide the same joy without the headache.

Choosing chocolates with less cocoa powder can be a safer option. Chocolates that are milk-based or have a lower cocoa content are less likely to cause headaches.

5. Caffeine

Although it might be difficult to resist the appeal of decadent holiday coffees or enticing hot chocolates, some people find that the caffeine in these beverages causes headaches.

Herbal teas or decaffeinated holiday drinks may be a safer option for individuals looking for caffeine-free substitutes. 

One way to cut back on caffeine intake is to use smaller cups or dilute caffeinated beverages with milk or water. With this strategy, you can join the celebratory beverages without risking a headache.

It is also crucial to be aware of when to use caffeine. If you have these drinks earlier in the day, your body will have more time to assimilate the caffeine, reducing the likelihood of headaches.

6. Spicy Dishes

Now and then, too much spice in holiday appetisers and main meals triggers migraines. If you are prone to headaches, you might want to watch out for those extra spicy foods during the celebratory feast.

If you are concerned that spicy food may trigger migraines, consider looking into less spicy options or asking for less heat while ordering. 

7. Processed Pickles and Preserves

Certain processed pickles and preserves may include MSG, a substance that causes headaches in certain people. If migraines are a problem for you, it may be wise to read the labels and use caution when handling these pickles and preserves throughout the holiday season.

A safer option for people who are concerned about MSG causing headaches might be to try handmade or artisanal pickles and preserves. These solutions allow you to enjoy the tangy joys without running into the danger of a migraine.

It's important to read labels when purchasing pickles and preserves. Making educated decisions and avoiding possible migraine triggers during the celebrations might be facilitated by looking for products or additions that contain MSG.

It’s more than just the triggers…

It's simple to identify migraine causes in yourself, such as spicy meals or red wine. However, the underlying reason for those excruciating episodes is frequently hidden by these triggers. The secret to successfully controlling your migraine headache is finding and treating this underlying cause.

There are a variety of diagnostic tests to identify the secret cause of your migraines. These examinations, which might include imaging scans and blood tests, are designed to identify any physiological variables causing your migraine attacks.

Beyond diagnostic procedures, though, investigating manual therapy such as osteopathic manipulation sheds light on the reasons for your migraines. Finding a skilled osteopath who is trained in treating migraineurs offers a comprehensive method of determining and treating the underlying source of your discomfort.

In other words, while knowing what triggers your migraines is important, a better understanding of the underlying cause is just as important for successful therapy. Working with a professional who is passionate about all things headaches and migraines, and investigating different diagnostic procedures and treatments can provide important information about identifying and treating the underlying cause of your migraines.

Jumpstart your 2024 with us!

Considering our osteopathic service here at Melbourne Headache Solutions can be the best course of action if you're ready to start the new year off on a positive note, particularly after addressing those annoying holiday triggers. Our goal is to ensure that the Christmas season doesn't give you any unpleasant headaches as you begin the new year.

Our experts examine every aspect, including any potential connection between your migraines and seasonal triggers. Then, to provide you with relief and a better start to the year, we employ therapies to identify the cause of your headaches.

So let's get off to a positive start in the new year. Come along with us as we improve migraine management and bid adieu to holiday memories that are laden with headaches.

 

Conclusion

Those annoying migraine triggers continue to ripple long after the Christmas excesses fade and the festive spirit subsides. 

Taking control of your migraines now means a better year ahead as you march towards 2024. 

We provide a customised approach with our osteopaths here at Melbourne Headache Solutions, helping you identify the causes of your headaches and decipher their triggers. Make an appointment and get started on the path to a more comfortable tomorrow to start your journey towards a headache-free year.