Certain foods can trigger seizures
Diet can influence the frequency, intensity and control of the disease
A time of celebration, Christmas dinner can hold pitfalls for those who suffer from migraines, a chronic illness that affects 15% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Some foods typical of this period contain substances that are stimulants for the brain and can trigger attacks or chronify the disease, increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine episodes.
“The brain of a person suffering from migraine is more sensitive and, when it receives certain stimuli, it can suffer, triggering attacks,” explains Thais Villa, a neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of migraines.
Be careful with seasonings
According to Thais, among the main villains are various spices used in the preparation of meats, desserts and drinks. Ginger, common in marinades, sauces and Christmas cookies, is one of the best-known natural thermogens and may act as a trigger in some people.
Another natural stimulant is cinnamon, found in French toast, rice pudding, jams and punches. You need to be even more careful when using condiments like mustard when preparing dishes. This food contains turmeric in its composition, a stimulating substance that can intensify migraines.
Stimulants can also be a problem
Coffee served after dinner, like any other caffeinated beverage, is a very common stimulant. People with migraines should avoid chocolate-based desserts, especially dark chocolate and anything that contains cocoa as an ingredient, although these desserts tend to be popular.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not recommended for people suffering from migraines. Alcohol dilates blood vessels and can trigger headaches, one of the most common symptoms of migraine – but not the only one! Tannins present in red wines can irritate the brain and, therefore, these wines are associated with the emergence of seizures.
“It is important to emphasize that the problem of migraines does not lie in diet, nor in any of them. Because people who do not have migraines tolerate stimulating foods much better. Migraine is not a disease caused by diet! Food can be a trigger or aggravate attacks”, emphasizes the specialist.
“Removing food is not the only thing to do. It is part of the treatment plan process to identify the intake of these stimulating foods in the patient’s diet and remove them. But there is no point in doing this in isolation, food is part of a treatment program that the patient must follow to control the migraine and live pain-free, as it should be!”, adds Thais Villa.
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