Four Simple Techniques to prevent a Migraine Headache

Take Control

1. Stress Reduction – learn to relax.
2. Diet Adjustment – avoid:

• Foods high in Tyramine (amino acid) can trigger a migraine
• Caffeine (reduce your intake slowly to avoid rebound headaches)
• Aged cheeses (blue, brie, Swiss, etc.)
• Fava beans
• Sauerkraut
• Pickles
• Olives
• Yeast
• Snow peas
• Aged, smoked, or pickled meats (like salami or pepperoni)
• Soy products
• Nuts or nut products
• Alcoholic beverages
• MSG
• Nitrates and nitrates (found mostly in processed meats)

3. Reduce Estrogen Exposure

• Estrogen replacement or estrogen containing medications such as birth control pills may cause the triggering of migraines

4. Quit Smoking

• Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes are triggers