Do you suffer from migraine attacks? Have you ever noticed that these are triggered by eating certain foods? Scientists and other nutrition experts have already addressed the question of whether certain foods containing substances that trigger migraine attacks are responsible.
One substance is at the center of interest: histamine . The substance is naturally present in many foods that most people value. Can a vegan diet be an alternative, and what else do you have to pay attention to when it comes to histamine intolerance?
Histamine and histamine intolerance
Proteins are the substances in the body that are subject to constant conversion processes. These processes almost always produce small amounts of histamine . The substances from this biochemical family have different functions. In some cases they act like a hormone, in others like a messenger.
Here they influence stomach acid production , there on the sleep-wake rhythm and on the entire central nervous system. Histamine is sometimes stored in various areas of the body such as the mast cells, and sometimes it is broken down with the help of certain enzymes.
The involvement of histamine in the physical defense is particularly interesting. In an allergic reaction, histamines are responsible for unpleasant symptoms such as skin redness, hives, sneezing, runny nose and headaches.
The intensive release of histamine during the allergy reaction makes symptoms of hay fever and other allergies very unpleasant.
Some people acquire intolerance to histamines over time in adulthood. Experts have not yet been able to fully clarify the question of whether histamine intolerance is related to a reduced formation and release of degrading enzymes such as DAO (diamine oxidase) .
In any case, those affected react with symptoms to the consumption of foods containing histamine . Some people also experience migraine attacks. They are associated with an increased release of histamines . This hits people with an intolerance to the substance particularly hard.
Anyone who suffers from histamine intolerance can expect migraines to reactivate even if they consume a small amount of foods containing histamine . It is still scientifically unclear whether migraine attacks associated with histamines are an allergic reaction or an intolerance reaction.
However, this question is of little importance to those affected because they experience the consumption of certain foods as a trigger for their migraines .
Foods containing histamine
Histamines are particularly found in foods that have a long ripening time . This applies, for example, to fermented and fermented products such as red wine. Chocolate, cheese, pineapple, bananas, strawberries, seafood, tomatoes and glutamate can also trigger the next migraine attack.
The problem is complicated by another aspect : histamines are closely related to various other substances in their chemical structure. These include the amino acid tryptophan, phenylethylamine, the messenger serotonin and a few more.
If there is an intolerance to histamine , the effect of histamines on the body is increased by the interaction of all the substances of this type. Many foods contain tryptophan and other of the substances mentioned.
How can you deal with intolerance?
Dealing with food intolerances proves to be a complex task. Those affected cannot always avoid the triggers of some intolerances. This applies, for example, to fat intolerance . A balanced diet includes fat. If you have casein intolerance , vegan milk alternatives can help.
When it comes to histamine intolerance, the list of foods to avoid is quite long. Even though migraine attacks are very unpleasant, completely avoiding the taste of certain foods and therefore histamine is not acceptable for everyone. What to do?
Reduce the likelihood of seizures with certain vegan substitute products
A popular product like cheese in particular is rich in histamines and therefore a potential candidate for a migraine trigger . If you want to avoid this, you have to avoid particularly ripe types of cheese. Is there a cheese alternative that gives the feeling of cheese when consumed but does not contain histamines?
As a person affected, it is an excellent idea if you take a look at vegan alternatives for your beloved cheese. Here you will come across one or two mozzarella alternatives .
You can also use alternatives to other foods that could trigger your migraines . In addition to the cheese substitute , vegan fish might be interesting for you.
Particular risks of intense migraine attacks caused by histamines
Many people struggling with histamine intolerance fail to eat foods that were once their favorites. Most of them can keep it up for some time. But then the following question arises again : What to do when you have cravings?
This phenomenon in particular often leads to a large amount of histamine-containing foods being consumed in a short period of time. Anyone who has denied themselves cheese or chocolate all the time can no longer resist cravings. The risk of the next migraine attack increases.
In the case of histamine intolerance, it depends on the amount of foods containing histamine consumed. Depending on the individual, smaller amounts do not trigger migraine attacks , but the cravings for abstaining foods may.
Cravings have the effect of causing us to eat uncontrollably. We no longer pay attention to what we consume and in what quantity.
Prevent cravings with food alternatives
If you regularly indulge yourself with the taste experience of alternative products such as vegan cheese , intense cravings can hardly occur. This reduces the likelihood that you will consume large amounts of histamine in a shorter period of time. This can also reduce your sensitivity to the next migraine attack.
It is also important that you do not lose control of the food you eat. If you eat in a balanced manner and on a regular schedule, you will not suffer from food cravings . Your blood sugar level remains in balance and unbalanced appetites do not occur.
Every intolerance is individual
Standard recommendations for dealing with certain foods in the context of your migraines will not help you. It cannot be generally described whether and to what extent you react to which histamine-containing foods with a migraine attack .
Intolerance has an individual character. Here you often have no choice but to use an exclusion process to determine how strongly you react to which product.
Histamines are widespread : they are found not only in foods, but also in some medicines. If you have histamine intolerance, you should keep an eye on everything you eat. It is also important that when it comes to finished foods, you pay close attention to which raw materials and ingredients they contain.
Bottom line: Keep an eye on physical reactions to certain foods
At Greenforce we specialize in providing you with a range of high-quality vegan products . Here you will also find one or two alternatives to animal foods to which you may react with intolerances.
With histamine intolerance , you can also see from our comprehensive content information which of our products could be an attractive alternative for you if you have problems with histamine and migraines .
Please take a look at our range. Histamine intolerance with a susceptibility to migraines does not have to mean giving up balanced and tasty food.
