The Headache Clinic - Blog #foods to avoid with migrainesThe Headache Clinic - Blog #foods to avoid with migraineshttps://www.theheadacheclinic.net/blogs/tag/foods-to-avoid-with-migrainesThu, 12 Mar 2026 05:17:37 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Chocolate can trigger migraines ]]>https://www.theheadacheclinic.net/blogs/post/chocolate-can-trigger-migrainesDr. Elliot Shevel, South Africa’s migraine surgery pioneer and the medical director of The Headache Clinic, says the study clearly shows individuals who are prone to getting migraines should be careful when eating chocolates.]]>

You should think twice before giving that someone special chocolates this Valentine’s day – it may just give them a migraine! And that’s not because they’re not in the mood; for the first time a scientific double-blind study shows ​chocolate can trigger migraines

The London-based study, published in Cephalalgia, the official journal of the International Headache Society, was conducted on 20 migraine sufferers. Chocolate bars were given to the subjects and bars of carob were used as a placebo. The chocolate bars caused migraine in 8 of the 20 migraine subjects while the carob bars did not induce migraine in a single sufferer.

Dr. Elliot Shevel, South Africa’s migraine surgery pioneer and the medical director of The Headache Clinic, says the study clearly shows individuals who are prone to getting migraines should be careful when eating chocolates.

“The reason for this is chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine which is thought to trigger migraines by affecting the arteries in the scalp which are the source of the pain. Unfortunately phenylethylamine is found in the cocoa bean which is what chocolate is made from,” he says.

Carob bars, available from your local health store may drastically improve your chances of getting lucky this Valentine’s Day! You’re welcome.

When do I consult with a medical professional about my migraines?

“People should not leave a migraine untreated,” says Dr. Shevel. “It is imperative that you undergo a multidisciplinary investigation to diagnose the specific factors behind the recurring headache.

“There are a number of healthier treatment options than medication available right here in South Africa. It is possible to get to the bottom of the problem and resolve the pain permanently without medication so that you can enjoy the quality of life you deserve.”

Dr. Shevel’s guidelines for when it might be time to consult a medical professional:

  • If you have to use pain killers regularly
  • If a headache persists or if you frequently get them.
  • If it interferes with your day-to-day activities.

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]]>Wed, 17 May 2023 13:56:23 +0200<![CDATA[Is food triggering your migraine? ]]>https://www.theheadacheclinic.net/blogs/post/is-food-triggering-your-migraineStudies have shown that environment, lifestyle, and diet can play a large role in how often you get migraines. Read the full article to find out more.]]>

Studies have shown that environment, lifestyle, and diet can play a large role in how often you get migraines

Migraine is a very common problem that affects about 18 percent of women and 6 percent of men. 

Dr Elliot Shevel, medical director and founder of The Headache Clinic, says that the most commonly reported migraine triggers include alcohol (especially red wine and beer), chocolate, aged cheese, cured meats, food preservatives that contain nitrates and nitrites, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Although these are the most common, almost any food can be a trigger. Even so, only about 20 percent of migraine suffers have an identifiable food trigger.

There is no certainty why certain foods trigger headaches, but suggested mechanisms are as follows:

CHOCOLATE: 22 percent of headache sufferers identify chocolate as one of their headache triggers. But many people with migraines have increased appetite and food cravings just before their headaches start. Reaching for a chocolate bar may be the result of a migraine, rather than the cause.

ALCOHOL: Sulfites used as preservatives in red wine have been linked to migraine headaches. Alcohol in any drink causes the blood vessels in the scalp to dilate, and can also result in dehydration, both of which might be headache triggers. Alcohol is also a potent trigger for cluster headaches – otherwise known as “suicide headaches”. They are known as suicide headaches because the pain is so severe that sufferers do sometimes actually commit suicide.

CAFFEINE: Caffeine can actually help get rid of a migraine headache, and caffeine may be included in some migraine medications, but too much caffeine can be a headache trigger when you come down from your caffeine ‘high’.

AGED CHEESE: It is generally agreed that aged cheese is more likely to cause a headache, because it contains a substance called tyramine that forms as the proteins in cheese break down over time. The longer a cheese ages, the more tyramine it has.

MSG: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is found in soy sauce and as a food additive, has been implicated in causing migraine. The interesting thing though, is that in cultures where MSG is used extensively, the percentage of migraine sufferers is the same as in other countries.

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]]>Wed, 17 May 2023 13:55:45 +0200<![CDATA[Ease Pain of Holiday Headaches]]>https://www.theheadacheclinic.net/blogs/post/ease-pain-of-holiday-headachesYou may not be prone to them, but summer holidays can be a special time of pain and misery of headaches and migraines… Read more on the news article that was written by Marika Sboros for Business Day.]]>

You may not be prone to them, but summer holidays can be a special time of pain and misery of headaches and migraines…

Click here to read more on the news article that was written by Marika Sboros for Business Day.

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