Acupuncture shows promise in migraine treatment, study says

By Robert Jimison, CNN

Updated 1404 GMT (2204 HKT) February 21, 2017

Though the concept of migraine "food triggers" is thought to be less important now than it was in previous decades, many doctors agree that certain foods can play a role in migraines. Food preservatives, such nitrates and nitrites, found in processed meats might trigger migraines. Such additives can be found in hot dogs, ham, sausage, bacon and lunch meats, experts say.
Photos: Foods that might be linked to migraines
Though the concept of migraine "food triggers" is thought to be less important now than it was in previous decades, many doctors agree that certain foods can play a role in migraines. Food preservatives, such nitrates and nitrites, found in processed meats might trigger migraines. Such additives can be found in hot dogs, ham, sausage, bacon and lunch meats, experts say.
Hide Caption
1 of 5
Doctors have long known that alcohol might trigger migraines. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice found that people with migraines are more vulnerable to migraine-like hangover symptoms after consuming alcohol than those who don't have migraines. Sulfite, a preservative sometimes added to wine, might explain this link to migraines.
Photos: Foods that might be linked to migraines
Doctors have long known that alcohol might trigger migraines. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice found that people with migraines are more vulnerable to migraine-like hangover symptoms after consuming alcohol than those who don't have migraines. Sulfite, a preservative sometimes added to wine, might explain this link to migraines.
Hide Caption
2 of 5
Tyramine, a monoamine compound found in aged and fermented foods, has been linked to migraines. The compound is produced naturally in foods from the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine and can be found in foods such as aged cheeses or cured meats.
Photos: Foods that might be linked to migraines
Tyramine, a monoamine compound found in aged and fermented foods, has been linked to migraines. The compound is produced naturally in foods from the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine and can be found in foods such as aged cheeses or cured meats.
Hide Caption
3 of 5
Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the common amino acid glutamic acid, and it is often considered a link to migraines. It can be found in soy sauce, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats.
Photos: Foods that might be linked to migraines
Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the common amino acid glutamic acid, and it is often considered a link to migraines. It can be found in soy sauce, canned vegetables, soups and processed meats.
Hide Caption
4 of 5